Recall 16V831 covers 799 2017 Mercedes-Benz E550 and E400 vehicles with underbody panel fire risk. Free repair at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 799 2017 E550 and E400 coupe and convertible vehicles because of insufficient clearance between the left catalytic converter and the composite underbody panel. Heat from that area can melt the panel and increase fire risk; Mercedes-Benz dealers will complete the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The underbody shield on the 2017 Mercedes-Benz E400 and E550 sits underneath the vehicle near exhaust parts. Its job is to protect and shape the underside of the car while keeping proper clearance from hot components, including the left catalytic converter. The catalytic converter treats exhaust gases and runs at high heat during normal driving.
On the recalled vehicles, a supplier process error left certain composite underbody panels outside specification. Those panels were installed during assembly, leaving too little space between the panel and the left catalytic converter. With that gap reduced, heat from the converter reaches a part that is not supposed to sit that close.
There is no warning sign before failure. The recall information does not list a sound, smell, warning light, or drivability change that reliably tells an owner the clearance problem is present.
Who's affected?
Covers the E550 and E400 with the same underbody shield component.
| 2017 Mercedes-Benz E550 | body structure |
|---|---|
| 2017 Mercedes-Benz E400 | body structure |
| Units affected | 799 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific car is included.
What's the safety risk?
Insufficient clearance can let the underbody panel melt, increasing the risk of a fire. Since the recall repair is available, confirm whether your VIN is included and schedule the inspection and any needed panel replacement soon. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2017 Mercedes-Benz E550 or E400 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the free underbody-panel inspection and replacement that addresses the catalytic-converter clearance and fire risk.
- Bring the recall notice if Mercedes-Benz mailed one. If not, reference recall number 16V831 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the inspection and repair are complete, and stop in a safe place if you smell burning or see smoke.
- Call Mercedes-Benz customer service at 1-800-367-6372 with questions about the recall or dealer scheduling.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mercedes-Benz technician inspects the composite underbody panel near the left catalytic converter and replaces the panel if the clearance issue is present. The inspection, replacement parts, and labor are free under the recall. Out-of-pocket repairs already paid are handled through the existing new vehicle warranty, not through a separate reimbursement program. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| November 17, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| December 16, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V831?
Recall 16V831 covers 799 2017 Mercedes-Benz E550 and E400 coupe and convertible vehicles with too little clearance between the left catalytic converter and the composite underbody panel. Heat from the catalytic converter can melt the panel and increase fire risk.
What should I do if my 2017 Mercedes-Benz E550 or E400 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 16V831. If it is, contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the underbody panel inspection. The dealer will replace the panel as needed, and the recall repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. For recall 16V831, Mercedes-Benz dealers inspect the underbody panel and replace it as needed free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is fire. Recall 16V831 involves insufficient clearance near the left catalytic converter, which gets hot during operation. If the underbody panel melts, the condition increases the risk of a fire.
What if I bought my 2017 Mercedes-Benz E550 or E400 used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the VIN, not the original owner. Check your VIN, then give recall number 16V831 to a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer when you schedule service.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V831000 |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz customer service | 1-800-367-6372 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V831 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V831000 |
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 →