NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
What can fail
Water can collect in the spare tire wheel well and damage the fuel pump control unit, potentially causing the engine to stall while driving.
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE300d has 7 recalls, the most serious being a water intrusion issue in the spare tire well that can damage the fuel pump control unit and cause the engine to stall while driving.
Three recalls involve airbag concerns. A software fault can cause airbags to fail to deploy as intended in a crash, and a separate passenger seat sensor defect can prevent the front passenger airbag from deploying when needed. A third recall covers the front passenger airbag inflator itself, which may not function correctly in a crash, leaving the front passenger without full protection. On the steering side, water can reach the electric power steering control unit and shut off power assist, making the steering wheel significantly harder to turn. The emergency call system can report an incorrect date and time, which may cause it to transmit a wrong vehicle location to emergency responders. There is also a headlights concern on vehicles built within a narrow window in late 2015: the low beams may be misaimed, reducing how well the driver can see the road ahead at night.
At a glance
What can fail
Water can collect in the spare tire wheel well and damage the fuel pump control unit, potentially causing the engine to stall while driving.
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What the fix does
Dealers will install a water drain plug, check for water damage, and replace the fuel pump control unit if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A software error causes the eCall emergency system's date and time to be incorrect, which may result in an inaccurate vehicle location being sent during an emergency call.
What the fix does
Mercedes-Benz will send a remote software update to your vehicle. Dealers will verify the update worked or install a new communication module software at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Excess insulation in the bulkhead may extend into the lower windshield area, potentially compromising windshield bonding and reducing the passenger front airbag's protective function in a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will remove excess insulation and rework windshield bonding as needed to restore proper airbag function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The electric power steering connector may not be properly sealed, allowing water to enter the control unit.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the connector and inspect the electric power steering rack, replacing it if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Control unit software may be incorrect, potentially preventing airbags from deploying properly during a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the control unit software at no cost to restore proper airbag deployment function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front passenger seat occupant detection system may be incorrectly calibrated, causing it to mistakenly identify an adult as a child seat and disable the front passenger airbag.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the occupant detection system software at no cost to restore proper airbag operation.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The low beam headlights may not be properly adjusted, causing the headlights to fail to meet federal safety standards for lamp performance.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and adjust the headlights as needed at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.