The Recall Desk
Our severity:SevereNHTSA·21V288000·Announced 2021-04-23

Mercedes-Benz Recalls 2020-2021 GLE and GLS Models for Fire Risk

Mercedes-Benz is recalling certain 2020-2021 GLE and GLS vehicles because incorrectly installed air conditioner drain hoses may cause water intrusion, leading to electrical short circuits and fire.

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 4/5 (Severe).

The hazard poses a serious risk of illness, injury, or structural failure. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a structural vehicle defect (incorrectly installed hoses) that explicitly increases the risk of fire and injury, meeting the criteria for a Severe (4) rating.

Plain-English summary

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC is recalling certain 2021 AMG GLE 53, 2020 GLE 350, GLE 450, GLE 580, GLS 450, and GLS 580 vehicles. The recall addresses a defect where the air conditioner drain hoses may have been incorrectly installed, causing water to drain into the passenger compartment.

Water intrusion into the driver and passenger side foot wells may cause corrosion and/or short circuits to electrical components, increasing the risk of fire. Additionally, the emergency call (eCall) feature may be disabled, and the doors may not unlock, increasing the risk of injury. The engine may also fail to start or enter a limp-home mode, increasing the risk of a crash.

Dealers will inspect and correct the air conditioner drain hoses, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 4, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

The recalled product

Product
MERCEDES-BENZ GLE 350, GLE 450, GLS 450, GLS 580 4MATIC
Brand
MERCEDES-BENZ
Manufacturer
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
Category
Vehicle — SUV
Hazard
Affected units
6,331

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 (6)

  • GLE 350
  • GLE 450
  • GLS 450
  • GLS 580 4MATIC
  • AMG GLE53
  • GLE 580

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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