Recall 16V146 affects 888 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 vehicles for misrouted steering-column wiring. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 888 2016 GLC300 SUVs because an incorrectly routed steering-column switch-module wiring harness can chafe. The damage can trigger an unexpected air bag deployment or engine stall, which increases crash risk, and Mercedes-Benz dealers will repair the routing issue free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The steering column switch module wiring harness in the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 is the bundle of wires routed through the steering column. It carries electrical signals for steering-column controls and related safety systems, including functions tied to turn signals, gear selection, stability control, power steering, and the air bag system.
On affected vehicles, that harness was routed incorrectly during production. The wrong path lets the wiring rub against nearby parts inside the steering column. Over time, that rubbing can wear through insulation or damage wires. Once the circuit is damaged, the recall identifies two possible outcomes: the air bag unexpectedly deploys or the engine stalls.
Owners can see warning messages in the instrument cluster for turn signal failure, gear selection failure, ESP/EPS failure, or an airbag malfunction. There is no early warning before an inadvertent air bag deployment.
Who's affected?
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 | wiring |
|---|---|
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 | steering column |
| Units affected | 888 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
An unexpected air bag deployment or engine stall increases the risk of a crash. Warning messages can appear for turn signal, gear selection, ESP, EPS, or air bag malfunctions, but an inadvertent air bag deployment has no early warning. Schedule the recall repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the free steering-column wiring-harness inspection and rerouting that addresses harness chafing linked to unexpected air bag deployment or engine stall.
- Bring the recall notice if Mercedes-Benz mailed one. If not, reference recall number 16V146 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the dealer completes the repair, and report any engine stall or unexpected air bag deployment when scheduling service.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mercedes-Benz technician inspects the steering column switch module wiring harnesses and reroutes any harness that was routed incorrectly. If a harness is damaged from chafing, the technician replaces it. Parts and labor are covered under the recall. Repairs already paid yourself are handled through the new vehicle warranty, not through a separate reimbursement program, since all involved vehicles remain covered under that warranty. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| March 5, 2016 | Dealer notification began |
|---|---|
| March 10, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
| April 22, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V146?
Recall 16V146 covers 888 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 vehicles with a steering-column wiring harness routed incorrectly. The harness can chafe, which can cause unexpected air bag deployment or engine stall and increase crash risk. Mercedes-Benz dealers inspect, reroute, and replace damaged harnesses for free.
What should I do if my 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific GLC300 is included in recall 16V146. If it is, contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the steering-column wiring harness inspection. Reference recall number 16V146 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Mercedes-Benz dealers inspect the steering-column wiring harness, reroute it as needed, and replace damaged harnesses free of charge.
Is it safe to drive my 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 before the recall repair?
This recall is not marked do-not-drive. The safety risk is an unexpected air bag deployment or engine stall, which increases crash risk. If your GLC300 stalls, has an unexpected air bag deployment, or feels unsafe, stop driving and ask a Mercedes-Benz dealer about towing.
What if I bought my Mercedes-Benz GLC300 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 2016 GLC300 is included, then call a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer and reference recall number 16V146.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V146000 |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz customer service | 1-800-367-6372 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V146 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V146000 |
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 May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →