Recall 16V442 covers 423 2015-2016 Mercedes-Benz ML and GLE vehicles with an incorrectly installed rear seatbelt anchor bolt. Dealer repair is free.
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 423 2015-2016 GLE450, AMG ML63, ML250, ML350, and ML400 vehicles under recall 16V442 because the right rear seatbelt anchor bolt was incorrectly installed. In a crash, that anchor bolt can fail to secure the right rear passenger, increasing the risk of injury; Mercedes-Benz dealers will complete the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The right rear seatbelt anchor in the 2015-2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE450, AMG ML63, ML250, ML350, and ML400 is the fixed mounting point that holds the belt to the vehicle body. During a crash or sudden stop, that anchor keeps the belt loaded against the seat structure so the passenger stays restrained.
On affected vehicles, the anchor bolt was installed into a welded anchor nut and end plate that were outside Mercedes-Benz internal specifications. The problem came from welding machine settings during production. That welding deviation left the bolt connection without the secure hold it was designed to have, so the right rear seatbelt anchor can loosen or fail under crash forces.
There is no warning sign before failure. The seatbelt can look normal, latch normally, and still have an anchor connection that does not meet the required specification.
Who's affected?
Covers five Mercedes-Benz SUV models across the 2015 and 2016 model years, all tied to the rear seat belt component.
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE450 | seat belt |
|---|---|
| 2015 Mercedes-Benz AMG ML63 | seat belt |
| 2015 Mercedes-Benz ML250 | seat belt |
| 2015 Mercedes-Benz ML350 | seat belt |
| 2015 Mercedes-Benz ML400 | seat belt |
| Units affected | 423 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not confirm inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
In a crash, the right rear seatbelt anchor bolt is at risk of failing to hold the passenger, which increases injury risk. If your VIN is included, use another seating position for passengers until the dealer inspects the anchor bolt. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2015-2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE450, AMG ML63, ML250, ML350, or ML400 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the free right rear seat belt anchor bolt inspection and correction, the repair that secures the rear belt anchor as designed.
- Bring the recall notice if Mercedes-Benz mailed one. If not, reference recall number 16V442 when you call.
- Limit use of the right rear seat until the dealer confirms the anchor bolt is installed correctly.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mercedes-Benz technician inspects the right rear seat belt anchor bolt and corrects its installation if the bolt was installed incorrectly. The inspection and any needed correction are free under the recall. Mercedes-Benz has a general reimbursement plan on file for eligible owners who already paid for a related repair before the recall work. Bring documented repair paperwork to the service desk and ask how the plan applies to that prior payment.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| June 16, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 5, 2016 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| July 22, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V442?
Recall 16V442 covers 423 2015-2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE450, AMG ML63, ML250, ML350, and ML400 vehicles with a right rear seat belt anchor bolt that was installed incorrectly. Mercedes-Benz dealers inspect the bolt and correct the installation for free.
What should I do if my 2015-2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE450, AMG ML63, ML250, ML350, or ML400 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 16V442. If it is, contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the right rear seat belt anchor bolt inspection. Reference recall number 16V442 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 to owners. Mercedes-Benz dealers inspect the right rear seat belt anchor bolt and, if the installation is wrong, correct it free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is that the right rear seat belt anchor bolt can fail to secure the passenger in a crash. That increases injury risk for the person sitting in that seat. The dealer repair fixes the anchor bolt installation for free.
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 Mercedes-Benz is included, then call a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer and reference recall number 16V442.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V442000 |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz customer service | 1-800-367-6372 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V442 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V442000 |
Source documents
-
Download Owner Notification Letter (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 →