Recall 13V166 covers 256 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL63, GL350, GL450, and GL550 SUVs for loose seat belt anchor bolts. Repair is free.
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 256 2013 GL350, GL450, GL550, and GL63 vehicles because second-row seat belt anchor fitting bolts can loosen after improper torque. Loose anchor bolts can leave a belted passenger improperly restrained in a crash; the Mercedes-Benz dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The second row seat belt anchor in the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL63, GL350, GL450, and GL550 is the fixed mounting point that holds the belt hardware to the vehicle body. It lets the belt route across the passenger correctly and keeps the restraint system tied to a solid structure when the belt is loaded.
On affected SUVs, the bolts for the second row seat belt anchor fitting were not tightened to the required torque during assembly. Torque is the measured tightness of a fastener. If these bolts are loose, the anchor fitting does not have the clamping force Mercedes-Benz designed into the restraint system. The belt can shift at its mounting point instead of staying fixed.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner is unlikely to hear noise, see a warning light, or feel a change during normal driving, so the issue has to be checked at a Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Who's affected?
Covers four 2013 GL variants, all involving the same seat belt component.
| 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL63 | seat belt |
|---|---|
| 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL350 | seat belt |
| 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL450 | seat belt |
| 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL550 | seat belt |
| Units affected | 256 |
A matching year and model does not confirm inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific SUV.
What's the safety risk?
If the seat belt anchor bolts loosen, the belt anchor loses the secure hold it needs in a crash. A belted occupant is then not properly restrained, which increases injury risk. Schedule the dealer check and bolt tightening soon. Repair will be free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL63, GL350, GL450, or GL550 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to ask whether recall number 13V166 is open for your VIN.
- Schedule the free second-row seat-belt-anchor-bolt inspection and tightening if the dealer confirms the recall is open.
- Bring the Mercedes-Benz owner notice if you have it. If not, give the dealer recall number 13V166 when you call.
- Use the second-row seat belts only after the anchor fittings have been checked and tightened.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mercedes-Benz technician checks the bolts that secure the second-row seat belt anchor fittings and tightens any bolt that is not torqued correctly. The inspection and any needed tightening are free under the recall. The source remedy says the recall campaign began on May 24, 2013, so owners can ask a Mercedes-Benz dealer to confirm completion and perform the covered work if the VIN still shows an open recall.
Timeline
| April 29, 2013 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 24, 2013 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 13V166?
Recall 13V166 covers 256 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL63, GL350, GL450, and GL550 vehicles with second-row seat belt anchor fitting bolts that were not tightened correctly. Loose anchor bolts can reduce occupant restraint in a crash. Mercedes-Benz dealers will check and tighten the bolts for free.
What should I do if my 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL63, GL350, GL450, or GL550 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Mercedes-Benz vehicle is included in recall 13V166. If it is, contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the seat belt anchor bolt inspection and tightening. Reference campaign 13V166 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Mercedes-Benz will inspect and tighten the second-row seat belt anchor fitting bolts free of charge at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
What is the safety risk in recall 13V166?
The safety risk is reduced restraint in a crash. If the second-row seat belt anchor bolts loosen, a belted occupant can fail to be properly restrained, increasing injury risk. If your VIN is included, schedule the free dealer repair.
What if I bought my Mercedes-Benz GL-Class used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL63, GL350, GL450, or GL550 is included, then contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer for the no-cost repair.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/13V166000 |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz customer service | 1-800-367-6372 |
| NHTSA recall # | 13V166 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 13V166000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Quarterly 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 →