2020 MERCEDES-BENZ GLE 350 Complaints

The vehicle recently experienced a cylinder head failure, confirmed by a diagnotic code P0302 (Misfire in cylinder 2), resulting in rough idling, reduced power, and potential safety risks during opreration. This issue appears to be a known defect in the M264 engine, as evidenced by similar complains from owners of GLE 350, GLC 300, and other models on forums like [XXX] and [XXX] . The failure occurred just beyond the standard 4-year/50,000-mile warranty, and Mercedes-Benz USA denied my request for a goodwill repair despite acknowledging similar issues in related models under extended warranties. Repair costs are estimated $8,000 to $13,500. I believe this defect warrants investigation due to its prevalence and potential to cause sudden power loss, which could lead to hazardous driving conditions. I urge NHTSA to investigate the M264 engine in the 2020 GLE 350 for a possible recall to protect owners and ensure safety. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

My car shook while idling the last two weeks of June 2025. It felt like it was going to shut off at light/stop sign which it did on two occasions. On July 2, 2025, it stalled abruptly during a drive after which I took it to Mercedes for service. I never received a warning signal or fault message even after it stalled. Mercedes service indicated the engine cylinder head valves were burnt and not sealing properly - estimated cost of repair $10,023.00. I am the original owner of the car, had routine maintenance and only had it performed at Mercedes. My car stopped without warning- but luckily on a local road. Others who are driving with this defective engine may not be so lucky. It appears this is a known issue to Mercedes USA but they have not done anything to fix it. The engine is M264. Even if valves are replaced, this problem may continue to occur as the Mercedes serviceman does not know what caused the burnt cylinders - just that they needed to be replaced and that it was not wear and tear. Not sure if this is related, but there was a 2022 recall on this engine (my car was not part of batch that was recalled) regarding turbo charger oil feed and return lines. The issues included engine vibration at idle and loss of power.

The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE350. The contact stated that while driving at low speeds, the vehicle entered LIMP Mode but continued to operate with reduced motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the failure persisted. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle with engine control unit failure causing the engine to run lean, resulting in misfires in cylinders #1 and #2 and damage to the engine. The contact was informed that the engine had failed a pressure test and needed to be replaced. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who confirmed the diagnosis and determined that the failure could be resolved with a top end engine replacement of the cylinder head, valves, valve springs, rocker arms, camshaft, spark plugs, and valve cover. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 71,000.

I purchased my 2020 Mercedes GLE 350 new with only 12 miles on it. I also purchased an extended warranty which gave me 100,012 miles. On a Friday evening while being driven, the engine light came on. I took the truck immediately to the dealership on Monday morning. Prior to that the engine would roar loud upon starting on some occasions then calm down. When I mentioned it to the service department on previous service visits they told me it was fine and they notice that, that particular model does that when it gets hot outside. The vehicle also quit on me in the middle of the road before starting back up in about 3 minutes but on a separate visit. ALL my maintenance and service have ALL been done at the Mercedes service department so I'm confused how this happened. So, the dealership needed an extra day to diagnose so after 2 days I was hit with the news that is was a cylinder head...$9,963. I had 108,152 (out of extended warranty) miles on my truck. I notice this is a common issue with this particular year and model GLE350. I also see that Mercedes has a recall on other models just not this one. A recall is needed immediately. I pray this complaint will help others that will experience this same issue in the near future because there's no help for me now.

Hi! I just received word that my 2020 GLE350 will need a replacement cylinder head. I went to the dealership due to having a check engine light on (light came on this morning and I promptly brought to the dealership). It is an $8,000 repair. Upon doing a quick websearch for replacement cylinder heads for 2020 GLE350s, I am finding a lot of people in web groups reporting that they are having the exact same issues for the same model (2020-2022) right after the 50,000k mileage mark (out of warranty). I have always done my maintenance directly with the dealership. Links to the chat forums with similar issues - can pull up more if needed. [XXX] Let me know if you need additional information - thank you! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Strong raw gasoline odor in cabin, making passengers “light headed”. Called dealer about a fuel system recall on this model however they said my vin number didn’t fall under the recall.. no warning lights are on

Bought a 2020 Gle 350 used with 55000 miles on it. Within 3 weeks the check engine light comes on and the car goes into limp mode. Cannot drive it. Took it to Mercedes of Wilmington. They said it was a misfire on 4. They replaced all spark plugs and the coil to cylinder 4. Another month later the same thing happens. Took it back to Mercedes. Stated the car needs a new cylinder head at the cost of 12000$. This seems to be a common problem on these vehicles. A recall is needed immediately

At 48,000 miles the cylinder head needed replaced. This was done under warranty. At 73,000 miles the engine started making a horrible noise and power was lost and acceleration very choppy. Had it towed to the dealer. Dealer diagnosed the issue as a Rod bearing failure and requires the engine to be fully replaced. This occured while driving, fortunately I had just gotten off the highway, otherwise the vehicle would have lost acceleration and speed and would have created and unsafe situation. The engine light never came on, neither before or after the noise and loss of acceleration.

The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE350. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power when the check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, on one occasion, the vehicle failed to start and was towed to the dealer, who was unable to identify the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The cause of the failure was not yet been determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 50,000.

The rear seat belts are faulty. I had to pay out of pocket for the rear middle seat belt repair and now the rear right side is faulty and does not budge or move pass a point. I am concerned that each time these do not work, I will be out another thousand dollars for repair. Seat belts on some of my oldest cars continue to work. This should not be happening especially to a newer vehicle. I need help and by that I want Mercedes to cover the cost. It's very stressful. Thank you for hearing my concern.