2021 Mercedes-Benz Amg Gle53 problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Electrical System (3) · Vehicle Speed Control (2) · Power Train (2)
Safety recalls (16)
Electrical System:wiring 2024-03-15 · campaign 24V207000 · 116,020 vehicles
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2023-2024 GLE 350, 2020-2024 GLE 450, 2020-2023 GLS 580, GLE 580, 2019-2023 GLS 450, 2021-2023 Maybach GLS 600, AMG GLS 63, 2021-2024 AMG GLE 53, AMG GLE 53 Coupe, and AMG GLE 63 S vehicles. A 48-Volt ground connection under the passenger seat may not be secured properly, resulting in the ground connection overheating.
Risk: An overheated ground connection can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and tighten the 48-Volt ground connection as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 3, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2024040002.
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump 2023-06-26 · campaign 23V445000 · 143,551 vehicles
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2023 C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS, SL, GT, GLC, GLE, GLS, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle details. The fuel pump may shutdown, which can result in a loss of drive power.
Risk: A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 14, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2023070012.
Visibility:defroster/Defogger/Hvac System 2023-03-17 · campaign 23V177000 · 61,450 vehicles
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020-2021 GLE350, GLE450, GLS450, GLS580, 2021 AMG GLE53, AMG GLE63, Maybach GLS600, AMG GLS63, and 2020 GLE580 vehicles. The air conditioner drain hoses may have been incorrectly installed, causing water to drain into the passenger compartment.
Risk: Water intrusion into the foot wells may cause corrosion and/or short circuits to electrical components, increasing the risk of fire. In addition, the emergency call (eCall) feature may be disabled and the doors may not unlock, increasing the risk of injury. Also, the engine may not start or may enter a limp-home mode, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and reinstall the air conditioner drain hoses, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 28, 2023. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall is an expansion of recall numbers 21V-288 and 19V-587. MBUSA's numbers for this recall are 2023030014 and 15.
Structure:body 2022-09-12 · campaign 22V680000 · 161,000 vehicles
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020-2022 GLE350, GLE450, GLS450, 2021-2022 AMG GLE53, 2020-2021 GLE580, GLS580, and 2021 GLE400e, AMG GLS63, AMG GLE63 S, and Maybach GLS600 vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the rear door window trim bars may detach.
Risk: Detached trim bars may cause a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and secure the rear window trim bars, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 1, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022090010.
Communication: Auto Crash Notification 2022-05-20 · campaign 22V365000 · 242,722 vehicles
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2022 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, AMG GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, GLB-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. An error in the communication module's SIM card software can cause a mobile network connection failure, disabling the emergency call (eCall) system.
Risk: A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting the emergency services call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency responders and increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: The communication module software will be updated through an Over-the-Air (OTA) update or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 8, 2022. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on July 8, 2022, May 17, 2024, July 29, 2024, and September 27, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's numbers are for this recall is 2022060005 and 2023110006.
Electrical System:wiring:interior/Under Dash 2022-04-08 · campaign 22V231000 · 21,306 vehicles
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020-2022 GLE450, GLS450, 2021-2022 AMG GLE53, 2020-2021 GLE580, GLS580, 2021 AMG GLE63, Maybach GLS600 and AMG GLS63 vehicles. A ground cable bolt for the 48V ground connection under the front passenger seat may not be secured properly, which can cause the electrical cable to overheat.
Risk: An overheated electrical cable can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and tighten the ground cable bolt, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 8, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022040017.
Electrical System:wiring:interior/Under Dash 2021-11-19 · campaign 21V909000 · 17 vehicles
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 GLE450 and AMG GLE53 vehicles. In the passenger-side footwell, the ground connection bolts for the electric heater may be improperly tightened.
Risk: Loose ground connection bolts on the electric heater may cause the wiring to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: Dealers will check the electric heater ground connection and repair it as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 7, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
Visibility:glass, Side/Rear 2021-10-22 · campaign 21V832000 · 23 vehicles
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 GLE 350, GLE 580, GLS 450, GLS 580, AMG GLE 53, AMG GLE 63 S, and AMG GLS 63 S vehicles. The rear window may be insufficiently bonded to the tailgate, which could allow the rear glass to detach.
Risk: Detached rear glass can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the rear window, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 8, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
Seats 2021-10-18 · campaign 21V818000 · 27 vehicles
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 GLS450, GLS580, GLE350, GLE450, AMG C63, and 2021 AMG GLE53 vehicles. The seats may have been assembled incorrectly.
Risk: Incorrectly assembled seats may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and repair the seats, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 8, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021110010.
Exterior Lighting:headlights 2021-07-02 · campaign 21V509000 · 1,467 vehicles
Defect: Mercedes-Benz LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2020 C300, 2019-2020 A220, AMG C43, AMG C63, 2020 GLE580, GLB250, 2020-2021 GLE450, GLE350, 2021 AMG GLE63, and AMG GLE53 vehicles. The LED headlights may have been incorrectly adjusted during a vehicle repair. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Risk: Incorrectly adjusted headlights may reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the LED headlights, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed August 13, 2021. A second notice will be sent once the remedy is available. Owner notification letters were mailed January 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera 2021-05-14 · campaign 21V354000 · 343,191 vehicles
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2021 CLA-Class, GLE/GLS-Class, A-Class, E-Class, E-Class Coupe and Convertible, GLA/GLB-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, and AMG GT-Class 4-door Coupe vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The MBUX multimedia system software may cause the display to remain black, or reboot after startup. This could result in the rearview camera image not displaying properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comp
Risk: A backup camera that displays a blank image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix: The multimedia system software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning June 28, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6373. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021050012.
Equipment:appliance:air Conditioner 2021-04-23 · campaign 21V288000 · 6,331 vehicles
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 AMG GLE 53, 2020 GLE350, GLE450, GLE580, GLS450, and GLS580 vehicles. The air conditioner drain hoses may have been incorrectly installed, causing water to drain into the passenger compartment.
Risk: Water intrusion into the driver and passenger side foot wells may cause corrosion and/or short circuits to electrical components, increasing the risk of fire. In addition, the emergency call (eCall) feature may be disabled and the doors may not unlock, increasing the risk of injury. Also, the engine may not start or may enter a limp-home mode, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and correct the air conditioner drain hoses, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 4, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021040024.
Structure:interior Panels:dashboard 2021-02-05 · campaign 21V057000 · 8 vehicles
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 GLS 450, GLE 350, GLE 450, and 2021 AMG GLE53 vehicles. The dashboard surface may not be properly secured to the base material.
Risk: In the event of a crash where the passenger air bag deploys, an unsecured dashboard could impair the inflation of the passenger air bag, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the dashboard, free of charge. The recall began April 16, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer serviced at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021030003.
Communication: Auto Crash Notification 2021-02-05 · campaign 21V058000 · 1,292,258 vehicles
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 - 2021 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS-Class, SL-Class, B-Class, GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to the Part 573 report for specific vehicle model details. The software design of the communication module may fail to communicate the correct vehicle location for the emergency call system (eCall) in the event of a crash.
Risk: Failure of the eCall system may result in emergency responders being dispatched to the wrong location, increasing the risk of injury following a crash.
Fix: MBUSA will notify owners, and the communication module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. The recall began March 12, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021020025.
Seat Belts: Rear/Other:buckle Assembly 2020-10-30 · campaign 20V671000 · 55,326 vehicles
Defect: Mercedes-Benz AG USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 AMG GLE53, AMG GLE63, 2020 GLE580, 2020-2021 GLE350 and GLE450 vehicles with 5 passenger seating. While buckling the seat belt, the middle seat belt buckle could be pushed down into the gap below the seat cushion. If the buckle can't be retrieved, the buckle latch will be inoperable and unable to restrain an occupant.
Risk: An unrestrained occupant has an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Fix: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will secure the middle seat belt buckle, free of charge. The recall began December 18, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020110005.
Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel 2020-02-14 · campaign 20V089000 · 2,101 vehicles
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 CLA250, CLA250 4MATIC and CLA35 AMG 4MATIC, 2020-2021 GLE350, GLE350 4MATIC, GLE450 4MATIC, GLS450 4MATIC and GLS580 4MATIC and 2021 GLE53 AMG Coupe, GLE63S AMG 4MATIC, GLS63 AMG 4MATIC and Maybach GLS600 4MATIC vehicles. The instrument cluster software may deactivate the illumination of certain interior switches (switch bar, overhead control unit, steering wheel) if the hazard lights are turned on and the ignition switch is in the 'off'
Risk: If the interior switches are not illuminated, they may be more difficult to find and operate, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the instrument cluster software, free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020030019.
Service bulletins (363)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Steering 2026-09-26 · LI46.10-P-080896 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
complaint slight creaking noises when steering. cause noises may come from one or more sleeves of the horn contact plate. remedy remove the horn contact plate and check the sleeves for noise; see attached video. if necessary, apply lubricant to the sleeves.
