Mercedes-Benz Recalls 2016-2017 GLE and GLS Models for Air Bag Defect
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 3,620 vehicles due to excess insulation that may interfere with the passenger air bag's protective function.
What this means for you
Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 3/5 (High).
Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.
Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a safety-critical component (air bag) where failure results in an increased risk of injury, but the source text does not report any actual injuries or fatalities, fitting the 'High' criteria for risk-of-harm products without reported injury.
Plain-English summary
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC is recalling certain 2016 and 2017 GLE and GLS models because excess bulkhead insulation may extend into the lower windshield area. This defect can affect the windshield bonding and potentially prevent the passenger's frontal air bag from functioning fully in a crash.
The recall covers 3,620 vehicles, including 2016 GLE300d, GLE400, GLE350, GLE63 AMG, GLE63S AMG, and Coupe models, as well as 2017 GLS450, GLE550, and GLE63 AMG 4Matic models. If the air bag does not deploy as designed, the front seat passenger faces an increased risk of injury.
Dealers will remove the excess insulation and rework the windshield bonding as necessary at no cost to the owner. Interim owner letters were mailed in December 2017, with a second notice sent when the remedy became available in late January 2018. Owners can contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-496-3691 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.
The recalled product
- Product
- MERCEDES-BENZ GLE63S, GLE350, GLE300D, AMG GLE63
- Brand
- MERCEDES-BENZ
- Manufacturer
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.
- Affected units
- 3,620
Is your product affected?
Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.
Model numbers (7)
- GLE63S
- GLE350
- GLE300D
- AMG GLE63
- GLS450
- GLE400
- GLE550
Distribution
Distributed nationwide across the United States.
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