Recall 12V493 affects 218 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK350 SUVs for parking lamps that are too bright. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 218 2013 GLK350 vehicles because parking lamp circuit voltage exceeds the federal limit for lighting equipment. That higher illumination level raises glare risk for oncoming drivers and increases crash risk, and Mercedes-Benz dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The parking lamps on the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK350 are exterior lights used to make the SUV visible when the parking-light setting is selected. Their brightness is controlled by vehicle software that regulates the voltage sent through the parking lamp circuit. That circuit is supposed to keep the lamps within the federal lighting limit for this function.
On affected GLK350 SUVs, the parking lamp software was programmed incorrectly during the GLK-Class facelift control software release. When the parking lamp is activated separately, a setting that does not occur during normal nighttime driving, the circuit sends more voltage than allowed. The lamp then appears brighter than intended, which means the vehicle does not meet the lighting standard.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner notices the issue only if the parking lamp is selected separately and looks brighter than expected.
Who's affected?
| 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK350 | Exterior lighting |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 218 |
Not every 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK350 is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
The headlamp illumination level is higher than intended, which can create glare for oncoming vehicles and increase crash risk. Use extra care at night and schedule the software update soon. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK350 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the free software calibration update that lowers the parking-lamp voltage to the required level.
- Bring the recall notice if Mercedes-Benz mailed one. If not, reference recall number 12V493 when you call.
- Limit dusk and night driving until the software update is complete if another vehicle is available.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mercedes-Benz technician updates the software calibration number, or SCN, in the affected electronic control unit. This is a software update, so the work centers on recalibrating the control unit rather than replacing a visible lamp part. Parts and labor are free under the recall, and the dealer repair is available now. Mercedes-Benz is not offering reimbursement for this campaign because no reimbursement is required.
| Reimbursement | No separate reimbursement |
|---|
Timeline
| October 10, 2012 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 5, 2014 | Dealer notification began |
| September 5, 2014 | Dealer notification ended |
| September 12, 2014 | Owner notification mailed |
| September 12, 2014 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 12V493?
Recall 12V493 covers 218 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK350 SUVs with parking lamp circuit voltage above the FMVSS 108 limit. The brighter parking lamps create glare risk for oncoming drivers and increase crash risk. Mercedes-Benz dealers will update the electronic control unit software calibration for free.
What should I do if my 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK350 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific GLK350 is included in recall 12V493. If it is, contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer and ask for the electronic control unit software calibration update. Reference recall 12V493 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Mercedes-Benz dealers will perform the software calibration update free of charge. You can also call Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372 with recall number 12V493.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is glare for oncoming drivers. In affected GLK350 vehicles, parking lamp circuit voltage exceeds the FMVSS 108 limit, which raises the illumination level. That glare increases crash risk. The repair path is a free software calibration update at a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
What if I bought my Mercedes-Benz GLK350 used?
The free repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your GLK350 is included, then call a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer and reference recall 12V493 when scheduling the software calibration update.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V493000 |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz customer service | 1-800-367-6372 |
| NHTSA recall # | 12V493 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 12V493000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →