Recall 15V351 affects 814 2015 Mercedes-Benz E250, GLK250, and ML250 vehicles for chain-tensioner gasket oil leaks. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 814 2015 E250, GLK250, and ML250 vehicles because oil can leak from the chain tensioner gasket area. Oil dripping onto a hot engine surface raises fire risk, and oil on the road creates a crash hazard for other drivers; Mercedes-Benz dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The chain tensioner on the 2015 Mercedes-Benz E250, GLK250, and ML250 diesel engine keeps the timing chain tight as the engine runs. That chain keeps internal engine parts moving in the correct order. A gasket seals the tensioner where it fits into the engine block, so engine oil stays inside instead of leaking around the mounting point.
On affected vehicles, the gasket material from a specific production period had tolerance variations. That means the gasket did not seal the chain tensioner area as designed, especially as engine temperature and normal operating pressure changed. Oil can leak from the tensioner gasket area and leave the engine with less lubrication.
The warning sign is engine oil leaking onto the road or around the engine area. If that leak continues, the engine can stall.
Who's affected?
Covers three diesel models in the 2015 Mercedes-Benz lineup: E250, GLK250, and ML250.
| 2015 Mercedes-Benz E250 | Diesel |
|---|---|
| 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLK250 | Diesel |
| 2015 Mercedes-Benz ML250 | Diesel |
| Units affected | 814 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle.
What's the safety risk?
Engine oil leaking onto a hot engine surface increases the risk of a fire. Oil on the road also creates a hazard for other drivers and increases the risk of a crash. If you see oil leakage or the engine stalls, stop in a safe place and call the dealer. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2015 Mercedes-Benz E250, GLK250, or ML250 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the free chain tensioner gasket replacement that stops engine oil from leaking onto hot surfaces.
- Bring the recall notice if Mercedes-Benz mailed one. If not, reference recall number 15V351 and Mercedes-Benz recall 2015050005 when you call.
- Ask the Mercedes-Benz dealer whether the car is safe to drive if you see oil leaking before the appointment.
- Call Mercedes-Benz customer service at 1-800-367-6372 with recall questions.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mercedes-Benz technician replaces the chain tensioner gasket where oil can leak around the chain tensioner area. The recall repair is free, and parts and labor are covered. Mercedes-Benz did not create a separate reimbursement program because the involved 2015 vehicles were covered by the new vehicle warranty. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| June 5, 2015 | Dealer notification began |
|---|---|
| June 5, 2015 | Dealer notification ended |
| June 5, 2015 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| June 8, 2015 | NHTSA published the recall |
| June 19, 2015 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| June 23, 2015 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 15V351?
Recall 15V351 covers 814 2015 Mercedes-Benz E250, GLK250, and ML250 diesel vehicles with oil leakage around the chain tensioner gasket area. Leaking oil can drip onto a hot engine surface, which raises fire risk, or create a road hazard. Mercedes-Benz dealers replace the gasket for free.
What should I do if my 2015 Mercedes-Benz E250, GLK250, or ML250 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 15V351. If it is, contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the chain tensioner gasket replacement. Reference recall number 15V351 when you call. The repair is free.
Does the recall repair cost anything?
No. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair recall defects at no cost, and Mercedes-Benz will replace the chain tensioner gasket free of charge at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
What is the safety risk in recall 15V351?
The safety risk is fire and crash exposure from leaking engine oil. Oil from the chain tensioner gasket area can drip onto a hot engine surface and start a fire, or it can reach the road and create a hazard for other vehicles.
What if I bought my 2015 Mercedes-Benz E250, GLK250, or ML250 used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Mercedes-Benz is included, then contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer or call Mercedes-Benz customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/15V351000 |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz customer service | 1-800-367-6372 |
| NHTSA recall # | 15V351 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 15V351000 |
Source documents
-
Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF) - Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 1, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →