Recall 17V241 covers 58,323 2016-2017 Mercedes-Benz vehicles for a poorly sealed power-steering connector. Repair will be free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer once available.
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 58,323 2016-2017 GL350, GLE350, E300, and other models because an electric power steering connector is not sealed well enough, allowing water into the control unit. If water reaches that unit, power steering assist can shut off and increase crash risk; the dealer repair will be free once Mercedes-Benz makes it available.
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What's wrong?
The electric power steering system on these 2016-2017 Mercedes-Benz vehicles uses an electric motor and control unit to add steering assist when you turn the wheel. The driver still steers the vehicle, but the assist reduces the effort needed at low speeds, during parking, and during normal driving.
The problem is at the power steering connector, the sealed electrical connection that feeds the control unit. A supplier production deviation left the connector shape out of specification on affected batches, so the seal does not keep moisture out as designed. If water enters the control unit, the power steering assist can deactivate and the steering wheel takes more effort to turn.
If the power steering assist deactivates, a warning message appears in the instrument cluster. Treat that message as the warning sign, especially if steering effort changes.
Who's affected?
This group spans Mercedes-Benz passenger cars and SUVs tied to the same power steering system component.
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL350 | power steering system |
|---|---|
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE63S | power steering system |
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE300D | power steering system |
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE350D | power steering system |
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE550E | power steering system |
| 2017 Mercedes-Benz GL550 | power steering system |
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE350 | power steering system |
| 2017 Mercedes-Benz GL450 | power steering system |
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz E400 | power steering system |
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL550 | power steering system |
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE43 | power steering system |
| 2017 Mercedes-Benz GL350 | power steering system |
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL63 | power steering system |
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL450 | power steering system |
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE63 | power steering system |
| 2017 Mercedes-Benz E300 | power steering system |
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE400 | power steering system |
| 2017 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLS63 | power steering system |
| Units affected | 58,323 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not confirm inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle.
What's the safety risk?
Water in the power steering control unit can shut off power steering assist, making the vehicle harder to steer and increasing crash risk. A warning message in the instrument cluster alerts the driver when assist is deactivated, so pull over safely and arrange service. Repair will be free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016-2017 Mercedes-Benz GL350, GLE63S, GLE300D, GLE350D, GLE550E, GL550, GLE350, GL450, E400, AMG GLE43, GL63, AMG GLE63, E300, GLE400, or AMG GLS63 is included in this recall.
- Wait for Mercedes-Benz to confirm remedy parts for your VIN before scheduling the dealer repair.
- Call Mercedes-Benz customer service at 1-800-367-6372 with questions and reference recall number 17V241.
- Drive with care until the repair; power steering assist can deactivate if water reaches the steering control unit.
- Schedule the free connector replacement and steering-rack inspection with a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer once remedy parts are available.
What happens at the repair
The final dealer repair is not open yet because remedy parts are unavailable. Once Mercedes-Benz has parts, a Mercedes-Benz technician will replace the electric power steering connector, inspect the electric power steering rack, and replace the rack if needed. Parts and labor are covered 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 under that warranty. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| April 11, 2017 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 22, 2017 | Dealer notification began |
| September 22, 2017 | Dealer notification ended |
| September 29, 2017 | Owner notification mailed |
| September 29, 2017 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| September 29, 2017 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 17V241?
Recall 17V241 covers 58,323 2016-2017 Mercedes-Benz vehicles with an electric power steering connector that is not sealed well enough. Water can enter the control unit, deactivate power steering assist, and increase crash risk. Mercedes-Benz dealers will replace the connector and inspect the steering rack for free.
What should I do if my 2016-2017 Mercedes-Benz GL350, GLE63S, GLE300D, GLE350D, GLE550E, GL550, GLE350, GL450, E400, AMG GLE43, GL63, AMG GLE63, E300, GLE400, or AMG GLS63 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 17V241. If it is, call a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer and ask whether remedy parts are available for your VIN. Reference recall number 17V241 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the Mercedes-Benz recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Mercedes-Benz says dealers will replace the connector, inspect the electric power steering rack, and replace the rack as needed free of charge.
What is the safety risk in recall 17V241?
The safety risk is loss of power steering assist. If water enters the electric power steering control unit, steering assist can deactivate and make the vehicle harder to steer, increasing crash risk. The dealer repair addresses the connector seal and steering rack condition.
What if I bought this Mercedes-Benz used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the VIN, not the original owner. Check your VIN to see whether your vehicle is included, then call a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer and reference recall number 17V241.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/17V241000 |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz customer service | 1-800-367-6372 |
| NHTSA recall # | 17V241 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 17V241000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - 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 →