Recall 15V709 affects 52 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE450 and AMG GLE63 vehicles for loose rear driveshaft bolts. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 52 2016 GLE450 and AMG GLE63 coupes because rear drive shaft bolt fasteners can loosen and let the shaft separate from the transmission or rear axle differential. If the drive shaft separates, the vehicle will stall and increase crash risk; the Mercedes-Benz dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The rear drive shaft on the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE450 and AMG GLE63 carries engine power from the transmission toward the rear axle differential. The differential then sends that turning force to the rear wheels. Bolt fasteners hold the drive shaft in place at those connection points, so the shaft stays aligned while it spins under load.
On these Mercedes-Benz coupes, the rear drive shaft bolt fasteners were not secure enough to stay tight. As the vehicle is driven, loose fasteners allow movement at the connection between the drive shaft and the transmission or rear axle differential. If the bolts back out far enough, the rear drive shaft separates from one of those parts and power no longer transfers correctly through the driveline.
There is no warning sign before failure. Because the issue is tied to fasteners inside the driveline, an owner should not count on noise, vibration, or a dashboard warning before the shaft separates.
Who's affected?
Covers 2 GLE variants from the 2016 model year, both tied to the same driveline component.
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE450 | driveline |
|---|---|
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE63 | driveline |
| Units affected | 52 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific SUV.
What's the safety risk?
If the drive shaft separates, the vehicle will stall, increasing the risk of a crash. Schedule the dealer inspection soon, and stop driving if the vehicle loses power or feels unsafe on the road. Repair will be free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE450 or AMG GLE63 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to ask about the free rear-drive-shaft bolt inspection and tightening for your VIN.
- Bring the recall notice if Mercedes-Benz mailed one. If not, reference recall number 15V709 when you call.
- Avoid driving if the vehicle stalls or if you feel vibration from the driveline. Ask the dealer how to move the vehicle safely.
- Call Mercedes-Benz customer service at 1-800-367-6372 with questions about owner notification or dealer scheduling.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mercedes-Benz technician inspects the rear drive shaft bolt fasteners and tightens any fasteners that are loose. Parts and labor are covered under the recall. Because the campaign information does not include a current remedy status, treat the dealer repair as free once it is available through Mercedes-Benz service. When you call the dealer, ask them to confirm that the inspection and any needed tightening are open for your VIN before you arrange service.
Timeline
| October 27, 2015 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 9, 2015 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 15V709?
Recall 15V709 covers 52 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE450 and AMG GLE63 vehicles with rear drive shaft bolt fasteners that can loosen. If the drive shaft separates, the vehicle can stall and increase crash risk. Mercedes-Benz dealers will inspect and tighten the fasteners for free.
What should I do if my 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE450 or AMG GLE63 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 15V709. If it is, contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the drive shaft fastener inspection. Reference recall number 15V709 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost. Mercedes-Benz dealers will inspect the rear drive shaft bolt fasteners and tighten them as needed free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is a stall if the rear drive shaft separates from the transmission or rear axle differential. A stall increases crash risk, especially in traffic. If your VIN is included, schedule the free dealer inspection and fastener tightening.
What if I bought this Mercedes-Benz used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific GLE450 or AMG GLE63 is included, then call a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer and reference recall number 15V709.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/15V709000 |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz customer service | 1-800-367-6372 |
| NHTSA recall # | 15V709 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 15V709000 |
Source documents
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →