Used Mercedes-Benz GLE V167 (2020–2024): Buyer's Guide

Consumer Reports named the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE the single least reliable vehicle across every make and model they track. The 2023 GLE — same platform, same basic shape — earns a 70 out of 100 reliability score and has 5 NHTSA recalls. The gap between those two years is the central story of this generation.

This guide covers the second-generation GLE, the V167 platform that launched for 2020. One generation, thoroughly — covering which engines matter, which model years to target, and what breaks before you find out at the dealer.

This Generation at a Glance

The V167 GLE launched for the 2020 model year as a complete redesign from the W166 generation (2016–2019). The platform brought MBUX infotainment, an optional third-row seat, and a full powertrain overhaul — including a controversial change: the base GLE 350 dropped the previous generation's 3.5L V6 in favor of a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder.

The generation runs from 2020 through at least 2025. A mid-cycle facelift arrived for 2024 (revised styling, updated MBUX software, PHEV added to the US lineup). A second major overhaul debuts for 2027.

Links to market data: 2020 · 2021 · 2022 · 2023 · 2024

Powertrain and Trim Breakdown

GLE 350 (M264 2.0L Four-Cylinder, No EQ Boost, Steel Springs)

The GLE 350 is not what most buyers expect. Many assume they're getting an inline-six and end up with a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder — the M264. This was a deliberate downgrade from the W166's 3.5L V6, justified by similar output numbers and improved efficiency. Mercedes does not advertise this prominently.

The GLE 350 does not have the 48-volt EQ Boost mild hybrid system. That system is exclusive to the GLE 450 and above. The GLE 350 also does not have AIRMATIC air suspension — AIRMATIC is not available on this trim, not even as an option. It runs standard steel coil springs with adaptive dampers.

What this means for buyers: The GLE 350 avoids two of the biggest recurring costs on this generation — AIRMATIC strut repairs and 48V ISG failures. The trade-off is a firmer ride and a four-cylinder engine with a documented structural defect.

The M264 cylinder head problem: The exhaust valve seats in the M264 engine wear prematurely, allowing combustion gases past the valves. Symptoms are rough idle, engine misfire, a persistent check engine light, and sometimes violent shaking at idle. In severe cases the vehicle stalls while driving. Documented failures range from 14,000 miles to over 90,000, with the worst clustering between 30,000 and 70,000 miles — which is right at or past the 4-year/50,000-mile CPO warranty boundary.

Repair cost: $6,000 to $15,000 depending on the dealer and the extent of secondary damage. Specific verified quotes from forum threads include $11,500, $10,000, $8,400, and $13,000. Mercedes extended warranty on the related M260 engine for this exact issue to 15 years / 150,000 miles — but has issued no equivalent extension for the M264. There is no recall. A law firm investigation into a potential class action was active as of early 2026. Forum threads on MBWorld and Mercedes GLE Forum from 2021 through 2025 document dozens of affected owners across GLE 350, GLC 300, GLA, and other M264-equipped models. This is a platform-wide issue, not isolated cases.

If you buy a GLE 350 with more than 40,000 miles and no cylinder head history, budget for that repair.

What owners appreciate: The GLE 350 is meaningfully cheaper to buy used and sidesteps the AIRMATIC and 48V costs. The four-cylinder is smooth and adequate for most driving. Fuel economy is competitive — roughly 22 mpg combined — and insurance costs are lower than the 450 or higher trims.

Model-year notes: The 2020 GLE 350 had a single wiring fuse recall at launch. The 2021 carried a fuel pump recall. The 2022, 2023, and 2024 have zero model-year-specific GLE 350 recalls. The M264 cylinder head issue affects all years of GLE 350 production in this generation.

GLE 450 4MATIC (M256 3.0L Inline-Six, EQ Boost, AIRMATIC)

The GLE 450 gets the M256 — a 3.0L turbocharged inline-six with the 48-volt EQ Boost mild hybrid system — and AIRMATIC air suspension as standard. This is the version Mercedes should have led with as the base model, and most forum regulars say so.

The M256 is more capable and generally more durable than the M264 in the GLE 350. But it adds complexity: the 48V EQ Boost system, an AIRMATIC suspension that will eventually need expensive repair, and a 2020 launch that was Mercedes' most complaint-laden in recent memory.

