Recall 17V081 affects 37 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL450, GLE350, and GLE450 vehicles for a loose upper-control-arm bolt. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 37 2016 GL450, GLE350, and GLE450 vehicles because the recall addresses a bolt connecting the upper control arm to the axle stub. A loose bolt can throw off wheel tracking and increase crash risk, and Mercedes-Benz dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
The upper control arm is part of the front suspension on the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL450, GLE350, and GLE450. It helps hold the top of the wheel assembly in the correct position as the suspension moves over bumps and during steering. A bolt connects that arm to the axle stub, so the joint needs the right torque to stay tight.
In recall 17V081, that bolt was released from the assembly plant without the required tightening on affected vehicles. Mercedes-Benz traced the problem to an assembly error on vehicles built on one specific day. When the connection is not tightened to specification, the joint can loosen instead of holding the suspension parts firmly together.
Owners are expected to notice noise from the front axle area while driving. That noise is the warning sign tied to this recall, and it means the front suspension connection needs dealer inspection and repair.
Who's affected?
Covers three Mercedes-Benz SUV models from the 2016 model year, all tied to the upper control arm.
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL450 | upper control arm |
|---|---|
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE350 | upper control arm |
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE450 | upper control arm |
| Units affected | 37 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL450, GLE350, or GLE450 SUV is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
A loose upper control arm bolt can make the front wheel track improperly, which raises the risk of a crash. Noise from the front axle area while driving is the warning sign. Drive cautiously, avoid hard maneuvers, and schedule the inspection soon. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL450, GLE350, or GLE450 is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the free inspection and any needed upper-control-arm replacement for the loose bolt that connects the upper control arm to the axle stub.
- Bring the recall notice if Mercedes-Benz mailed one. If not, reference recall number 17V081 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the inspection and repair are complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mercedes-Benz technician checks the tightness of the bolt connecting the upper control arm and the axle stub. If the inspection shows damage or the part cannot be secured correctly, the technician replaces the upper control arm. Parts and labor are free under the recall. Prior related repairs are handled under the vehicle's New Vehicle Limited Warranty, not through a separate pre-notice reimbursement program. 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 |
|---|---|
| February 8, 2017 | Dealer notification began |
| March 8, 2017 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| March 28, 2017 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 17V081?
Recall 17V081 covers 37 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL450, GLE350, and GLE450 vehicles with an upper control arm bolt that was not properly tightened. A Mercedes-Benz dealer will inspect the bolt and replace the upper control arm if required, free of charge.
What should I do if my 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL450, GLE350, or GLE450 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 17V081. If it is, contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the suspension inspection. Reference recall number 17V081 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 dealers will inspect the upper control arm bolt and replace the upper control arm if required, free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is improper wheel tracking from a loose upper control arm bolt. That condition increases the risk of a crash. If your VIN is included, schedule the free Mercedes-Benz dealer inspection before putting off more driving.
When did Mercedes-Benz begin this recall repair?
Mercedes-Benz began this recall in March 2017. The remedy is available now through franchised Mercedes-Benz dealers. Owners can also contact Mercedes-Benz customer service at 1-800-367-6372 and reference recall 17V081.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/17V081000 |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz customer service | 1-800-367-6372 |
| NHTSA recall # | 17V081 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 17V081000 |
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 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →