2020 MERCEDES-BENZ GLS 450

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2023-2024 GLE 350, 2020-2024 GLE 450, 2020-2023 GLS 580, GLE 580, 2019-2023 GLS 450, 2021-2023 Maybach GLS 600, AMG GLS 63, 2021-2024 AMG GLE 53, AMG GLE 53 Coupe, and AMG GLE 63 S vehicles. A 48-Volt ground connection under the passenger seat may not be secured properly, resulting in the ground connection overheating.

Risk: An overheated ground connection can increase the risk of a fire.

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020-2023 GLE 450 and GLS 450 vehicles. The transmission may not fully downshift in certain conditions, causing the engine to stall.

Risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.

VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020-2021 GLE350, GLE450, GLS450, GLS580, 2021 AMG GLE53, AMG GLE63, Maybach GLS600, AMG GLS63, and 2020 GLE580 vehicles. The air conditioner drain hoses may have been incorrectly installed, causing water to drain into the passenger compartment.

Risk: Water intrusion into the foot wells may cause corrosion and/or short circuits to electrical components, increasing the risk of fire. In addition, the emergency call (eCall) feature may be disabled and the doors may not unlock, increasing the risk of injury. Also, the engine may not start or may enter a limp-home mode, increasing the risk of a crash.

BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2021 CLA-Class, GLE/GLS-Class, A-Class, C-Class, E-Class, E-Class Coupe/Convertible, GLA/GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and CLS-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The rearview camera may not display the rearview image due to a software error. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Risk: An inoperable rearview camera display reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020-2022 GLE450, GLS450, 2021-2022 AMG GLE53, 2020-2021 GLE580, GLS580, 2021 AMG GLE63, Maybach GLS600 and AMG GLS63 vehicles. A ground cable bolt for the 48V ground connection under the front passenger seat may not be secured properly, which can cause the electrical cable to overheat.

Risk: An overheated electrical cable can increase the risk of a fire.

SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 AMG GLS63, 2020-2022 GLS450 and GLS580 vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the locks on the third-row seatbacks may fail in the event of a crash.

Risk: A seat with a seatback lock failure may not properly restrain occupants, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

STRUCTURE:BODY

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020-2022 GLE350, GLE450, GLS450, 2021-2022 AMG GLE53, 2020-2021 GLE580, GLS580, and 2021 GLE400e, AMG GLS63, AMG GLE63 S, and Maybach GLS600 vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the rear door window trim bars may detach.

Risk: Detached trim bars may cause a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash or injury.

COMMUNICATION: AUTO CRASH NOTIFICATION

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2022 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, AMG GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, GLB-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. An error in the communication module's SIM card software can cause a mobile network connection failure, disabling the emergency call (eCall) system.

Risk: A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting the emergency services call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency responders and increasing the risk of injury.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

Mercedes-Benz, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 and GLS 580 vehicles. The front air bag wiring harness may be routed incorrectly, which can cause the air bag not to deploy properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Risk: An air bag that does not deploy properly can increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC):CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020-2021 GLE450, GLE350, and 2020 GLS450, GLE580, GLS580 vehicles. During certain evasive driving maneuvers, the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) software may apply torque to one of the front wheels, pulling the vehicle to one side. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."

Risk: If the vehicle unexpectedly pulls to one side during an evasive maneuver, it can increase the risk of a crash.

STRUCTURE:INTERIOR PANELS:DASHBOARD

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 GLS 450, GLE 350, GLE 450, and 2021 AMG GLE53 vehicles. The dashboard surface may not be properly secured to the base material.

Risk: In the event of a crash where the passenger air bag deploys, an unsecured dashboard could impair the inflation of the passenger air bag, increasing the risk of injury.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:FUEL RAIL

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019 AMG G63, C300, E300, G550, AMG GT63, AMG GT53, 2019-2020 A220, GLA250, GLC300, 2016 C300, 2020 AMG A35, AMG C43, AMG C63, CLA250, E350, E450, GLB250, GLE450, GLS450, GLS580, S560, and SL550 vehicles equipped with a gasoline engine. During the manufacturing process, particles may have been trapped between the fuel rail and injectors, which can cause a fuel leak.

Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source, such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.

SEATS

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 GLS450, GLS580, GLE350, GLE450, AMG C63, and 2021 AMG GLE53 vehicles. The seats may have been assembled incorrectly.

Risk: Incorrectly assembled seats may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 AMG GLE 53, 2020 GLE350, GLE450, GLE580, GLS450, and GLS580 vehicles. The air conditioner drain hoses may have been incorrectly installed, causing water to drain into the passenger compartment.

Risk: Water intrusion into the driver and passenger side foot wells may cause corrosion and/or short circuits to electrical components, increasing the risk of fire. In addition, the emergency call (eCall) feature may be disabled and the doors may not unlock, increasing the risk of injury. Also, the engine may not start or may enter a limp-home mode, increasing the risk of a crash.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2021 CLA-Class, GLE/GLS-Class, A-Class, E-Class, E-Class Coupe and Convertible, GLA/GLB-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, and AMG GT-Class 4-door Coupe vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The MBUX multimedia system software may cause the display to remain black, or reboot after startup. This could result in the rearview camera image not displaying properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Risk: A backup camera that displays a blank image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 - 2021 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS-Class, SL-Class, B-Class, GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to the Part 573 report for specific vehicle model details. The software design of the communication module may fail to communicate the correct vehicle location for the emergency call system (eCall) in the event of a crash.

