Mercedes-Benz GLE 350e
Modern turbocharged four-cylinder with direct injection and piezo injectors. Successor to the M271. Less susceptible to timing chain issues. Good balance of power and economy.
Adequately Powered
245 kW in an SUV is adequate for everyday use. Not exciting, but not underpowered.
Engine Weaknesses 6
The high-pressure fuel pump on the M274 is driven by a lobe on the intake camshaft. Wear on the drive lobe or pump follower leads to pressure drop.
Symptoms: Metallic ticking from engine area, starting problems or extended cranking, power loss, fault code P0087
On the M274 too, the camshaft adjuster solenoids develop leaks. Oil penetrates the wiring harness by capillary action and can damage the engine ECU.
Symptoms: Fault code P0010, CEL, oil traces at camshaft connectors, lambda sensor failure, in severe cases ECU failure
Primary weak point of the M274: the electric thermostat sits deep in the engine block and is hard to reach. Replacement takes around 3 hours.
Symptoms: Engine does not reach operating temperature or overheats, temperature fluctuations, fault codes P0597–P0599
The PCV valve on the M274 clogs or breaks. Fault code P052E. Parts are inexpensive (~€63), but installed hidden under the engine ECU.
Symptoms: Fault code P052E, CEL, power loss, fault returns immediately after clearing
The M274 petrol engine has two NOx sensors that frequently fail. Each sensor costs around €600 as a part; with both sensors the repair bill quickly reaches €1,500.
Symptoms: Check engine light, NOx sensor fault code, elevated exhaust values, possible limp mode
The M274 with direct injection and no port injection tends to carbon deposits on intake valves like all GDI engines. Walnut blasting every 60,000–80,000 km is recommended.
Symptoms: Stumble under partial load, rough idle, slight power loss
Vehicle Weaknesses 10
Incorrectly fitted A/C condensate drain hoses direct water into the interior. Short circuits and fire risk. KBA recall 012644 affects 11,601 vehicles.
On early V167 models, damper rod seals do not meet specification. Leaking hydraulic fluid leads to premature failure.
An incorrectly welded stud on the right-hand side of the vehicle allows water ingress. Electrical connections for the engine, lighting and wipers can fail. Approximately 3,576 vehicles affected.
Incorrectly routed condensate drain hoses direct water into the vehicle interior. Contact with electrics can cause short circuits and fire risk. Recall KBA 012644, 171,463 vehicles worldwide.
On early C167 examples, the damper rod seal cannot meet long-term sealing requirements. Risk of tipping at maximum load and cornering.
Incorrectly routed A/C condensate drain hoses can cause short circuits and fire risk. Approximately 171,463 vehicles worldwide affected.
Incorrectly secured window channel trim strips can detach while driving. Approximately 450,000 vehicles on the 167 platform worldwide affected.
The infotainment system freezes occasionally. Climate control and seat adjustments become non-functional. Software updates only partially improve the situation.
Decorative trim strips on rear doors detach. Around 450,000 vehicles affected. Mercedes covers costs under a goodwill action.
The MBUX system no longer responds to touch inputs or hangs on long journeys. Software updates alleviate the problem but rarely solve it permanently.
Reports & Tests
231 owner complaints filed with NHTSA (2019–2025). Most reported: Engine (61), Electrical (44), Other (36).