Recall 16V760 affects 996 2016-2017 Mercedes-Benz S-Class coupe and convertible vehicles for misadjusted low-beam headlights. Repair is free at franchised Mercedes-Benz dealers.
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 996 2016-2017 S550, AMG S63, S65 AMG, and AMG S65 vehicles because the low-beam headlights were not properly adjusted. Misaligned low beams can reduce the driver's visibility and increase crash risk; Mercedes-Benz dealers will inspect and adjust the headlights free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The low beam headlights on the 2016-2017 Mercedes-Benz AMG S63, S65 AMG, AMG S65, and S550 are the forward lamps used for normal nighttime driving. They are aimed at a set height and angle so the road ahead is lit without throwing the beam outside the allowed range for oncoming traffic.
In this recall, the issue is not a burned-out bulb or damaged wiring. The headlamps were set incorrectly before installation because the supplier used a temporary manual pre-configuration process instead of the usual automatic process. An employee error during that manual setup left the base-light setting outside the tolerance required by FMVSS 108.
There is no warning sign before failure. The headlights can still turn on, so the problem is an aim setting that is wrong from the start, not a part that gradually wears out or gives a clear dashboard alert.
Who's affected?
Spans four Mercedes-Benz model designations across the 2016 and 2017 model years, all tied to the headlight component.
| 2017 Mercedes-Benz AMG S63 | Headlights |
|---|---|
| 2017 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG | Headlights |
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz AMG S65 | Headlights |
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz S550 | Headlights |
| 2017 Mercedes-Benz S550 | Headlights |
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz AMG S63 | Headlights |
| Units affected | 996 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 1 field incident to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle.
What's the safety risk?
Low-beam headlights that are out of adjustment reduce the driver's view of the road and increase the risk of a crash. Use extra care in low light, reduce speed when visibility is poor, and schedule the dealer inspection soon. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016-2017 Mercedes-Benz AMG S63, S65 AMG, AMG S65, or S550 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the free low-beam headlight inspection and adjustment that restores proper headlight aim.
- Bring the recall notice if Mercedes-Benz has mailed one. If not, reference recall number 16V760 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete, especially at night or in poor visibility.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mercedes-Benz technician inspects the low beam headlight adjustment and corrects it as needed. The inspection, adjustment, 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, because all involved vehicles remain covered by that warranty. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior headlight adjustment paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| October 20, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| December 2, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V760?
Recall 16V760 covers 996 2016-2017 Mercedes-Benz AMG S63, S65 AMG, AMG S65, and S550 vehicles with low-beam headlights that are not properly adjusted. Reduced headlight aim can reduce driver visibility and increase crash risk. Mercedes-Benz dealers will inspect and correct the headlight adjustment for free.
What should I do if my 2016-2017 Mercedes-Benz AMG S63, S65 AMG, AMG S65, or S550 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 16V760. If it is, contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the headlight inspection and adjustment. Reference recall number 16V760 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires Mercedes-Benz to correct the defect at no cost, and Mercedes-Benz dealers will inspect and adjust the low-beam headlights free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for vehicles included in recall 16V760.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is reduced nighttime or low-light visibility. If the low-beam headlights are out of adjustment, the driver has less usable road illumination, increasing crash risk. The repair path is straightforward: a Mercedes-Benz dealer inspects the headlight aim and corrects it for free.
What if I bought this Mercedes-Benz used?
The free repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Mercedes-Benz is included, then contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer and reference recall number 16V760 when you schedule service.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V760000 |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz customer service | 1-800-367-6372 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V760 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V760000 |
Source documents
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Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
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Download Owner Notice (PDF)
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Download Recall Report (PDF)
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Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
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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 →