The AIRMATIC cost is real and unavoidable. Every GLE 450 has air suspension. At some point, it will sag at a corner after sitting overnight. That is a leaking air spring. One strut replacement at a dealer runs $1,200 to $2,000. The air compressor, when it fails separately, adds $1,100 to $1,200. A full multi-corner failure with compressor runs $3,000 to $8,000. Mercedes issued TSB LI32.22-P-073368 for AIRMATIC fault codes (C220C06 / C220C04) that are software-related rather than mechanical — those are fixable with a free control unit update. But mechanical strut failures still require strut replacement regardless of the TSB.

The 48V EQ Boost system integrates a starter-generator (ISG) between the engine and transmission. When it fails, the car either won't start or shuts down while driving. Jump-starting doesn't work — the failure is in the 48V system, not the 12V battery. Dealer repair runs $4,000 to $7,000. NHTSA recall 22V231 (expanded as 24V207) covers a loose 48V ground cable under the front passenger seat that poses a fire risk across 2020–2024 GLE 450 models. Verify this recall is completed before purchase.

The 2020 GLE 450 is the worst documented launch year of this generation. NHTSA data shows 13 recall campaigns on the 2020 GLE 450 alone, covering: dashboard cracking, AC compressor failure, rear frame seam welding, rear shock absorber piston seal, wiring faults, electronic stability control software, seat track issues, under-dash wiring, body structure, and HVAC/defogger. Forum threads described it as having quality control problems not expected from Mercedes. Seat material (MBtex) cracked and separated on numerous 2020 and 2021 examples; dealers replaced affected seats under warranty.

Recall NHTSA 24V207 (transmission control module software) affects 2020–2023 GLE 450 models. The transmission may not complete a downshift correctly, causing the engine to stall and lose propulsion. The fix is a software update; verify it was completed before purchase on any 2020–2023 GLE 450.

What owners appreciate: The M256 paired with AIRMATIC is the version that delivers on the GLE's promise. The inline-six is smooth, powerful, and significantly better than the four-cylinder under load. AIRMATIC when working correctly produces an excellent ride that justifies the luxury price. Many owners with trouble-free examples are enthusiastic and long-term.

Model-year notes for the 450: The 2020 has 13 recall campaigns. The 2021 dropped to 3. The 2022 had 5 carryover-range recalls but better initial build quality. The 2023 and 2024 are the cleanest 450s in the generation. The 2021 also introduced a specific airbag sensor wiring recall (NHTSA 24V724) affecting early production GLE 350 and GLE 450 vehicles where the wiring harness was misrouted, potentially preventing proper airbag deployment.

GLE 580 4MATIC (M176 4.0L V8, E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL)

The GLE 580 runs Mercedes' 4.0L twin-turbocharged M176 V8 with 48V EQ Boost at 483 horsepower. Suspension is E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL, a hydraulic active system that sits above AIRMATIC in complexity and cost.

The M176 oil pump solenoid failure is the primary mechanical concern. The electronic solenoid is submerged in hot engine oil inside the oil pan. Its wiring becomes brittle over time and fails, triggering diagnostic code P06DA00. Depending on the shop, repair may require engine removal. Total cost: $3,000 to $6,000 at a dealer. A P06DA00 code on a pre-purchase OBD-II scan is a walk-away finding.

Oil valve cover leaks and oil separator/PCV system failures are secondary concerns. Valve cover leaks show up as oil in the spark plug wells during inspection. A failing PCV system raises crankcase pressure and forces oil past seals, leading eventually to rear main seal leaks.

Fuel economy at 17 city / 22 highway means roughly $1,000–$1,500 more per year in fuel compared to the GLE 350 or 450 at average driving distances. Premium fuel only.

Running costs for the GLE 580 are substantially higher than any inline-six variant across every category — fuel, service labor (V8 requires more oil, more time), and repair complexity. The E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL system is also more expensive to repair than standard AIRMATIC when it eventually fails.

AMG GLE 53 4MATIC+ (AMG M256, AMG Ride Control Air Suspension)

The AMG GLE 53 uses Mercedes-AMG's tuned version of the M256 inline-six at 429 horsepower with the 48V EQ Boost system. All AMG GLE 53 models have AMG Ride Control air suspension as standard.

