The Recall Desk
Our severity:SevereNHTSA·23V177000·Announced 2023-03-17

Mercedes-Benz Recalls GLE and GLS Models for Fire Risk

Mercedes-Benz is recalling certain 2020-2021 GLE and GLS models because incorrectly installed air conditioner drain hoses may cause water intrusion, increasing the risk of fire or electrical failure.

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 source text explicitly states that the defect increases the risk of fire and injury, which aligns with the rubric criterion for 'significant injury/property-damage reports' or structural defects leading to severe hazards.

Plain-English summary

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC is recalling certain 2020-2021 GLE350, GLE450, GLS450, GLS580, AMG GLE53, AMG GLE63, Maybach GLS600, AMG GLS63, and GLE580 vehicles. The recall involves 61,450 vehicles where the air conditioner drain hoses may have been incorrectly installed. This defect causes water to drain into the passenger compartment instead of outside the vehicle.

Water intrusion into the foot wells may cause corrosion and short circuits to electrical components, which increases 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 reinstall the air conditioner drain hoses as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 28, 2023. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236. This recall is an expansion of recall numbers 21V-288 and 19V-587.

The recalled product

Product
MERCEDES-BENZ AMG GLE63, GLE 580, MAYBACH GLS600, AMG GLE53
Brand
MERCEDES-BENZ
Manufacturer
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
Category
Vehicle — HVAC / Electrical
Hazard
Affected units
61,450

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 (11)

  • AMG GLE63
  • GLE 580
  • MAYBACH GLS600
  • AMG GLE53
  • AMG GLS63
  • GLS580
  • GLS450
  • GLE 450
  • GLE 350
  • GLS 580 4MATIC
  • GLS 450

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Related recalls

Same brand · MERCEDES-BENZ

Same manufacturer · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

See all →

Same hazard · fire

See all →

Similar recalls