NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
What can fail
The 48-Volt ground connection under the passenger seat may not be properly secured, which can cause it to overheat.
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 580 has 12 recalls, the most serious involving two separate fire risks: a loose 48-volt ground cable under the front passenger seat that can overheat, and incorrectly installed air conditioner drain hoses that let water pool in the footwells and short out electrical components.
On the occupant safety side, the middle rear seatbelt buckle can slip down into the gap beneath the seat cushion, making it unreachable and leaving that seat's occupant unrestrained in a crash. There is also a steering concern on vehicles equipped with the optional illuminated front grille star logo, where a wiring fault can cause the power steering, wipers, or left headlight to stop working. Separately, the electronic stability software can apply unexpected torque to a front wheel during hard evasive maneuvers, pulling the vehicle sideways.
Visibility and communication issues make up another cluster: the backup camera display can go black or reboot on startup, the LED headlights may be set at the wrong angle after a prior service visit, and the automatic emergency call system can either fail to connect to a response center or send rescuers to the wrong location after a crash. Rear door window trim strips can also detach while driving and become a road hazard.
At a glance
What can fail
The 48-Volt ground connection under the passenger seat may not be properly secured, which can cause it to overheat.
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What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and tighten the 48-Volt ground connection as needed at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Air conditioner drain hoses may be incorrectly installed, allowing water to drain into the passenger compartment instead of outside the vehicle.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the air conditioner drain hoses and reinstall them correctly at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The trim bars around the rear door windows may come loose and detach due to a manufacturing error.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the rear window trim bars and secure them as needed at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A software error in the communication module's SIM card can prevent mobile network connection, which disables the emergency call (eCall) system.
What the fix does
The communication module software will be updated at no cost through an over-the-air update or by a dealer.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The ground cable bolt for the 48V electrical connection under the front passenger seat may not be properly tightened, which can cause the cable to overheat.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and tighten the ground cable bolt as needed at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
LED headlights may have been incorrectly adjusted during a repair, causing them to not meet federal lighting standards.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the LED headlights at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The MBUX multimedia system software may cause the display to go black or restart after startup, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying properly.
What the fix does
A dealer will update the multimedia system software, or you can receive the update over-the-air, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The air conditioner drain hoses may have been installed incorrectly, allowing water to drain into the passenger compartment instead of outside the vehicle.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the air conditioner drain hoses and correct the installation as needed at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
During sharp evasive maneuvers, the Electronic Stability Program software may apply torque unevenly to a front wheel, causing the vehicle to pull to one side.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the Electronic Stability Program software at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The communication module software may fail to send your vehicle's correct location to emergency services when the eCall system activates during a crash.
What the fix does
A dealer will update the communication module software, or the update will be sent over-the-air, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The middle seat belt buckle can be pushed down into the gap below the seat cushion during buckling. If trapped there, the buckle becomes inoperable and cannot restrain a passenger.
What the fix does
Dealers will secure the middle seat belt buckle to prevent it from dropping into the gap.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The illuminated star logo in the front grille may have an improperly installed electrical ground connection, which could affect other components sharing that ground, including power steering control, wipers, and the left headlight.
What the fix does
Dealers will relocate the ground connection to restore proper electrical function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.