The 48V battery failure cluster in early production: Multiple owners on MBWorld.org documented repeated 48V battery failures in vehicles built during Q4 2020 and Q1 2021 specifically. The issue was tied to a particular battery production batch. An updated part number became available, and replacements largely resolved the problem. If you're buying a 2021 AMG GLE 53, ask for service records and specifically look for any 48V battery replacement history.

Instrument cluster failures: Some 2022 AMG GLE 53 owners reported the cluster going dark four or more times within 18 months, with dealers often unable to reproduce the failure during the service visit.

The AMG GLE 53 is subject to a fuel pump recall covering 2021–2024 models, where the fuel pump may shut down during operation, causing loss of drive power. Dealers replace the pump at no cost. Verify completion via VIN before purchase.

Forum consensus on the AMG GLE 53: When the 48V system is working correctly, owners consistently describe it as the most well-rounded version of the generation — meaningfully faster than the GLE 450, still daily-drivable, with AMG tuning that improves over the base GLE without becoming punishing.

AMG GLE 63 S 4MATIC+ (AMG M177 4.0L V8)

The AMG GLE 63 S uses Mercedes-AMG's hand-built 4.0L M177 twin-turbocharged V8, producing 603 horsepower. EPA-rated at 15 city / 20 highway; real-world combined is typically 13–15 mpg.

This is not a vehicle where deferred maintenance is survivable. The M177 carries all the V8 oil system vulnerabilities of the M176, plus AMG-specific drivetrain complexity and substantially higher service costs. AMG service intervals and labor rates run 20–40% above standard GLE pricing. Buying an AMG GLE 63 S without a full dealer inspection, complete service history, and documented recall completion is a significant financial risk.

GLE 450e PHEV (2024 US Debut)

The GLE 450e became available in the US for the 2024 model year. It pairs a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder with an electric motor for approximately 381 combined horsepower and roughly 30 miles of electric range.

Early owners report complex power delivery behavior — the gasoline engine activating unexpectedly in electric-priority modes, limp mode triggers, and a 2024 brake software recall (ESP programming error that increased stopping distances). Used inventory of this variant is minimal and owner feedback is still thin. The failure modes are not yet well-documented. More caution is warranted here than with the established gasoline variants.

Trim-Specific Notes

Premium Package (highly recommended): Panoramic sunroof, Burmester 13-speaker surround sound, wireless charging, digital LED headlights. Worth having. The panoramic sunroof has generated shattering complaints — a class action lawsuit against Mercedes alleging systematic defects cleared preliminary approval stages as of early 2026. Inspect the glass edges and frame seals carefully.

Driver Assistance Package Plus: Adds adaptive cruise with stop-and-go, lane centering, and lane change assist. This is how the GLE's driver assistance is meant to function — materially better than the base adaptive cruise. Worth specifically seeking on used examples.

7-Seat Third Row: Available on GLE 350 and GLE 450 only. Adults will not fit comfortably for more than short distances. The option removes the powered cargo cover.

Air Balance Package: Adds ionization and fragrance to the cabin. The fragrance filter replacement runs $150–$200 at the dealer and is regularly overlooked by prior owners.

Night Package / AMG Line Exterior: Aesthetic only. No reliability impact.

Which Model Years to Target

Avoid the 2020. Thirty-six NHTSA recalls and 112 owner complaints represent a first-year launch that Mercedes spent three years cleaning up. Discounted 2020s are priced that way for documented reasons.

Approach the 2021 with caution. The cylinder head issue on the M264 is established on 2021 GLE 350 models. The 48V battery cluster failures in early AMG GLE 53 production apply here. Twenty-two NHTSA recalls overall.

The 2022 requires acknowledgment. Consumer Reports designated the 2022 GLE the single least reliable vehicle they tracked across all makes and models that year — not worst luxury SUV, not worst German brand, worst vehicle period. The primary drivers were infotainment complaints and electrical issues. This doesn't mean every 2022 GLE fails, but the aggregate data is the worst of the generation.

