Recall 17V245 affects 15 2017 Mercedes-Benz E300 vehicles for instrument-cluster display software that blanks or resets. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 15 2017 E300 vehicles because instrument cluster software can leave the widescreen display blank at startup or reset it while driving. Without speed and other key information on the cluster, crash risk increases, and Mercedes-Benz dealers will update the software free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The instrument cluster in the 2017 Mercedes-Benz E300 is the widescreen display in front of the driver. It shows driving information the driver relies on at startup and on the road, including the vehicle displays covered by federal control and display rules. When it starts correctly, the cluster wakes up with the rest of the vehicle and keeps those displays visible.
On affected E300 vehicles, a coding error in a certain instrument cluster software version interferes with internal communication inside the cluster. At startup, that fault can stop the cluster from displaying anything. While driving, a heavy load of simultaneous calculation requests can also force the display to reset, which removes the normal instrument display until it comes back.
The warning sign at startup is a blank instrument cluster when the vehicle is turned on. There is no advance warning before a reset while driving.
Who's affected?
The electrical software and instrument panel labels both point to the driver-display system.
| 2017 Mercedes-Benz E300 | electrical system software |
|---|---|
| 2017 Mercedes-Benz E300 | instrument panel |
| Units affected | 15 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific sedan.
What's the safety risk?
If the instrument cluster goes blank, the driver loses important information, including vehicle speed, and crash risk increases. A blank cluster can appear at vehicle start, and there is no advance warning before a reset. If the display is blank, schedule service promptly and drive cautiously. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2017 Mercedes-Benz E300 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the free instrument-cluster software update that addresses the blank or resetting display.
- Bring the recall notice if Mercedes-Benz mailed one. If not, reference recall number 17V245 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the update is complete, and pull over if the instrument cluster goes blank or resets.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mercedes-Benz technician updates the instrument cluster display software so the widescreen cluster displays properly at startup and while driving. The software update and dealer labor are free 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 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 |
|---|---|
| May 19, 2017 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 17V245?
Recall 17V245 covers 15 2017 Mercedes-Benz E300 vehicles with instrument cluster software that can leave the display blank at startup or reset it while driving. Without speed and other key information on the cluster, crash risk increases. Mercedes-Benz dealers update the software for free.
What should I do if my 2017 Mercedes-Benz E300 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific E300 is included in recall 17V245. If it is, contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the instrument cluster display software update. Reference recall 17V245 when you call. The 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 update the instrument cluster display software free of charge, regardless of where you bought the vehicle.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of important instrument cluster information, including vehicle speed. Recall 17V245 says the cluster can show nothing at startup or reset while driving, which increases crash risk because the driver loses required display information.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/17V245000 |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz customer service | 1-800-367-6372 |
| NHTSA recall # | 17V245 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 17V245000 |
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 →