2020 Mercedes-Benz MBO 1221

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE is a mid-size luxury SUV known for its opulent interior, smooth ride, and advanced technology. Engine options included a 2.0L turbocharged inline-4, a 3.0L turbocharged inline-6 with mild hybrid assist, and a 4.0L twin-turbo V8 (depending on the specific GLE model). The inline-6 engine, for example, produced around 362 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. Owners generally praised the GLE for its comfort, technology features, and stylish design, while common criticisms included the complexity of the infotainment system and the high cost of optional features and maintenance.

Engine

2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4 (GLE 350)

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks may develop from the valve cover gasket. Symptoms include seeing oil under the car or smelling burning oil.
  • Solution: Replacing the valve cover gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

3.0L Turbocharged Inline-6 with Mild Hybrid Assist (GLE 450)

• Belt Issues with Mild Hybrid System
  • Description/Symptoms: Serpentine belt coming off the pulleys due to misalignment or tensioner issues. This can cause the mild hybrid system to malfunction, resulting in warning lights and reduced performance.
  • Solution: Replacement of the belt and/or tensioner, and addressing any alignment issues.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $700+
  • Recalls: None Found

4.0L Twin-Turbo V8 (GLE 580, AMG GLE 63 S)

• Turbocharger Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Potential for turbocharger failures, exhibiting symptoms such as reduced power, whining noises from the engine, and check engine lights.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty turbocharger(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $7,000+ (per turbocharger)
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

9G-TRONIC 9-Speed Automatic (All Engine Options)

• Harsh Shifting/Hesitation
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported harsh shifting, particularly during downshifts, or hesitation when accelerating from a stop. This can manifest as a clunking or jerking sensation.
  • Solution: Transmission software update, or, in more severe cases, valve body replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+ for software update; $1,500 - $3,000+ for valve body.
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Air Suspension Malfunctions (Optional Airmatic Suspension)
  • Description/Symptoms: For vehicles equipped with the optional Airmatic air suspension, issues such as sagging, uneven ride height, and error messages related to the suspension system are possible.
  • Solution: Diagnosis to determine the source of the leak, which can involve replacing air struts, the air compressor, or associated lines.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $3,000+ per strut; $800 - $2,000+ for compressor.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• MBUX Infotainment System Glitches
  • Description/Symptoms: Freezing, lagging, or random reboots of the MBUX infotainment system. This can affect navigation, audio, and other vehicle functions.
  • Solution: Software updates, or, in rare cases, replacement of the MBUX control unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (Software update) - $1,500+ (Control Unit Replacement).
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sensor failures (Various Sensors)
  • Description/Symptoms: Various sensors may fail, such as the ambient temperature sensor or the blind spot monitor sensors. This can cause warning lights or disable safety features.
  • Solution: Replacing the affected sensor(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200-$800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof may get stuck, make excessive noise, or leak. This can be caused by a faulty motor or damaged seals.
  • Solution: Cleaning and lubricating the sunroof tracks and seals, replacing the motor or seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Seat Motor Problems
  • Description/Symptoms: Power seats may fail to adjust in one or more directions due to a faulty motor.
  • Solution: Replacing the seat motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE, while offering a luxurious driving experience, is susceptible to a range of potential issues. Problems range from relatively minor glitches in the MBUX system to more significant concerns with the engine, transmission, and air suspension. The severity and cost of these issues can vary significantly, with some repairs potentially costing several thousand dollars, especially for the V8 engine and Airmatic suspension. Potential buyers should be aware of these common problems and consider a thorough pre-purchase inspection.