The 2023 is the sweet spot. Five NHTSA recalls. Reliability score of 70/100. MBUX software had matured. Build quality stabilized. For GLE 350 buyers, the 2022 or 2023 avoids the worst of the M264 defect years. For GLE 450 buyers, the 2023 is where the generation becomes defensible.

The 2024 is the cleanest, but commands prices that reflect its relative newness. If the budget allows, the post-facelift 2024 GLE has updated styling, revised MBUX, and the lowest documented issue count in the generation.

Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

All V167 GLE Models

• Run the VIN through a recall check before seeing the car. Multiple open campaigns — fuel pump, 48V ground, airbag wiring, transmission software — are still uncompleted on large portions of this generation. Know what's open before you negotiate.

• OBD-II scan at cold start, before the engine warms. A diagnostic scan surfaces stored codes that disappear after resets. On the M264 (GLE 350), look for misfire codes on cylinder 1–4. On any V8, P06DA00 is a red flag for the oil pump solenoid. AIRMATIC codes C220C06 or C220C04 mean control unit fault, fixable via TSB — but verify this against actual strut condition.

• Start cold and let it idle for five minutes. On the GLE 350 (M264): listen for rough idle, watch for misfire, feel for vibration that shouldn't be there. The cylinder head failure typically presents cold before it evens out — or doesn't. Any check engine light on cold start warrants investigation before purchase.

• Check the front floor for moisture. Water on the front floor carpet indicates the AC drain hose recall (NHTSA 23V177) was never completed. On a 2020–2021 GLE, water draining into the footwells and reaching electrical components created a documented fire risk. If you find wet carpet, ask for documented recall completion — and have a shop check the wiring under the carpet for corrosion.

• Run MBUX through a full power cycle. Turn the car off, wait two minutes, restart. If the screen stays black for more than 30 seconds or cycles through a reboot, the MBUX software recall has not been applied. On 2020–2021 models, this is common on unserviced vehicles.

• Inspect seats. Run both hands across the entire seating surface of the front seats, particularly along bolster edges and seam lines. MBtex cracking was prevalent on 2020–2022 models. Replaced seats under warranty are acceptable; unaddressed deterioration indicates how the previous owner treated recall and warranty items.

• Panoramic sunroof. Operate full open and tilt cycle. Inspect the glass surface and perimeter seal for stress cracks or lifting. The class action specifically identified failure along frame edges.

• Check mirror housing fit. Wind noise from a gap in the mirror housing cover was a documented 2020–2021 issue with a TSB fix. A persistent whistle above 50 mph from the mirrors area on a 2020 or 2021 means the TSB repair was skipped.

GLE 450 and Above Only (AIRMATIC Models)

• Park the car, walk away for 30 minutes, come back. All four corners should sit level and at the same height when you return. A corner that visibly sits lower than the others has a leaking air spring. This is a disqualifying finding at full asking price.

• Listen for the compressor on key-on, engine off. The AIRMATIC compressor may cycle briefly to top off pressure. A compressor that runs continuously for more than 20–30 seconds cannot maintain system pressure. That's a strut leak or compressor failure.

• Cycle the ride height. Use the AIRMATIC control in the instrument cluster to lower and raise the suspension. All four corners should respond smoothly and at similar speed. A corner that lags or fails to move indicates a strut or solenoid issue.

• Listen at low speed, windows down. A rhythmic hiss from any corner on bumps is a leaking air spring. This is easiest to detect on rough pavement at parking lot speeds.

AMG GLE 53 Specifically

• Pull service records for 48V battery replacement. Vehicles from Q4 2020 and Q1 2021 production had documented 48V battery failure clusters. An updated part number replacement on record is a positive sign.

• Verify the fuel pump recall is completed. This covers 2021–2024 AMG GLE 53. An open fuel pump recall on a used vehicle means it may stall without warning. Do not take delivery without this being closed.

• Cycle the ignition five times in succession. Watch the instrument cluster for any flickering or delayed startup — an early sign of the cluster failure pattern documented on 2021–2022 AMG GLE 53 examples.

Running Costs

Key items beyond scheduled service:

• Brake fluid: Every 2 years regardless of mileage ($150–250)
• Brake pads and rotors: $1,200–$2,000 per axle at dealer (V167 is a heavy vehicle)
• AIRMATIC strut replacement (GLE 450+): $1,200–$2,000 per corner
• Air compressor: $1,100–$1,200
• M264 cylinder head repair (GLE 350): $6,000–$15,000 out of warranty
• 48V ISG replacement (GLE 450+): $4,000–$7,000
• M176/M177 oil pump solenoid (GLE 580 / AMG 63): $3,000–$6,000

Independent Mercedes specialists typically charge 30–50% less than dealers for out-of-warranty work. Finding one before you buy is worth the effort — getting a shop inspection from a specialist familiar with V167 issues is more valuable than a generic pre-purchase inspection.

FAQ

Is the Mercedes-Benz GLE V167 reliable? Reliability is strongly year-dependent. The 2020 had 36 NHTSA recalls and a 61/100 reliability score. The 2022 was Consumer Reports' single least reliable vehicle across all makes that year. The 2023 earns a 70/100 score with 5 recalls. Neither end of that range is "reliable" by the standards of Toyota or Honda, but the 2022–2024 range is in line with average luxury SUV reliability. The 2020 and 2021 are below average.

Which year GLE should I buy, and which should I avoid? Avoid the 2020 — 36 NHTSA recalls and 112 owner complaints are priced into the discount. The 2021 is better but still carries documented M264 cylinder head issues and 48V problems. The 2022 earned Consumer Reports' worst-overall-vehicle designation for that calendar year. The 2023 is the clear sweet spot: 5 recalls, 70/100 reliability, enough depreciation from new. The 2024 has similar reliability to the 2023 but trades more depreciation for it.

Does the GLE 350 have an inline-six engine? No. The GLE 350 in the V167 generation uses a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder (M264), not an inline-six. This was a switch from the previous generation's 3.5L V6. The inline-six (M256, 3.0L twin-turbo) is in the GLE 450. The GLE 350 also has no 48-volt EQ Boost mild hybrid system and no AIRMATIC air suspension.

How much does it cost to maintain a used GLE? Routine Service A/B runs $350–$550 every 10,000 miles. Annual routine maintenance on a GLE 350 averages $1,200–$1,800. The GLE 450 adds AIRMATIC as an ongoing variable — budget for $3,000–$8,000 in strut and compressor repairs at some point over the vehicle's life. The GLE 580 and AMG variants run $2,000–$8,000 annually including unplanned repairs. Out-of-warranty M264 cylinder head repair on the GLE 350 runs $6,000–$15,000 with no recall coverage.

Is the GLE 450 worth it over the GLE 350? The GLE 450 has a meaningfully better engine (inline-six vs. four-cylinder), AIRMATIC ride quality, and 48V mild hybrid assist. The GLE 350 avoids AIRMATIC costs and 48V failure risk but trades that for the M264 cylinder head issue — which is equally expensive when it occurs and has no recall safety net. For used buyers with remaining CPO warranty, the GLE 450 is typically the stronger long-term choice. For buyers buying out of warranty, the GLE 350's simpler drivetrain is not the cost-free option it appears to be once the M264 cylinder head risk is factored in.

Bottom Line

The 2023 GLE 350 or GLE 450 with clean service history and confirmed recall completion is where this generation makes sense. The 2022 or 2023 GLE 350 lets you avoid the AIRMATIC and 48V costs at the price of needing to track the M264 cylinder head situation. The 2023 GLE 450 gives you the inline-six and the best used value in the generation once you've accepted that AIRMATIC maintenance is a line item, not a surprise.

Avoid the 2020 regardless of the price. Approach the 2021 and 2022 with an independent Mercedes specialist inspection and full service records in hand.

Run every VIN through a recall check — the 48V ground fire risk, airbag wiring, AC drain, and transmission software recalls are all still open on large numbers of V167s in the used market. CarScout members can track price drops on specific years and trim levels at usecarscout.com.

Data sourced from NHTSA recalls database, EPA fuel economy data, and real owner experiences from MBWorld.org, Mercedes GLE Forum (mercedesgleforum.com), BenzWorld.org, Consumer Reports (2020–2024 GLE reliability ratings), CarComplaints.com, California Lemon Attorneys, and Kalfayan Law Firm class action filings. See the full Mercedes-Benz GLE market data for pricing and inventory.