Risk: Failure of the eCall system may result in emergency responders being dispatched to the wrong location, increasing the risk of injury following a crash.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 GLE 350, GLE 450, GLE 580, GLS 450, GLS 580 vehicles equipped with an optional illuminated Mercedes-Benz star logo in the front grill. The star logo's electrical ground connection may not be installed properly, potentially affecting the function of other components that share the same ground connection, such as the power steering control unit, wiper motor, and/or the left headlight.

Risk: If the power steering, wiper motor, or left headlight malfunction there could be an increased risk of a crash.

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 GLE350, GLE450 AND GLS450 vehicles. The seams on the rear crossmember may have been insufficiently welded. This may allow cracks to form when towing, possibly causing the rear crossmember to detach from the vehicle.

Risk: If the rear crossmember detaches from the vehicle, it can become a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash.

SUSPENSION:FRONT:SHOCK ABSORBER

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 GLE450, GLS450, and GLS580 vehicles. The sealing of the piston assembly in the front struts and rear shock absorbers may leak and fail prematurely.

Risk: Premature wear of the front struts and rear shock absorbers can affect vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The sunroof spontaneously shattered while driving down the interstate. No other cars involved and no rocks or debris caused it. It was inspected and repaired at a Mercedes dealer, however, Mercedes refused to cover the repair under the pre-owned certified warranty. We had to file an insurance claim. In doing research, it appears this is a common and ongoing problem with various models of Mercedes.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The vehicle, 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS450, was being backed out of the garage when an electrical failure occurred causing the vehicle to malfunction. This was a major safety issue that caused the entire vehicle electrical control systems to fail as the vehicle would not turn-off. The vehicle eventually turned-off and was not operational. It was towed to a local dealer where we were they discovered that a heating/cooling system hose caused moisture to enter the cab of the vehicle. The end result was major electrical damage to the vehicle control system of the vehicle. This vehicle is my wife's primary means of travel along with our 4 young children. Had this major malfunction occurred while on a highway going at high speeds a parish the thought of what could have happened to the safety of my wife and children. Per attached dealership bill, the dealership was not able to obtain coverage for this $4,255.15 repair bill. In addition, I did find other Mercedes-Benz GLS450 models who were recalled for this very safety issue where moisture in the cab resulted in major electrical control systems of the vehicle.

POWER TRAIN

On numerous occasions the transmission does not fully down shift to the next lower gear and then when I have to accelerate quickly it will drop down to the lower gear like it’s supposed to but won’t shift out to the next higher gear and when I let my foot off the accelerator the truck slows down quickly like applying the brakes which almost had me rear ended a few times and now the adaptive cruise control is malfunctioning

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I am writing to escalate an unresolved service issue with my 2020 Mercedes Benz GLS 450, VIN [XXX] . During a maintenance service on March 6, my trusted independent services shop for 25 years, Carrera Motors in San Mateo CA, identified that the electrical harness of my GLS 450 was significantly damaged. The plastic casing around the wires had effectively disintegrated, exposing the wires directly to the engine. Carrera Motors indicated that this was a serious issue and does not normally occur with a 5 year old vehicle. They encouraged me to contact Mercedes directly. At the instruction of Carrera Motors, I contacted Mercedes customer care on March 10 and was issued a case number (#[XXX]) for the harness issue. She mentioned that someone would get back to me within 3 business days. Unfortunately, 3 days went by without a response. I called and left 3 messages over the next 2 days. Finally, MBUSA returned my call and instructed me to take the car to an authorized Mercedes dealer. At my own expense, I had the car towed from Carrera Motors to Autobahn Motors in Belmont CA on March 18. Mark Nissen at Autobahn was responsible for the service of my vehicle. He and his services team have verified that the electrical harness was seriously damaged and needs to be replaced at a cost of $5,009.99. Replacement is considered critical, and it’s been identified as a serious safety issue. This issue has not been resolved. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

ENGINE

I am writing to escalate an unresolved service issue with my 2020 Mercedes Benz GLS 450, VIN [XXX] . During a maintenance service on March 6, my trusted independent services shop for 25 years, Carrera Motors in San Mateo CA, identified that the electrical harness of my GLS 450 was significantly damaged. The plastic casing around the wires had effectively disintegrated, exposing the wires directly to the engine. Carrera Motors indicated that this was a serious issue and does not normally occur with a 5 year old vehicle. They encouraged me to contact Mercedes directly. At the instruction of Carrera Motors, I contacted Mercedes customer care on March 10 and was issued a case number (#[XXX]) for the harness issue. She mentioned that someone would get back to me within 3 business days. Unfortunately, 3 days went by without a response. I called and left 3 messages over the next 2 days. Finally, MBUSA returned my call and instructed me to take the car to an authorized Mercedes dealer. At my own expense, I had the car towed from Carrera Motors to Autobahn Motors in Belmont CA on March 18. Mark Nissen at Autobahn was responsible for the service of my vehicle. He and his services team have verified that the electrical harness was seriously damaged and needs to be replaced at a cost of $5,009.99. Replacement is considered critical, and it’s been identified as a serious safety issue. This issue has not been resolved. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

ENGINE

On a long road trip - about halfway on [XXX] - received an error message on 48v system malfunction - immediately called nearest Mercedes dealership (Richmond Va) to schedule a service - while on the line received an engine overheating pull over and shut it off message - at this point vehicle deaccelerated over riding my control of vehicle speed. Had to navigate from far left lane to right hand emergency lane at 40 mph - very dangerous maneuver as losing power. Vehicle was towed and received a 48v software update - software that deaccelerates the vehicle with no override for safety is a real problem INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)