2022 MERCEDES-BENZ Gle 350

I was told by the investigators that the fire was caused by an electrical component under the passenger seat that Mercedes is well aware of. My life was placed in danger because of the Inhalation of forever chemicals and lung damaging smoke and super heated air. Problem confirmed by dozens of owners who experienced and documented the very some accounts, some who have reported contacting the NHTSA years prior to my experience but nothing was done to save lives or prevent losses. The American Freedom insurance investigator told me in writing what caused the fire. Nothing gave any indication that my life was in danger not a light, an alarm nor the monthly Connect service I paid for every month. Nothing gave me an indication that something like this was going to happen.

For approximately two years, I reported recurring moisture/condensation inside the RIGHT headlamp assembly of my 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 to Mercedes-Benz. I was repeatedly advised that the condensation was normal. The condition progressively worsened. The vehicle is now displaying headlamp warning messages and the RIGHT TURN SIGNAL associated with the affected headlamp is no longer functioning. I am also receiving repeated warning messages related to the headlamp/turn-signal malfunction. The loss of the turn signal creates a safety concern because I cannot reliably signal my intention to turn or change lanes to other motorists. Mercedes-Benz has now advised that the headlamp assembly requires replacement. The affected component is the RIGHT headlamp. For completeness, the vehicle previously sustained an unrelated sideswipe on the LEFT side, during which the LEFT headlamp was scuffed and replaced through insurance. There was no frontal collision, and the present moisture intrusion and signal failure are occurring in the RIGHT headlamp on the opposite side of the vehicle. I am reporting this to NHTSA because a condition Mercedes-Benz previously characterized as normal has progressed from condensation inside the headlamp to warning messages and failure of a safety-related signaling function. I am concerned that similar moisture intrusion in this headlamp assembly could affect other vehicles.

When I got gas the estimated range indicated 308 Miles. We traveled approximately 134 Miles the estimated range was at 86 Miles it was dropping rapidly but average miles indicated 26.5 MPG. The next day we added fuel again and we were at 382 Miles. Then we drove 70 miles and the fuel indicator was showing that our range only decreased 15 Miles. During the trip the range increased multiple times and between the two days we traveled we did not know how much fuel was left in the car. The first trip it showed that we burned half a tank and the second day it showed we hardly burned any gas. This particular model has Open Recall for fuel pump system issues and display software. We were afraid that we were running out out of gas and would not be able to complete our trip or run out of gas in the middle of the highway.

Check engine light came on. Called dealership on a Thursday and again on Monday after it stayed on all weekend. Was told to bring in vehicle for diagnostics and to have a ride home. Half way to the dealership the car spuddered and I had to coast to the shoulder of the road. After a few minutes, I restarted the vehicle and drive slowly to the dealership, barely making it it the shop. The service advisor indicated it could be the cylinder head even before running diagnostics because it had happened to numerous other customers. It was a defective cylinder head. The repair bill was over $10,000 but Mercedes offered a $3,500 assistance credit. After doing some research on the internet, this appears to be a widespread issue.

The contact owns a 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle hesitated and failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. After waiting a few minutes, the vehicle was restarted; however, the contact noticed an abnormal sound coming from the engine while driving. The check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that a cylinder head had cracked. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 57,000.

While driving at 65 mph on Florida’s Turnpike (SR 91) at approximately 5:30 PM EST, the panoramic sliding sunroof panel (Mercedes-Benz part #167-780-20-00) spontaneously shattered without any impact or warning. Conditions were partly cloudy. No vehicles, debris, or construction were nearby. A loud explosive sound occurred overhead, followed by glass shards falling onto the roof and rear spoiler. The roller sunshade was open, and the operable glass section was closed. No glass entered the cabin. Startled by the sound and visible debris, I instinctively braked and swerved, almost losing control. Post-incident inspection showed a large portion of the panel was missing, and scratches and paint damage were visible behind the failure point. The vehicle was brought to a Mercedes-Benz dealership the next morning. Staff immediately acknowledged similar failures and stated they had seen and repaired multiple panoramic sunroof issues across the lineup, especially in hot weather. Although this type of failure is typically covered under the 4-year/50,000-mile warranty, it was denied due to the vehicle’s mileage (58,099). Replacement is estimated at $2,700 and is pending due to part backorder. The incident was independently confirmed by a Mercedes-Benz dealer, an independent repair shop, an auto glass facility, and an insurance representative. The auto glass technician noted that Mercedes-Benz uses thin tempered glass rather than laminated or thicker alternatives, which may increase the risk of spontaneous failure. This failure created significant safety risks including driver distraction, potential for secondary collisions, potential injuries from airborne glass, and road debris hazards. If the operable glass section had been open, glass shards may have entered the cabin, further increasing the risk of injury to myself, other vehicle occupants, or other road users. I request that NHTSA investigate the design and failure rates of this sunroof panel and similar components.

Check engine warning light came on. Called dealership and they could not do a remote diagnostic so they made plans to pick up the car which was about 2 weeks after the problem was alerted. See attached repair invoice. The problem was a known issue with the cylinder head compression leakage. “Removed cylinder head and disassembled to find excessive play in exhaust valve guides and abnormally worn exhaust value seats. Replaced cylinder head.” This issue impacted engine performance, including vibration and lack of acceleration. See attached letter to Mercedes which we have received no response.