2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE63 AMG S

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE63 S AMG is a high-performance SUV blending luxury with serious power. The GLE63 S is powered by a hand-built 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine producing 603 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque, paired exclusively with a 9-speed automatic transmission (AMG Speedshift TCT 9G). While praised for its exhilarating performance, opulent interior, and advanced technology, some owners have reported issues across various systems. The GLE63 AMG S has a very firm ride due to the performance suspension, which some owners dislike. Also, the infotainment system can be overwhelming to new users.

Engine

4.0L Twin-Turbocharged V8 (M177)

• Turbocharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Whining noise from the engine, loss of power, check engine light. Can be caused by oil starvation, bearing failure, or other internal damage to the turbocharger.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty turbocharger.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $5,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil puddles under the car, burning oil smell, low oil level warning. Often traced to valve cover gaskets, oil cooler lines, or the rear main seal.
  • Solution: Replace the leaking gasket or seal.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,500+ depending on location and severity.
  • Recalls: None Found
• High-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine misfires, rough idle, difficulty starting, check engine light.
  • Solution: Replacement of the high-pressure fuel pump.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

AMG Speedshift TCT 9G 9-Speed Automatic

• Rough Shifting/Hesitation
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifts between gears, particularly during acceleration or deceleration. Can also manifest as a noticeable “clunk” when shifting.
  • Solution: Software update, transmission fluid flush and fill. In some cases, valve body replacement might be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $3,000+ (Valve body)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibration at low speeds, especially when the transmission is under load. Slipping sensation during acceleration.
  • Solution: Torque converter replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,500 - $4,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Air Suspension Failure (Rear)
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sitting lower than normal in the rear, especially after being parked overnight. Error message on the dashboard related to the suspension system.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty air strut or compressor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Air Suspension Compressor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The air suspension takes a long time to rise, makes excessive noise when running, or fails to raise the vehicle at all.
  • Solution: Replacement of the air suspension compressor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• MBUX Infotainment System Glitches
  • Description/Symptoms: System freezes, touchscreen unresponsive, Bluetooth connectivity issues, navigation errors, random reboots.
  • Solution: Software update, system reset, or in severe cases, replacement of the MBUX unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (Software update) - $2,000+ (Unit replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sensor Malfunctions (Parking Sensors, Blind Spot Monitoring)
  • Description/Symptoms: False alarms, system failures, error messages on the dashboard.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ per sensor
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle has difficulty starting, dead battery after sitting for a short period, warning messages related to low battery voltage.
  • Solution: Diagnosing and repairing the parasitic drain, replacement of the battery.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+ depending on the cause of the drain
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof fails to open or close properly, makes excessive noise, or leaks water.
  • Solution: Sunroof track cleaning/lubrication, component repair or replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Seat Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Seat does not move in one or more directions.
  • Solution: Replace seat motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,200+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Trim Squeaks and Rattles
  • Description/Symptoms: Annoying noises coming from various interior trim panels, especially when driving on rough roads.
  • Solution: Securing or replacing loose trim panels, applying sound-deadening material.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE63 S AMG offers exhilarating performance and luxurious appointments but, like any complex vehicle, can experience issues. The most common complaints revolve around the engine (turbo failures, oil leaks), transmission (rough shifting), suspension (air suspension failures), and the electrical system (MBUX glitches). While some issues are relatively minor and inexpensive to address (trim rattles, sensor replacements), others, such as turbocharger failures or air suspension repairs, can be quite costly. While not extremely common, it’s important to be aware of these potential issues when considering purchasing a used 2021 GLE63 S AMG.