Recall 16V602 covers 2 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE450 vehicles for rear head restraints that can unlock in low temperatures. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 2 2016 GLE450 vehicles under recall 16V602 because the rear head restraints can fail to stay locked upright at very low temperatures. In a crash under those conditions, the head restraints can fail to protect rear seat occupants as intended, and Mercedes-Benz dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The rear head restraint on the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE450 is the padded support behind a passenger's head. Its job is to stay locked upright so it can support the head and neck as designed. The locking mechanism matters because the restraint has to hold position, not fold or release when the seat is in use.
On affected GLE450 vehicles, Mercedes-Benz found that the wrong rear head restraint was installed at the plant. At very low temperatures, that incorrect head restraint does not stay locked in the upright position. If it loses its locked position, it cannot provide the intended support for a rear-seat passenger.
There is no warning sign before failure. The filing does not identify a noise, dashboard light, or visible change that tells an owner the rear head restraint has lost its ability to stay locked upright.
Who's affected?
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE450 | seat assembly |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 2 |
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?
In a crash at very low temperatures, the rear head restraints can fail to work as intended. That raises the injury risk for people riding in the rear seats. Keep using normal caution, confirm whether your VIN is included, and schedule the dealer repair. 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 a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the free rear head restraint replacement that keeps the rear restraints locked upright in low temperatures.
- Bring the recall notice if Mercedes-Benz sent one. If not, reference recall number 16V602 when you call.
- Avoid seating passengers in the rear seats in very low temperatures until the repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mercedes-Benz technician replaces the rear head restraints covered by recall 16V602. The replacement parts and labor are free under the recall. Out-of-pocket repairs already paid are handled through the new vehicle warranty, not through a separate reimbursement program, since all involved vehicles remain under warranty. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have repair paperwork for the rear head restraints.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| August 15, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 11, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V602?
Recall 16V602 covers 2 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE450 vehicles with rear head restraints that do not stay locked upright at very low temperatures. In a crash, that defect can keep the restraint from working as intended and increase injury risk for rear seat occupants. Mercedes-Benz dealers replace the rear head restraints for free.
What should I do if my 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE450 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 16V602. If it is, contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule rear head restraint replacement. Reference recall number 16V602 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, and Mercedes-Benz will replace the affected rear head restraints free of charge at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is reduced rear head restraint protection in a crash at very low temperatures. If the restraint does not stay locked upright, it can fail to support a rear seat occupant as intended, increasing injury risk. Mercedes-Benz fixes the problem by replacing the rear head restraints.
What if I bought my Mercedes-Benz GLE450 used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE450 is included, then call a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer or Mercedes-Benz customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V602000 |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz customer service | 1-800-367-6372 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V602 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V602000 |
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 →