Recall 16V440 affects 5,826 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE450 vehicles for ECU software that can shut the engine during braking. Repair is free at franchised Mercedes-Benz dealers.
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 5,826 2016 GLE450 vehicles because an engine control unit software error can shut the engine down while the vehicle is braking. The shutdown can make the ECO start/stop system look intentional, but it raises the risk of a crash, and Mercedes-Benz dealers will update the ECU software free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The engine control unit on the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE450 is the computer that manages engine operation. It coordinates fuel delivery, engine speed, and the start or restart behavior that lets the ECO start/stop system turn the engine off and back on at the right time. During braking, it also has to work cleanly with the transmission controls as the vehicle slows.
On affected GLE450 vehicles, the engine and transmission software interact poorly during rapid, consecutive downshifts while braking. Engine speed can fall too low, and the restart from overrun fuel cut-off mode is impaired just before the vehicle comes to a stop. The result is an engine shutdown while braking that can be mistaken for normal ECO start/stop operation.
When this happens, the instrument cluster warning lamps turn on while the ignition remains on. That tells the driver the vehicle is not in ECO start/stop mode and the engine needs a manual restart.
Who's affected?
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE450 | electrical system software |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 5,826 |
Not every 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE450 SUV is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
An unintended engine shutdown can raise crash risk because power and normal driving response stop without the driver choosing it. After shutdown with ignition ON, the instrument-cluster warning lamps show the vehicle is not in ECO start/stop mode and needs a manual restart. Schedule the software update soon. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE450 is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the free ECU software update that corrects the engine shutdown during braking.
- Bring the recall notice if Mercedes-Benz mailed one. If not, reference recall number 16V440 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the software update is complete, especially during braking.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mercedes-Benz technician updates the engine control unit software on the 2016 GLE450. The update is free under recall 16V440, with parts and labor covered by Mercedes-Benz. This software change addresses the ECU error tied to engine shutdown while braking. Out-of-pocket repairs already paid are handled through the new vehicle warranty, not through a separate reimbursement program, because 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
| June 15, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 18, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V440?
Recall 16V440 covers 5,826 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE450 vehicles with ECU software that can let the engine shut down while braking. The shutdown can look like normal ECO start/stop behavior, but if it happens unintentionally, crash risk increases. Mercedes-Benz dealers update the ECU software for free.
What should I do if my 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE450 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific GLE450 is included in recall 16V440. If it is, contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the ECU software update. Reference recall number 16V440 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Does the recall repair cost anything?
No. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost. Mercedes-Benz dealers update the ECU software free of charge at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer, regardless of where the vehicle was originally purchased.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is an unintended engine shutdown while the vehicle is braking. The driver can mistake the shutdown for normal ECO start/stop operation, delaying the response. If the engine shuts down unintentionally, crash risk increases.
What if I bought my Mercedes-Benz GLE450 used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the VIN, not the owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE450 is included, then call a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer and reference recall 16V440.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V440000 |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz customer service | 1-800-367-6372 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V440 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V440000 |
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 →