MERCEDES-BENZ AMG GLE53 · model year

2021 MERCEDES-BENZ AMG GLE53

26 NHTSA complaints, and 16 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2021MERCEDES-BENZAMG GLE53 carries 26 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2021 AMG GLE53 is electrical system with 9 filings, followed by engine (4) and unknown or other (3). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 16 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 15 investigation files overlapping the 2021 AMG GLE53. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

26
Complaints
0
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

26 filings

Crashes Reported

0 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM9
ENGINE4
UNKNOWN OR OTHER3
POWER TRAIN2
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL2
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:DRIVER MONITORING:CAMERA/SENSOR1
SERVICE BRAKES1
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL1
TIRES1

Recalls (16)

20V67100030/10/2020

SEAT BELTS: REAR/OTHER:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY

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

23V44500026/06/2023

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

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.

21V28800023/04/2021

EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

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.

21V83200022/10/2021

VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR

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.

22V36500020/05/2022

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

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 de

21V90900019/11/2021

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH

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.

21V81800018/10/2021

SEATS

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.

23V17700017/03/2023

VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM

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.

24V20700015/03/2024

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

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

21V35400014/05/2021

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

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 m

20V08900014/02/2020

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

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 clus

22V68000012/09/2022

STRUCTURE:BODY

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.

22V23100008/04/2022

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH

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

21V05800005/02/2021

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

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 mod

21V05700005/02/2021

STRUCTURE:INTERIOR PANELS:DASHBOARD

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.

21V50900002/07/2021

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

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 com

Recent Complaints

20251230POWER 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 lanes of traffic. The warnings that came on said “car cannot shift”, “battery failure warning” and when stopped; “do not restart the car.” The shoulder was very narrow and we could have easily been hit by the cars passing at high speeds on the beltway. We had to wait 2 hours for Mercedes roadside assistance to arrive. The dealer is saying it will be $6,000 to repair this.

20250302ELECTRICAL 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.

20241029ELECTRICAL 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. Based on some cursory research, this is a known problem in these cars. Mercedes Benz needs to be held accountable. The car was purchased brand new three years ago.

20241029FUEL/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. Based on some cursory research, this is a known problem in these cars. Mercedes Benz needs to be held accountable. The car was purchased brand new three years ago.

20230817ENGINE

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 were accompanied by a brief "limp mode" and immediate total loss of acceleration. The most recent loss-of-acceleration event occurred during lunch hour traffic on the highway, at highway speeds. The vehicle has been taken to the dealership to address these issues on 3 separate occasions. Visit #1: the communication fault codes were noted by the technicians, but they could not replicate the issues. The faults were cleared and the vehicle service was deemed complete. Visit #2 (3 days later and the first instance of acceleration loss): report from service department reads almost identical to that of Visit #1 except the notation that "...found

20230817VEHICLE 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 were accompanied by a brief "limp mode" and immediate total loss of acceleration. The most recent loss-of-acceleration event occurred during lunch hour traffic on the highway, at highway speeds. The vehicle has been taken to the dealership to address these issues on 3 separate occasions. Visit #1: the communication fault codes were noted by the technicians, but they could not replicate the issues. The faults were cleared and the vehicle service was deemed complete. Visit #2 (3 days later and the first instance of acceleration loss): report from service department reads almost identical to that of Visit #1 except the notation that "...found

20230817ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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 were accompanied by a brief "limp mode" and immediate total loss of acceleration. The most recent loss-of-acceleration event occurred during lunch hour traffic on the highway, at highway speeds. The vehicle has been taken to the dealership to address these issues on 3 separate occasions. Visit #1: the communication fault codes were noted by the technicians, but they could not replicate the issues. The faults were cleared and the vehicle service was deemed complete. Visit #2 (3 days later and the first instance of acceleration loss): report from service department reads almost identical to that of Visit #1 except the notation that "...found

20230323ELECTRICAL 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 causing us to pull over on freeway; We don’t five it (1100 miles) because we are concerned about safety issues from the 48V battery failing at unexpected times; firs, overheating and battery coolant issues…etc. We believe this falls under the Lemon law and should be recalled. Thank you for your time and I look forward to your feedback.

20230316UNKNOWN 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.

20230316FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

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.

20230131TIRES

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 illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the tire assembly needed to be replaced; however, there was no repair for the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was advised to call the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 18,000.

