2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 electrical system problems

What owners report

• “My vehicle was in for a normal service to have the spark plugs replaced. However I was told that the engine wiring harness had become brittle (apparently a common and reoccurring problem with my vehicle) and would likely cause misfiring after changing spark plugs. This did indeed happen and if I…”

  filed Apr 21, 2026

• “Engine compartment heat causes wiring harness insulation to melt and Electrical shorting while driving. Engine has lack of power and acceleration due to heat damage to the engine harness. Check Engine light came on. This is a potential fire risk and should be address by MBUSA. This is a know issue…”

  filed Feb 9, 2026

• “The air conditioning in my 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE SUV has failed due to a refrigerant (freon) leak, leaving the system unable to cool and properly defrost the windshield. This is not an isolated issue—many other GLE owners have reported the same failure on forums and blogs, suggesting a widespread defect. NHTSA has…”

  filed Oct 28, 2025

Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.

Related recalls

• A 48-Volt ground connection under the passenger seat may not be secured properly…
  Campaign 24V207000 · Mar 15, 2024
• Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details
  Campaign 22V365000 · May 20, 2022
• A ground cable bolt for the 48V ground connection under the front passenger seat may not…
  Campaign 22V231000 · Apr 8, 2022
• Instrument cluster software may deactivate the illumination of certain interior switches…
  Campaign 20V089000 · Feb 14, 2020

Related service bulletins

• Complaint CEL light on with no drivability concerns. Cause Signal timing error. Remedy 167, 465: SW has been released. Update the FSAM to the latest SW version. 290, 118, 243, 247: Software is still in development. This…

  LI54.21-P-080326 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 24, 2026

• Complaint Hand detection system – malfunction / vehicles with code 266 Fault message in instrument cluster: "Active Emergency Stop Assist not available" "Active Lane Keeping Assist not available" "Active steering assist…

  LI46.10-P-078012 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 17, 2026

• Complaint Traffic sign symbol for "Traffic Sign Assist" is blinking in instrument cluster without obvious cause usually with one of the following scenarios: • Flashing without a speed limit ("- -"). • Flashing when…

  LI54.71-P-079104 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 9, 2026

• 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…

  LI82.60-P-080383 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 8, 2026

Other reported problem areas on the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450