The Mercedes-Benz GLE is a large luxury SUV sold in Australia across two generations: the W166 (2015–2018) and the thoroughly redesigned W167 (from late 2019). The W167 arrived with MBUX infotainment, a 48V mild-hybrid EQ Boost setup on petrol variants, optional AIRMATIC air suspension, and the 9G-TRONIC nine-speed automatic. The technology that makes it impressive also makes it expensive to own and — on some fronts — prone to faults. Buyers shopping used W167 examples should go in with clear eyes about running costs and the specific issues this generation is known for.
AIRMATIC air suspension faults
Air suspension problems are the most commonly reported issue among GLE W167 owners, and Australian workshop technicians see the same patterns locally. AIRMATIC is standard on higher grades; the GLE 450 4MATIC can be optioned with the more complex E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL hydraulic system.
- Leaking air springs and compressor failure: The rubber bellows on AIRMATIC struts become brittle over time. A slow leak causes a corner to sag, then the compressor runs overtime compensating — until it also fails. Air spring replacement costs roughly $800–$1,800 per corner; a compressor adds another $1,200–$2,500.
- AIRMATIC fault warning (software-related): Mercedes-Benz issued a technical service bulletin for W167 vehicles displaying an "AIRMATIC fault" in the cluster caused by a control unit software fault — not a failed strut. The fix is a software update; replacing hardware will not resolve it.
- E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL low-pressure codes: On vehicles with the optional hydraulic E-ABC system, low-pressure fault codes typically point to a failing hydraulic pump or clogged filter. A service campaign covered certain 2020–2021 GLE models to inspect and replace pumps as necessary.
48V EQ Boost & electrical system
Petrol GLE variants sold in Australia pair with a 48-volt mild-hybrid EQ Boost system — an integrated starter-generator (ISG) and lithium-ion 48V battery. The system is a common source of fault warnings.
- "48V Battery Malfunction" warnings: The ISG, 48V battery, and DC/DC converter are all known weak points. These warnings can trigger disabled stop/start or reduced acceleration. Many cases are resolved by a Xentry software update; persistent faults require component replacement — both the battery pack and ISG are expensive items.
- 48V wiring harness recall (REC-005948): An Australian recall covering GLE and GLS 2019–2022 was issued because the threaded nut securing the 48V wiring harness connector may have been under-torqued, risking electrical faults or fire. Free repair is available at any authorised dealer.
- 12V auxiliary battery: A degraded 12V battery causes a cascade of module faults and MBUX reboots. Test it at purchase — it is a known early-failure item on the W167.
M256 petrol engine — oil leaks & consumption (GLE 450)
The 3.0-litre M256 turbocharged inline-six in the GLE 450 4MATIC has two documented weaknesses:
- Oil filter housing leaks: The M256 is prone to leaks from the oil filter housing and adapter assembly, which integrates an oil cooler with shared coolant passages. An internal cooler leak can allow coolant to migrate into the engine oil — a serious failure risk if caught late.
- Oil consumption and timing-chain rattle: Some owners report elevated oil consumption at higher mileages. A brief cold-start timing-chain rattle has also been reported; if persistent, it warrants investigation before it becomes a costly repair.
GLE 300 d diesel — DPF & EGR
The diesel GLE 300 d 4MATIC uses the OM654 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel. Australian specialists flag DPF and EGR care as priority maintenance items on these vehicles.
- DPF blockage: The diesel particulate filter needs highway running to regenerate. Short urban trips cause premature blockage, triggering limp mode. A forced regeneration costs $300–$600; replacement is $1,500–$3,500.
- EGR fouling: Carbon build-up on the EGR valve causes rough idle and accelerates DPF loading. Inspect at higher mileages.
9G-TRONIC transmission
The 9G-TRONIC automatic fitted to all W167 GLE variants is generally reliable, but two patterns are worth checking:
- Low-speed judder: A shudder between roughly 30–70 km/h under light acceleration is linked to torque converter clutch behaviour, often worsened by degraded transmission fluid. A fluid service and software recalibration at a dealer ($350–$600) typically resolves it.
- Transmission software recall (REC-005922): An Australian recall covering GLE and GLS 167-series vehicles (2019–2023) was issued for a software fault in the transmission control module that could cause an unexpected downshift. A free software update is available through any authorised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
MBUX infotainment — freezes & reboots
The MBUX dual-screen system on the W167 GLE is feature-rich but early software builds are unstable. Multiple owners report the display freezing or rebooting within the first minute of start-up; under some conditions the screen remains black for up to 50 seconds. An international safety recall (NHTSA #21V354, covering 2019–2022 GLE/GLS 167-platform vehicles) was issued for MBUX software not meeting specification, with an over-the-air update or dealer visit as the remedy. Bluetooth and smartphone connectivity can also be erratic on older firmware; confirm the head unit is on current software before purchasing.
Distronic radar sensor — "Pre-Safe Functions Currently Limited"
The front radar sensor behind the grille feeds Distronic adaptive cruise, Active Brake Assist, and PRE-SAFE. GLE W167 owners frequently encounter a "Pre-Safe Functions Currently Limited" warning (fault code P2583 — front radar offline). A dirty or mud-blocked sensor is the most common cause and is easily cleaned. Sensor misalignment after a minor front-end impact is the next most likely cause, requiring professional recalibration. Replacement of a failed sensor is the expensive worst case. The vehicle is drivable without these systems active, but the fault should be diagnosed promptly.
Recalls & safety
The W167 GLE has attracted multiple official recalls logged on the Australian Vehicle Recalls register. Key recalls affecting 2020 GLE examples include REC-001613 (dashboard bonding defect — front passenger airbag may not deploy correctly), REC-005948 (48V wiring harness nut under-torqued — fire risk), and REC-005922 (transmission control module software — unexpected downshift risk). All are repaired free of charge by authorised dealers.
Carify maps recall data by year — check the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE recall page for a full list, or browse all models at the recalls landing page. Confirm with the dealer — using the vehicle's VIN — that all outstanding recalls have been completed before you buy.
Buying a used Mercedes-Benz GLE? What to check
- Suspension: Test all four corners for consistent ride height and any sagging. Cycle through AIRMATIC drive modes and listen for the compressor running continuously — a sign of a leaking air spring.
- 48V system: Request a Xentry fault code scan; confirm no "48V Battery Malfunction" codes are stored. Ask whether REC-005948 has been completed.
- MBUX: Reboot the head unit mid-test drive. Confirm it recovers within normal time; check Bluetooth pairing and current firmware version.
- Engine oil (GLE 450): Check level and look for any milky residue indicating coolant contamination. Elevated consumption is a red flag.
- Transmission: Feel for shudder or hesitation between 30 and 70 km/h in light stop-start traffic; confirm REC-005922 software has been applied.
- Service history: Skipped services matter — especially on a vehicle with AIRMATIC, a 48V system, and a diesel DPF. Verify a complete logbook.
Before committing, run a Carify VIN check to confirm the vehicle's history, outstanding finance, and write-off status, or view a sample Carify history report to see exactly what's included.
The verdict
The W167 Mercedes-Benz GLE is an accomplished large luxury SUV — spacious, refined, and technologically advanced. However, that complexity is its Achilles heel in the used market. AIRMATIC faults, 48V electrical warnings, MBUX instability, and high servicing costs are real ownership risks. A used GLE bought with a complete service history, all recalls rectified, and a budget for above-average maintenance can be a rewarding vehicle. One bought without those boxes ticked can be a very expensive mistake. Do the research, inspect carefully, and check Carify's car problems and recalls hub to compare how this model stacks up against alternatives.