Mileage: 18,000

20221105ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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 updated. This is a design flaw that MB needs to fix before someone dies. The issue can happen at any time, I have just been lucky enough that both times it was parked in my garage. I am now considering pursuing a full refund under lemon law, I no longer feel safe driving this car and each time it has been in the dealer for repair I am without a vehicle for 2 weeks. Very disappointing for a vehicle that cost almost 100k.

20221105ENGINE

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 updated. This is a design flaw that MB needs to fix before someone dies. The issue can happen at any time, I have just been lucky enough that both times it was parked in my garage. I am now considering pursuing a full refund under lemon law, I no longer feel safe driving this car and each time it has been in the dealer for repair I am without a vehicle for 2 weeks. Very disappointing for a vehicle that cost almost 100k.

20221105UNKNOWN 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 updated. This is a design flaw that MB needs to fix before someone dies. The issue can happen at any time, I have just been lucky enough that both times it was parked in my garage. I am now considering pursuing a full refund under lemon law, I no longer feel safe driving this car and each time it has been in the dealer for repair I am without a vehicle for 2 weeks. Very disappointing for a vehicle that cost almost 100k.

20220624UNKNOWN OR OTHER

UNKNOWN

20220202ELECTRICAL 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 involving the components the driver relies upon to drive the car - for example, the driver's side instrument panel has indicator lights for the odometer, gas & oil levels and especially, the gear shift controls. My husband asked the dealer to look into the problem and was told a 10682 Electrical test was performed showing that the Head Unit had a fault. When tested again it showed no fault & no available software updates, so they cleared the Head codes and ran the test, which came up negative.

20220105ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

It is incredibly distressing to have experienced an issue that is widely reported in this database and online forums, and remains unaddressed by MBUSA. It also seems to be an entirely preventable issue that can be fixed via a software update. The issue relates to a malfunction of the 48V battery that made the vehicle inoperatable. It happened in the midst of winter and we would be been in a dire position if our family did not come to the rescue to pick us up. The vehicle had to be towed to a dealership. Here is the dealer summary: 48v software vehicle has no power, connected jumper, battery lights on in dash, towed into shop and connected battery charger, performed quick test, found codes in 48v- B183349 and B183371 , referred to Topic # LI54.10-P-069698 remedy #2, performed guided test for B1833349, as per guided test updated 48v software and commissioned, after completion vehicle started normally, performed extended test drive and multiple short test drives to verify vehicle now o

20220105ENGINE

It is incredibly distressing to have experienced an issue that is widely reported in this database and online forums, and remains unaddressed by MBUSA. It also seems to be an entirely preventable issue that can be fixed via a software update. The issue relates to a malfunction of the 48V battery that made the vehicle inoperatable. It happened in the midst of winter and we would be been in a dire position if our family did not come to the rescue to pick us up. The vehicle had to be towed to a dealership. Here is the dealer summary: 48v software vehicle has no power, connected jumper, battery lights on in dash, towed into shop and connected battery charger, performed quick test, found codes in 48v- B183349 and B183371 , referred to Topic # LI54.10-P-069698 remedy #2, performed guided test for B1833349, as per guided test updated 48v software and commissioned, after completion vehicle started normally, performed extended test drive and multiple short test drives to verify vehicle now o

20211126ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

GLE53 would not start. The car threw an error stating 12v battery malfunction.(Impacted the 48V battery) This essentially disables the vehicle completely. This is 2021 GLE53 with less than 5000 miles. There is also an issue with the side-view mirror and wind noise.

20211126ENGINE

GLE53 would not start. The car threw an error stating 12v battery malfunction.(Impacted the 48V battery) This essentially disables the vehicle completely. This is 2021 GLE53 with less than 5000 miles. There is also an issue with the side-view mirror and wind noise.

Compare 2021MERCEDES-BENZAMG GLE53 to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2021 MERCEDES-BENZ AMG GLE53 have?
The 2021 MERCEDES-BENZ AMG GLE53 has 26 NHTSA complaints, 0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2021 MERCEDES-BENZ AMG GLE53?
Yes, the 2021 MERCEDES-BENZ AMG GLE53 has 16 recall(s). The most common affected component is SEAT BELTS: REAR/OTHER:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 MERCEDES-BENZ AMG GLE53?
The most-complained component for the 2021 MERCEDES-BENZ AMG GLE53 is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM with 9 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include ENGINE and UNKNOWN OR OTHER.
Is the 2021 MERCEDES-BENZ AMG GLE53 safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.