- Mercedes-Benz has issued a recall covering 116,020 SUVs across several models, including vehicles by Mercedes-AMG and Mercedes-Maybach.
- The recall covers an issue with a 48-volt ground connection under the passenger seat, which left unattended, could result in a fire.
- Vehicles affected, all within model years between 2019 and 2024, include the Mercedes-Benz GLE350, GLE450, and GLE580; GLS450 and GLS580; Mercedes-AMG GLE53 SUV and coupe and GLE 63S; the Mercedes-AMG GLS63; and the Mercedes-Maybach GLS600.
Mercedes-Benz is ordering a recall of 116,020 SUVs from several models, among which are vehicles produced by Mercedes-AMG and Mercedes-Maybach. According to documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the recall is to fix an issue relating to a 48-volt ground system located under the front passenger seat.
Vehicles covered by the recall include the 2021–2024 Mercedes-AMG GLE53 and GLE63, 2021–2023 GLS63, 2023–2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE350, 2020–2024 GLE450, 2020–2023 GLE580, 2019–2023 GLS450, 2020–2023 GLS580, and the 2021–2023 Mercedes-Maybach GLS600.
The NHTSA documents explain that the ground on affected models may become loose under the passenger seat during production, which could lead to the ground connection overheating. In turn, the overheating connection may result in a fire. Of the vehicles involved in the recall, Mercedes estimates that 100 percent are potentially affected by the loose connection. The recall documents also state that due to the nature of the issue, drivers will not be warned by their vehicle unless the connection has already come loose; in which case, the vehicle may display a warning message in the instrument cluster relating to the 48-volt power supply.
Documents show that dealers will inspect and tighten the ground connection as necessary, free of charge, and that vehicles from the same model year but outside of the recall population are already bolted to production specifications. Dealers will be notified of the recall on March 22, while owner notification letters are expected to be mailed by May 14. In the meantime, owners can check the NHTSA recalls website to see if their vehicle is affected.
Jack Fitzgerald’s love for cars stems from his as yet unshakable addiction to Formula 1.
After a brief stint as a detailer for a local dealership group in college, he knew he needed a more permanent way to drive all the new cars he couldn’t afford and decided to pursue a career in auto writing. By hounding his college professors at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, he was able to travel Wisconsin seeking out stories in the auto world before landing his dream job at Car and Driver. His new goal is to delay the inevitable demise of his 2010 Volkswagen Golf.