Power Train 2026-09-26 · LI27.00-P-073124 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
complaint customer complaints relating to automatic transmission 725.0 (nag3 classic /9g‑tronic automatic transmission) and 725.1 (nag3 facelift/9g‑tronic automatic transmission facelift) for faster, more effective and more targeted diagnosis, intelligent predictive repair (ipr) has been developed a
Engine 2026-09-26 · LI18.00-P-073137 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
complaint sporadic warning message in instrument cluster "engine oil pressure, stop switch off vehicle" (or similar) is shown in red on vehicles with low mileage. cause directional control valve may stick. remedy 1‑ read off oil level in instrument cluster and correct if necessary. 2‑ perform approx
Service Brakes 2026-09-22 · LI42.10-P-078779 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
complaint repeat workshop visit for vehicle vibration while braking from 60mph. note: although the symptom is similar to a tire or wheel vibration, it is usually readily noticeable that it is distinctly different if it happens at all times or only while braking. cause although the cause of the vibra
Engine 2026-09-17 · LI20.10-P-075374 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
complaint red coolant warning in instrument cluster. fault codes u019f00 or u019f87 current/stored in mrg1 control unit. cause various causes remedy perform guided test for fault code u019f with xentry diagnosis. verify the following connections are clean and tight. correct any problems and retest p
Electrical System 2026-09-15 · LI82.60-P-080383 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
complaint radio station cover art does not refresh when switching stations. the ui continues to show the old station’s artwork instead of updating to the new one. cause when a new station change request is triggered, a temporary glitch is causing the head unit application to fail to overwrite the pr
Showing the 6 most recent of 363 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2026-05-13 · Unknown Or Other“an authorized dealer returned a vehicle with loose hardware in a moving mechanical track, posing a risk of mechanical failure or distraction while driving.…”
2025-12-30 · Power Train“according to the dealer, there are fault codes in the system for transmission control unit failing. thats what caused the vehicle to go into "limp" mode... that needs to be replaced. in an instant, the warning lights and reduction in power occurred simultaneously. the car slowed down and had to coast to shoulder of the highway crossing multiple l…”
2025-03-02 · Electrical System“engine harness wires insulation is falling apart very early after 3 years. it’s causing arching inside the insulation. issues is from overheating and can cause a fire. isolation needs to be upgraded and wire harness needs replaced. …”
2024-10-29 · Fuel/Propulsion System“vehicle unexpectedly lost power on a major highway. limped into a service station, called for a tow truck. several days later vehicle was repaired with a bill of $2800. four weeks later, while driving, check engine light comes on. contact dealership that completed repairs, brought car in. now it’s the 48v hybrid battery needs to be replaced, $4000.…”
2023-08-17 · Vehicle Speed Control“purchased as a cpo directly from a local dealership. vehicle has experienced multiple (10+), seemingly random failures of the electronic stability control, blind spot assist, lane keeping assist and active break assist under varied driving and weather conditions. on two separate occasions (one at 15+ mph and the other at 65+), these system failures…”
2023-03-23 · Electrical System“we bought this gle amg 63 new, it has only 1100 miles and we have had two 48 v batters replaced; they just towed it again to the dealer 22 march because it needs yet another 48v battery; the techs say it’s a design problem but there is nothing they can do except get “approval” to have the 48v battery replaced. it has also shut down while driving …”
2023-03-16 · Unknown Or Other“when vehicle is driven 70 mph and above the drive side of vehicle is making a whilst noise by ear of the driver, that is coming into the car. the gas cap door is not sitting flush with the body of the vehicle. …”
2023-01-31 · Tires · 18,000 mi“the contact owns a 2021 mercedes-benz gle53 equipped with continental tires, tire line: sport contact, tire size: 255/40/zr21, dot: (unavailable). the contact stated that on several occasions while driving 30 mph on wet pavement at low speeds, the vehicle started to shake, and a loud abnormal sound was heard in all four tires. no warning light was …”
2022-11-05 · Unknown Or Other“2021 mb gle 53 amg coupe. less than 7500 miles. car wont start throws a red error saying see the operators manual. this is the second time in 5 months this has happened and is extremely frustrating given mb is fully aware of the issue. they say it is related to software but i just had my car at the dealer for another issue and all software was upda…”
2022-02-02 · Electrical System“in the middle of driving it down the road when - without warning -- the instrument panel went black, the entire panel. my husband was on his way to the dealership to replace a tire when this happened. though he was able to make his way to the dealer, we consider this event to be a serious safety issue, given that there was a partial power outage …”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.