Recall 16V900 affects 48 2015-2016 Mercedes-Benz GL350, GL450, GL550, GL63, ML250, ML350, and ML400 vehicles for axle carrier bolt defects. Free repair at Mercedes-Benz dealers.
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 48 2015-2016 ML250, GL63, GL550, ML400, GL350, GL450, and ML350 vehicles because axle bolts on the front or rear drive axle carriers were not assembled correctly. If remaining bolts fracture, the vehicle can become unstable with reduced handling, increasing crash risk; Mercedes-Benz dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The front or rear drive axle carrier on 2015-2016 Mercedes-Benz ML250, GL63, GL550, ML400, GL350, GL450, and ML350 vehicles helps hold the drive axle parts in place under the vehicle. Its axle bolts clamp the carrier securely so the axle assembly stays aligned while the vehicle accelerates, turns, and absorbs road load.
On affected vehicles, some axle carrier bolts were not assembled correctly during production or rework. A bolt that is loose, missing proper clamping force, or installed outside the assembly requirement puts extra load on the remaining bolts. Those remaining bolts can fracture, which leaves the axle carrier less secure than designed.
Owners can be alerted by noises while driving. If you hear new noises from underneath the vehicle while driving, treat that as the warning sign and have the vehicle checked by a Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Who's affected?
Covers ML and GL SUV model lines across the 2015 and 2016 model years, all tied to the drive axle.
| 2015 Mercedes-Benz ML250 | drive axle |
|---|---|
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL63 | drive axle |
| 2015 Mercedes-Benz GL550 | drive axle |
| 2015 Mercedes-Benz GL63 | drive axle |
| 2015 Mercedes-Benz ML400 | drive axle |
| 2015 Mercedes-Benz GL350 | drive axle |
| 2015 Mercedes-Benz GL450 | drive axle |
| 2015 Mercedes-Benz ML350 | drive axle |
| Units affected | 48 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 2 field incidents to date. |
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?
Fractured front or rear axle carrier bolts can make the vehicle unstable, reduce handling, and increase the risk of a crash. Noise while driving is the warning sign named for this recall, so schedule the repair soon if your VIN is included. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2015-2016 Mercedes-Benz ML250, GL63, GL550, ML400, GL350, GL450, or ML350 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the free axle-carrier bolt replacement for the incorrectly assembled front or rear drive axle carrier bolts.
- Bring the owner notice if Mercedes-Benz mailed one. Reference recall number 16V900 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. Avoid hard maneuvers and leave extra following distance.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mercedes-Benz technician replaces the axle carrier bolts on the front or rear drive axle carriers covered by recall 16V900. The replacement parts and labor are free under the recall. If you already paid for a related axle carrier bolt repair before the recall notice, Mercedes-Benz has a general reimbursement plan on file for documented prior repairs. Bring repair paperwork to the service desk and ask how to submit it under that plan.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| January 5, 2016 | Dealer notification began |
|---|---|
| December 14, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
| February 5, 2017 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| February 10, 2017 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V900?
Recall 16V900 covers 48 2015-2016 Mercedes-Benz ML250, GL63, GL550, ML400, GL350, GL450, and ML350 vehicles with axle carrier bolts that were not assembled correctly. If those bolts fracture, vehicle stability and handling are reduced. Mercedes-Benz dealers will replace the bolts for free.
What should I do if my 2015-2016 Mercedes-Benz ML250, GL63, GL550, ML400, GL350, GL450, or ML350 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 16V900. If it is, contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer and schedule the axle carrier bolt replacement. Reference recall number 16V900 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Mercedes-Benz dealers will replace the axle carrier bolts free of charge, including parts and labor, for vehicles included in recall 16V900.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is reduced vehicle stability and handling if front or rear axle carrier bolts fracture. That loss of handling increases crash risk. If your VIN is included, arrange the free Mercedes-Benz dealer repair and ask the service desk whether the vehicle needs special handling before the appointment.
What if I bought this Mercedes-Benz vehicle used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your used Mercedes-Benz ML or GL vehicle is included, then contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer with recall number 16V900.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V900000 |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz customer service | 1-800-367-6372 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V900 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V900000 |
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 →