NHTSA (USA)Critical
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.
The 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK250 has 6 recalls, the most serious involving airbag inflators that can explode and send sharp metal fragments into the cabin, posing a risk of serious injury or death to passengers.
Two separate airbag recalls cover the front passenger inflator, both tied to the same underlying danger: the inflator can rupture with excessive force, turning metal components into projectiles inside the vehicle. A third airbag recall affects the driver's side, where the airbag can deploy without warning, startling the driver and raising the risk of a crash. On the steering side, a connecting bolt in the steering coupling may not have been tightened enough, which can allow the steering column to lose its mechanical connection and leave the driver without steering control. There is also a drivetrain concern specific to GLK250 models with the four-cylinder diesel engine: a service repair may have installed the wrong transmission fluid filter and overflow pipe, which can lead to a fluid leak that raises the risk of fire, or cause the transmission control module to fail and stall the vehicle. Rounding out the list, a software fault in the emergency call system can cause it to report an incorrect date, time, and vehicle location, which may delay emergency responders from reaching the vehicle after a crash.
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.
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What the fix does
Dealers will replace the overflow pipe and transmission fluid filter at no cost to you.
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.