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Mercedes-Benz is one of the most influential luxury automakers on the market. However, it’s also among the least reliable. As a result, many Mercedes SUVs are not the best option for your next used or even new purchase in some regards. Here are three of the worst Mercedes-Benz SUVs. 

2020 GLE Class is one of the worst Mercedes-Benz SUVs

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE, one of the worst Mercedes-Benz SUVs
2020 Mercedes GLE Class | Sjoerd van der Wal via Getty Images

The 2020 GLE is one of the worst Mercedes-Benz SUVs . Though there aren’t many severe problems, it has various issues that take the luxury out of this luxury SUV. Among the many complaints about the 2020 Mercedes GLE Class, the biggest is regarding the electrical system. Mostly, they are related to the 48V batteries the automaker used.

Unfortunately, the 48V batteries in the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE Class can malfunction. This can be a safety issue as it can even happen while the vehicle is in motion. At least one driver has said that the battery malfunctioning almost caused a crash. Following the battery failing, drivers are bombarded with various service messages from the vehicle. 

Additionally, this model GLE is one of the worst Mercedes-Benz SUVs because it has been called uncomfortable by many people. This is especially true with the seating. People should also know that this vehicle only got a 69 out of 100 predicted reliability rating from J.D. Power.

2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE350 has problems

2016 Mercedes GLE 350
2016 Mercedes GLE 350 | Andrey Rudakov Bloomberg via Getty Images

The 2016 Mercedes Benz GLE350 is also one of the worst Mercedes SUVs. The vehicle has several complaints and even some recalls. One of the biggest problems with the SUV is that the fuel pump control unit is prone to failing. This causes the engine to stall if it happens while driving. However, according to RepairPal, the recall notification didn’t happen until 2023.

Another problem is with the date and time given to emergency responders. Additionally, this software malfunction could cause the wrong location of the car to show up for the emergency responders during 911 calls. Of course, this delays the potentially urgent help callers from their 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE might need. The recall for this resulted in an over-the-air update to fix it.

Another reason the 2016 GLE350 is one of the worst Mercedes-Benz SUVs is due to an oil leak. However, the oil leak happened near the ignition source, which could cause a fire. This issue was recalled in 2018, but there is never a guarantee that a previous owner had the problem fixed. 

The other problem with this Mercedes is that it’s not the most modern. 2016 wasn’t that long ago, but this specific model is a bit dated regarding features, specifically regarding entertainment. 

2020 Mercedes GLB 250

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 | Sjoerd van der Wal via Getty Images

The 2020 GLB 250 is another of the worst Mercedes-Benz SUVs. It has some issues and recalls that make it an overall unreliable small luxury SUV. One of the biggest problems is that water leaks damage essential electrical components. This can also cause engine stalls, failure to start, and damage to interior gauges. 

Another issue with the SUV is with the airbags. Unfortunately, the inflator and airbag cushions were not installed correctly in some 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 models. This could lead to the airbag rupturing in the event of a crash. Additionally, some side airbags in the SUV may not deploy correctly due to being installed incorrectly. 

Overall, Mercedes makes excellent vehicles. However, they are not all the most trustworthy. These are some of the automaker’s worst SUVs, but buyers should look into any vehicle they decide to buy. 

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