Head-to-head reliability
Mercedes BENZ GLE Class vs Toyota Camry
How the Mercedes BENZ GLE Class and Toyota Camry compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Mercedes BENZ GLE Class vs Toyota Camry: The GLE has 462 complaints over 10 years (46.2/yr) with no recalls, while the Camry has 2143 complaints (214.3/yr) and 31 recalls. GLE owners report engine stalls and battery failures, while Camry owners report transmission and brake issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mercedes BENZ GLE Class or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mercedes BENZ GLE Class
The Mercedes-Benz GLE Class is a luxury SUV that, in ownership terms, demands attention to its complex systems. Over the past decade, owners have filed 462 complaints, with the highest numbers in the engine and electrical system. The pattern suggests that while the GLE offers a premium experience, it can be plagued by sudden shutdowns and battery issues that could leave you stranded or in a dangerous situation. The lack of recalls is notable, but the complaints reveal real-world reliability concerns that a buyer should weigh carefully.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a mainstream sedan known for its reliability, but the data shows it's not without issues. With 2143 complaints over 10 years, the highest numbers are in the powertrain, engine, and brakes. Owners report transmission failures, sudden acceleration incidents, and brake problems that can be serious. The Camry has had 31 recalls, addressing issues like airbag sensors and wheel studs, but the complaint pattern indicates that some problems persist, especially in newer models.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mercedes BENZ GLE Class | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 462 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 0 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 31 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 46.2 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 24 Better | 163 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 | 1 |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
Mercedes BENZ GLE Class
- 01ENGINE107
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM105
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER82
- 04POWER TRAIN48
- 05VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL43
Owners report the engine stalling or shutting off completely while driving, sometimes at highway speeds, leading to near-miss accidents. There are also known issues with cylinder head failure on M264 engines, triggering check engine lights and potential engine damage.
Frequent warnings about low 12V battery charge, even while driving, and complete failures of the 48V battery system. One owner mentioned a defect in the 48V ground connection that could cause high resistance and fire risk, though no recall is listed for this model.
Some owners report the vehicle lurching or moving forward on its own when in Park, and others describe sudden acceleration when reversing, with the engine revving loudly and the car going out of control.
“we own a Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 model 2021. Our vehicles engine has stopped running on two different occasions, resulting in a very scary near miss accident situation. The first time this happened was it 22,000 miles, the engine shut off as a result of a failu…”
“There is a known issue with the Cylinder Heads on specific models of Mercedes vehicles. Symptoms of M264 Cylinder Head Failure If your GLE 350 is experiencing these symptoms, it may be covered under the extension: Check Engine Light (MIL): Often triggered by…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Transmission issues are common, with grinding noises on acceleration and the need for complete transmission replacement. Some owners also report the car surging or accelerating unexpectedly when braking, which can be dangerous.
Sudden acceleration incidents have been reported, leading to crashes. There are also engine maintenance warnings related to a coolant valve bypass that may not be covered by recall for all VINs, causing safety concerns.
Brake failure has been reported, with the pedal going to the floor and no response, especially on hills. This is a critical safety issue that could lead to accidents.
“I turned into a restaurant’s parking lot, found a spot and slowly drove into the lot, I eased off the gas pedal and gently applying the brake as the lot has a slight downward slope. When I reach the chunk (the parking block), I added more force to the brake,…”
“Grinding noise coming from front end upon acceleration. Brought to dealership who confirmed noises coming from transmission. Transmission needs to be replaced per dealer recommendation. Recalls on 2021 Toyota Camry for same issue. Transmissions on backorder a…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
Mercedes BENZ GLE Class
No recalls on record.
Toyota Camry — 31 recalls
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short cir…
The risk: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed in February 2024. Some final remedy owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024. Letters will continue…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The second-row center and right-side seats may have insufficiently welded head restraint brackets. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle…
The risk: A head restraint bracket that is insufficiently welded may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the 60% rear seat-back frame sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 19, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB0…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The lug nuts that attach the wheels to the vehicle may be loose, which can result in wheel detachment.
The risk: A wheel that detaches from a moving vehicle can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Dealers will inspect and tighten the lug nuts, and replace any damaged components, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The second-row center and right-side seats may have insufficiently welded head restraint brackets. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle…
The risk: A head restraint bracket that is insufficiently welded may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the 60% rear seat-back frame sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 19, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB0…
Buyer analysis
Mercedes BENZ GLE Class or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Mercedes-Benz GLE Class has fewer complaints per year (46.2) compared to the Toyota Camry (214.3), but the nature of the GLE's issues—such as engine shutdowns and electrical failures—can be more severe. The Camry's higher complaint volume is partly due to its larger sales, but the problems are still significant. In practice, the GLE may offer a more luxurious experience but with potentially more costly and dangerous failures, while the Camry has more frequent but sometimes less severe issues.
Key differences
- The GLE has no recalls on record, while the Camry has 31, indicating Toyota has acknowledged more widespread issues.
- GLE owners report engine stalls and battery failures that can leave you stranded, whereas Camry owners report more transmission and brake problems.
- The GLE's complaints are concentrated in engine and electrical systems, while the Camry's are spread across powertrain, brakes, and engine.
- The GLE has had 1 death and 24 injuries in complaints, while the Camry has 1 death and 163 injuries, reflecting the higher volume of Camry complaints.
- Check for any history of engine stalling or shutdown, especially at low mileage, and ask for service records related to engine or battery issues.
- Inspect the 48V battery system and ground connections for signs of corrosion or damage, as failures have been reported.
- Listen for grinding noises from the transmission during a test drive, and check for any transmission replacement history.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, especially on a hill, to ensure there is no loss of braking power.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for any open recalls on the specific VIN.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the engine, transmission, and electrical systems.
- For the GLE, ask about any battery or engine-related service bulletins and whether the 48V system has been updated.
- For the Camry, ask about transmission fluid changes and whether the transmission has been replaced or repaired.
- Take both vehicles for an extended test drive that includes highway speeds and stop-and-go traffic to feel for any hesitation or unusual behavior.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | Mercedes BENZ GLE Class | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 119 |
| 2025 | 0 | 153 |
| 2024 | 0 | 48 |
| 2023 | 31 | 62 |
| 2022 | 63 | 59 |
| 2021 | 83 | 155 |
| 2020 | 123 | 270 |
| 2019 | 32 | 393 |
| 2018 | 56 | 736 |
| 2017 | 74 | 148 |
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific Mercedes BENZ GLE Class or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mercedes BENZ GLE Class vs Toyota Camry
- Mercedes BENZ GLE Class total complaints
- 462
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Mercedes BENZ GLE Class total recalls
- 0
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Mercedes BENZ GLE Class avg complaints/year
- 46.2
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Mercedes BENZ GLE Class
- Mercedes BENZ GLE Class top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN