The defect
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.
The 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.
The remedy
Dealers will inspect and correct the air conditioner drain hoses, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 4, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021040024.
NHTSA's own wording · initiated by MFR
Vehicles covered
| Model | Model years |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE53 | 2021 |
| Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 | 2020 |
| Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 | 2020 |
| Mercedes-Benz GLE 580 | 2020 |
| Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 | 2020 |
| Mercedes-Benz GLS 580 4MATIC | 2020 |
Components: EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
Model years in this recall
NHTSA complaints and the number of recall campaigns for each model year this recall covers.
| Model | Year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE53 | 2021 | 16 | 16 |
| Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 | 2020 | 91 | 27 |
| Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 | 2020 | 26 | 32 |
| Mercedes-Benz GLE 580 | 2020 | 5 | 12 |
| Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 | 2020 | 35 | 20 |
| Mercedes-Benz GLS 580 4MATIC | 2020 | 2 | 19 |
Other equipment recalls in 2021
166 of the 988 recall campaigns reported to NHTSA in 2021 concerned the equipment; Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC filed 180 campaigns in all.
| 21V998000 20 Dec 2021 | Altec Industries, Inc. |
| 21V994000 20 Dec 2021 | Heartland Recreational Vehicles, LLC |
| 21V992000 18 Dec 2021 | KZRV, L.P. |
| 21V988000 17 Dec 2021 | Forest River, Inc. |
| 21V975000 15 Dec 2021 | Bentley Motors, Inc. |
| 21V970000 14 Dec 2021 | TOURIG |
| 21V948000 8 Dec 2021 | Carson Trailer, Inc. |
| 21V945000 8 Dec 2021 | Daimler Trucks North America, LLC |
NHTSA recalls (public domain) · all recalls of 2021