2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE400

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE400 is a mid-size luxury SUV known for its comfortable ride, upscale interior, and powerful engine. The GLE400 is equipped with a 3.0L Twin Turbo V6 engine producing 329 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options available for the 2018 GLE include a 2.0L Turbo Inline-4 (GLE350), a 3.0L Turbo Diesel V6 (GLE300d), a 3.5L V6 (GLE350), a 5.5L Turbo V8 (GLE63 AMG), and a 5.5L Turbo V8 (GLE63 S AMG). All engine options for the 2018 GLE are paired with a 9G-Tronic 9-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praise the GLE for its smooth ride, luxurious features, and spacious interior. Some common complaints include the complicated infotainment system, high maintenance costs, and some reported electronic issues.

Engine

3.0L Turbo V6 (GLE400)

• Oil Leaks from Turbocharger Oil Lines
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks visible around the turbocharger area, burning oil smell, low oil level warning.
  • Solution: Replace the turbocharger oil lines and associated gaskets/seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Filter Housing Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks from the oil filter housing area, often dripping onto other components.
  • Solution: Replace the oil filter housing and gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

9G-Tronic 9-Speed Automatic (All Models)

• Rough Shifting/Hesitation
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or jerky shifts between gears, hesitation when accelerating, particularly at lower speeds.
  • Solution: Software update/reprogramming of the transmission control module (TCM). In some cases, valve body replacement is required.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Software update $150-$300, Valve body replacement $1,500-$3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Air Suspension Failure (if equipped)
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sagging on one or more corners, air compressor running constantly, suspension warning light on.
  • Solution: Diagnose and replace the faulty air strut, air compressor, or air lines.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Air strut $1,000 - $2,000+ per strut, air compressor $800 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• COMAND Infotainment System Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: System freezing, screen going blank, navigation malfunctions, Bluetooth connectivity problems.
  • Solution: Software update, replacement of the COMAND unit (rare).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Software update $150 - $300, COMAND unit replacement $1,500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle battery draining overnight or after a short period of inactivity.
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair the parasitic drain. Common causes include faulty door modules, seat control modules, or other electronic components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+ (depending on the source of the drain)
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof sticking, not opening or closing properly, unusual noises during operation.
  • Solution: Clean and lubricate the sunroof tracks, repair or replace faulty sunroof motor or components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Cracked Dashboard (especially in hot climates)
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracks appearing on the dashboard, particularly in areas exposed to direct sunlight.
  • Solution: Replacement of the dashboard.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

In summary, the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE400 offers a luxurious and powerful driving experience but is prone to certain issues. Engine oil leaks and transmission problems are common and can be costly to repair. Electrical issues with the infotainment system and battery drain also arise. Suspension issues occur but only if equipped with air ride. Interior and exterior issues such as dashboard cracking and sunroof malfunctions are also something to watch out for. Overall, these potential problems range from moderate inconvenience to significant expenses, requiring careful inspection and maintenance to ensure the vehicle’s longevity and reliability.