Mercedes-Benz Recalls SUVs for Electrical Problem That Could Lead to Fire

BY CALEB MILLERUPDATED: MAR 22, 2024

BY JACK FITZGERALDPUBLISHED: MAR 21, 2024

• 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.

MICHAEL SIMARI|CAR AND DRIVER

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.