On July 7, 2026, my 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 experienced a serious engine malfunction. After stopping at a traffic light, the engine began shaking violently and idling roughly. When the traffic light turned green, the vehicle accelerated extremely slowly and had very little power, making it difficult to clear the intersection. The engine continued running roughly, and I was concerned the vehicle could stall in active traffic. At the same time, the ECO start/stop system automatically disabled itself and displayed "OFF" in white on the instrument cluster. Because the vehicle appeared unsafe to drive, I had the vehicle towed to Mercedes-Benz of San Jose on July 8, 2026. The dealer confirmed the rough-running engine condition and advised that the cylinder head ("engine top") must be replaced. This incident occurred after three repair attempts for recurring engine-related check engine light faults within approximately six months: 1.January 23–28, 2026: Check engine light illuminated. Dealer diagnosed fault in motor electronics for code P240200 (Actuation of the pump in the diagnostic module of the evaporative emission control system has a short circuit to positive). Separated diagnostic module from charcoal canister. Replaced. Cleared codes. System OK. 2.May 13–26, 2026: Check engine light illuminated again. Dealer diagnosed fault code P260F00 (monitoring of the evaporative emission control system has a malfunction). Multiple diagnostic tests were performed. All OK. Evap system OK. No replacements of parts before the vehicle was released. 3.July 4, 2026: Check engine light illuminated for a third time. On July 7, the engine began running extremely rough while stopped at a traffic light, causing a significant loss of power and severely limited acceleration. The vehicle was subsequently towed to the dealership. I am submitting this report because the recurring engine malfunction has progressed to a sudden loss of power in traffic, creating a potential safety hazard.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11749953 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

The contact owns a 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE350 4Matic. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35-40 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle jerked and lost motive power. The contact pulled over to the side of the road until the vehicle stopped. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the accelerator pedal wiring harness and loosened pin segments were replaced; however, the failure recurred three days later. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where unknown repairs were performed; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, but was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was filed, and the manufacturer partially covered the second repair. The failure mileage was approximately 86,882.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11751186 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

while driving, vehicle issued alerts for inoperative active brake assist, inoperative distance control, inoperative blind spot assist, and inoperative active stop and go assist. with all those alerts it was very concerning and I felt apprehensive to operate the vehicle further, as it may crash. Mercedes Benz dealer technician confirmed that the Distronic and Cruise control unit was defective/faulty.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11753924 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov