2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE350

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE350 is a midsize luxury SUV that offers a refined driving experience with a comfortable and spacious interior. It is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 302 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission.

Other engine and transmission options include:

• 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine with 255 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission (GLE350 4MATIC)
• 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 engine with 362 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission (GLE400 4MATIC)
• 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 engine with 429 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission (GLE450 4MATIC)

People like the GLE350 for its luxurious interior, comfortable ride, and powerful engines. However, some common issues have been reported with the vehicle, including:

Engine

• GLE350:
  • Timing chain failure: The timing chain can stretch or break, causing the engine to lose power or stall. Symptoms include a rattling noise from the engine, reduced engine power, and illuminated check engine light. The solution is to replace the timing chain and components, at an estimated cost of $2,500 - $4,000+.
  • Intake manifold failure: The intake manifold can crack or warp, causing vacuum leaks and engine performance issues. Symptoms include rough idling, reduced engine power, and illuminated check engine light. The solution is to replace the intake manifold, at an estimated cost of $1,500 - $2,500+.
• GLE400/GLE450:
  • Turbocharger failure: The turbocharger can fail due to excessive wear or oil leaks. Symptoms include reduced engine power, black smoke from the exhaust, and illuminated check engine light. The solution is to replace the turbocharger, at an estimated cost of $3,000 - $5,000+.

Transmission

• All trims:
  • Transmission fluid leak: The transmission fluid can leak from the transmission pan or cooler lines. Symptoms include low transmission fluid levels, slipping gears, and delayed shifting. The solution is to replace the leaking components and refill the transmission fluid, at an estimated cost of $500 - $1,500+.

Suspension

• No Issues Found

Electrical

• All trims:
  • Battery drain: The battery can drain prematurely due to a parasitic draw. Symptoms include difficulty starting the vehicle, dim headlights, and illuminated check electrical system light. The solution is to diagnose and repair the source of the parasitic draw, at an estimated cost of $100 - $500+.
  • Alternator failure: The alternator can fail due to excessive wear or electrical issues. Symptoms include dim headlights, difficulty starting the vehicle, and illuminated check electrical system light. The solution is to replace the alternator, at an estimated cost of $500 - $1,000+.

Exterior

• No Issues Found

Interior

• All trims:
  • Heated seat failure: The heated seats may not heat up properly or may fail completely. Symptoms include uneven heating, reduced heat output, and illuminated check seat system light. The solution is to replace the heating elements or control module, at an estimated cost of $500 - $1,500+.
  • Panoramic sunroof failure: The panoramic sunroof may not open or close properly, or may leak water into the cabin. Symptoms include difficulty opening or closing the sunroof, water leaks, and illuminated check sunroof system light. The solution is to repair or replace the sunroof motor, tracks, or drainage system, at an estimated cost of $1,000 - $3,000+.
  • Instrument cluster failure: The instrument cluster may malfunction or display incorrect information. Symptoms include flickering gauges, dimming lights, and illuminated check instrument system light. The solution is to replace the instrument cluster or repair the electrical connections, at an estimated cost of $500 - $1,500+.

Summary The 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE350 is a reliable and luxurious SUV, but it has experienced some common issues. The most severe and expensive issue is the timing chain failure, which can cost over $4,000 to repair. Other common issues include intake manifold failure, turbocharger failure, battery drain, and heated seat failure. Overall, the cost of repairs for these issues can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.