2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE350

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE350 is a popular luxury SUV known for its comfortable ride and upscale interior. The standard engine is a 3.5L V6 producing 302 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options include the GLE400 with a 3.0L V6 biturbo, the GLE550e with a 3.0L V6 biturbo plug-in hybrid, and the AMG GLE63/GLE63 S with a 5.5L V8 biturbo. All engines are paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission (7G-TRONIC PLUS). Owners generally praise the GLE350 for its smooth ride and luxurious features but sometimes complain about the infotainment system and repair costs.

Engine

3.5L V6

• Oil Leaks from Valve Cover Gaskets
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaking onto the engine, burning smell, low oil level.
  • Solution: Replace valve cover gaskets.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600
• Oil Filter Housing Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil dripping from the filter housing, oil level dropping.
  • Solution: Replace the oil filter housing assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800
• Camshaft Position Sensor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Check engine light, rough idle, stalling.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty camshaft position sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

7G-TRONIC PLUS (7-Speed Automatic)

• Rough or Delayed Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Noticeable hesitation or jolting when shifting gears, especially between 2nd and 3rd.
  • Solution: Software update or valve body replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 (software update) - $1500+ (valve body replacement)
• Torque Converter Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibrations at low speeds, especially when accelerating from a stop.
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3000
• Transmission Mount Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive vibration felt throughout the vehicle, especially at idle or during acceleration, clunking noises.
  • Solution: Replace the transmission mount.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300-$600

Suspension

• Air Suspension Failure (if equipped)
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sagging on one or more corners, suspension malfunction warning light, compressor failing to operate.
  • Solution: Replace faulty air struts, air compressor, or air lines.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2000+ per strut, $600 - $1500 for compressor
• Worn Control Arm Bushings
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises from the suspension, especially over bumps, imprecise handling.
  • Solution: Replace the worn control arm bushings or entire control arm assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300-$800 per control arm

Electrical

• Battery Drain Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Dead battery, difficulty starting the vehicle, needing frequent jump starts.
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair the source of the parasitic drain (e.g., faulty module, aftermarket accessories).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ depending on the cause.
• COMAND System Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: Infotainment system freezing, screen going blank, navigation errors, Bluetooth connectivity problems.
  • Solution: Software update, replacement of COMAND unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (software update) - $1500+ (COMAND unit replacement)
• Parking Sensor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Parking sensors not working, error messages on the display, constant beeping.
  • Solution: Replace faulty parking sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400 per sensor
• Alternator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery light on, dim headlights, difficulty starting, stalling.
  • Solution: Replace the alternator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000

Exterior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof not opening or closing properly, sticking, making unusual noises, leaking.
  • Solution: Lubricate tracks, repair or replace sunroof motor or components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $800+ depending on the issue.
• Tail Light Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: One or more LED segments in the tail light not working.
  • Solution: Replace entire tail light assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600

Interior

• Malfunctioning Power Seats
  • Description/Symptoms: Seats not adjusting properly, motors making grinding noises, getting stuck.
  • Solution: Replace faulty seat motor or components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800 per seat
• Navigation System Problems
  • Description/Symptoms: System freezing, Navigation not working, showing the incorrect location, or map updating errors
  • Solution: Update the Navigation System Software or replace the navigation unit
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200 (software update) or $1000 - $3000 (replacement unit)

Summary

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE350, while a luxurious and comfortable SUV, does have some common issues. Engine oil leaks and transmission problems are among the most frequently reported, potentially leading to significant repair costs. Electrical issues, particularly those related to the infotainment system and battery drain, can also be frustrating. Suspension issues are mostly related to the air ride, if the car is equipped with one. The severity and cost of these issues vary, but potential buyers should be aware of them and consider a pre-purchase inspection.