Recall 17V079 affects 4 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE350 and GLS450 vehicles for insufficient windshield bonding. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 4 2016 GLE350 and GLS450 vehicles because insufficient windshield bonding can let the windshield separate in a crash. If that happens, the passenger frontal air bag is not supported properly after deployment, increasing injury risk; Mercedes-Benz dealers will complete the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The windshield on the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE350 and GLS450 is not just glass in an opening. It is bonded to the body so it stays fixed, seals the cabin, and remains mounted during a crash. That mounted position is part of the vehicle's occupant crash protection system.
In NHTSA campaign 17V079, the problem is the bonded joint between the windshield and the body. During one assembly-plant shift, all required bonding steps were not completed. That leaves the windshield connection below specification, so the windshield can separate from the vehicle in a crash instead of staying attached as designed.
There is no warning sign before failure. The windshield can look normal from inside or outside the vehicle, even when the bond was not made correctly at the factory.
Who's affected?
The scope is split by model and component: each listed GLE350 and GLS450 includes the front air bag and windshield components.
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE350 | front air bag |
|---|---|
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE350 | visibility component |
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLS450 | front air bag |
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLS450 | visibility component |
| Units affected | 4 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE350 or GLS450 does not confirm inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
In a crash, a detached windshield can leave the passenger frontal air bag without proper support after deployment, increasing injury risk. If your VIN is included, schedule the windshield replacement soon. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE350 or GLS450 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the free windshield replacement that fixes the insufficient windshield bonding.
- Bring the recall notice if Mercedes-Benz mailed one. If not, reference recall number 17V079 when you call.
- Avoid delaying the repair, because a detached windshield in a crash can leave the passenger frontal air bag without proper support.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mercedes-Benz technician replaces the windshield covered by recall 17V079. Parts and labor are free under the recall. The issue is the windshield bonding, so the service work centers on removing the affected windshield and installing a replacement that meets the mounting requirement. Out-of-pocket windshield repairs before the owner notice are handled through the New Vehicle Limited Warranty, not through a separate reimbursement program, because all vehicles in this recall remain covered by that warranty. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| February 8, 2017 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 28, 2017 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 17V079?
Recall 17V079 covers 4 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE350 and GLS450 vehicles with insufficient windshield bonding. In a crash, the windshield can separate, leaving the passenger frontal air bag without proper support after deployment and increasing injury risk. Mercedes-Benz dealers will replace the windshield for free.
What should I do if my 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE350 or GLS450 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 17V079. If it is, contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the windshield replacement. Reference recall number 17V079 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, and Mercedes-Benz will replace the affected windshield free of charge at a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Is it safe to drive my 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE350 or GLS450?
The recall does not include a do-not-drive order. The stated safety risk applies during a crash: the windshield can detach and leave the passenger frontal air bag without proper support after deployment. Confirm your VIN, then schedule the free windshield replacement with a Mercedes-Benz dealer.
What if I bought this Mercedes-Benz vehicle used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. If you never received the March 2017 recall notice, check your VIN and give recall number 17V079 to a Mercedes-Benz dealer when you schedule service.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/17V079000 |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz customer service | 1-800-367-6372 |
| NHTSA recall # | 17V079 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 17V079000 |
Source documents
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →