The 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK250 has 6 recalls, the most serious involving the airbags: the driver airbag can deploy without warning, and the passenger airbag inflator can rupture and send metal fragments into the cabin, causing serious injury or death.
The steering recall covers a coupling bolt that may not have been tightened enough, which can cause a complete loss of steering. On the drivetrain side, this recall only affects diesel-engine models: an incorrect transmission fluid filter or overflow pipe may have been installed during a prior service visit, and the result can be either a fluid leak that raises the fire risk or a transmission control module failure that causes the vehicle to stall. There is also a software fault in the emergency call system where the date, time, and location data sent to emergency responders may be inaccurate, potentially delaying their arrival.
At a glance
What can fail
The wrong transmission fluid filter or overflow pipe may have been installed during service, potentially causing transmission fluid to leak or the transmission control module to fail.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the overflow pipe and transmission fluid filter at no cost to you.
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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
The passenger front air bag inflator may explode due to propellant breaking down after prolonged exposure to high humidity, heat, and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger front air bag module at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator may explode during a crash. This can happen because the inflator's propellant degrades after prolonged exposure to humidity and temperature changes.
What the fix does
The dealer will replace the passenger front air bag module at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver's airbag may deploy unexpectedly if the steering components lack proper grounding and the airbag clockspring is broken, allowing electrostatic discharge to trigger deployment.
What the fix does
Dealers will add grounding to the steering components to prevent electrostatic discharge from triggering the airbag.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The bolt connecting the steering coupling may not be tight enough, which could cause loss of steering control.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and tighten the steering coupling bolt as needed at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
