Recall 17V246 affects 411 2016-2017 Mercedes-Benz E300 vehicles for an improperly attached roof spoiler. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 411 2016-2017 E300 vehicles because the roof-mounted spoiler can detach while driving when its attachment is not secure. A detached spoiler can become a road hazard and increase crash risk, so Mercedes-Benz dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The roof-mounted spoiler on the 2016-2017 Mercedes-Benz E300 is the trim piece at the rear edge of the roof. It helps manage airflow and is attached to the body so it stays fixed during normal driving and wind load.
On these E300 vehicles, the spoiler was installed with a deviation from the assembly instructions. That leaves the spoiler not securely attached to the roof. As the vehicle is driven, air pressure and road vibration can work on the loose attachment points until the spoiler separates from the vehicle.
Before it fails, an owner can hear shuddering noises from the roof or rear roof area. Treat that sound as a warning sign that the spoiler is moving instead of staying fixed properly.
Who's affected?
| 2017 Mercedes-Benz E300 | body structure |
|---|---|
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz E300 | body structure |
| Units affected | 411 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 3 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 sedan.
What's the safety risk?
If the roof-mounted spoiler detaches while driving, it can become a road hazard and increase crash risk. Shuttering noises from the roof area are a warning sign; schedule service soon if you hear them. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016-2017 Mercedes-Benz E300 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the free roof-spoiler inspection and any needed replacement for the attachment that can detach while driving.
- Bring the recall notice if Mercedes-Benz mailed one. If not, reference recall number 17V246 when you call.
- Avoid unnecessary trips until the dealer completes the roof-spoiler inspection and repair.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mercedes-Benz technician inspects the roof mounted spoiler to confirm it is attached correctly. If the inspection shows the spoiler is not secure, the dealer replaces it. The recall repair is free, including parts and labor. Mercedes-Benz has a general reimbursement plan on file for eligible roof spoiler repairs paid before the recall notice. If you have prior repair paperwork, ask the service desk or MBUSA customer service how to submit the documentation under that plan.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| April 11, 2017 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 9, 2017 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 17V246?
Recall 17V246 covers 411 2016-2017 Mercedes-Benz E300 vehicles with a roof-mounted spoiler that was not properly attached. The spoiler can detach while driving and become a road hazard, increasing crash risk. Mercedes-Benz dealers will inspect the spoiler and replace it if needed for free.
What should I do if my 2016-2017 Mercedes-Benz E300 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific E300 is included in recall 17V246. If it is, contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the roof spoiler inspection. Reference recall number 17V246 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 inspect the roof-mounted spoiler and replace it if needed free of charge under recall 17V246.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is that the roof-mounted spoiler can detach while the vehicle is moving. If it separates from the E300, it can become a road hazard and increase crash risk. After your VIN confirms inclusion, schedule the free dealer inspection and repair.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/17V246000 |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz customer service | 1-800-367-6372 |
| NHTSA recall # | 17V246 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 17V246000 |
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 →