Recall 17V250 affects 10,832 2013-2016 Mercedes-Benz G63, AMG G65, and G550 vehicles for steering coupling wear. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 10,832 2013-2016 G550 and G63 vehicles, plus 2016 AMG G65 vehicles, because an insufficiently tightened steering coupling can wear at the steering connection. That wear can cause loss of steering and increase crash risk; Mercedes-Benz dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The steering coupling on 2013-2016 Mercedes-Benz G550, G63, and AMG G65 vehicles is the joint that connects the steering column to the steering gear. When you turn the wheel, this coupling transfers that motion to the steering gear, which moves the front wheels. It has to stay tight because every steering correction passes through that connection.
On affected vehicles, the coupling was not tightened enough during assembly. Mercedes-Benz traced the problem to torque specifications that were not matched to steering gear tolerances after a supplier change. With normal steering loads, the loose connection wears instead of holding firm, and that wear weakens the steering link.
There is no warning sign before failure. If the connection has worn, the steering feel can change quickly, so stop driving if the steering feels loose, binds, or does not respond normally.
Who's affected?
Spans G63, AMG G65, and G550 models across the 2013-2016 model years, all tied to the steering system.
| 2013 Mercedes-Benz G63 | steering system |
|---|---|
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz AMG G65 | steering system |
| 2015 Mercedes-Benz G550 | steering system |
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz G63 | steering system |
| 2015 Mercedes-Benz G63 | steering system |
| 2014 Mercedes-Benz G63 | steering system |
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz G550 | steering system |
| 2014 Mercedes-Benz G550 | steering system |
| 2013 Mercedes-Benz G550 | steering system |
| Units affected | 10,832 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 4 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 SUV.
What's the safety risk?
Steering coupling wear can lead to loss of steering and increases crash risk. If your VIN is included, schedule the repair promptly and drive cautiously until it is complete. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2013-2016 Mercedes-Benz G63, AMG G65, or G550 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the free steering-coupling replacement that corrects the insufficiently tightened steering connection.
- Bring the recall notice if Mercedes-Benz mailed one. If not, reference recall number 17V250 when you call.
- Avoid unnecessary driving until the steering-coupling replacement is complete because steering coupling wear can cause loss of steering.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mercedes-Benz technician replaces the steering coupling that connects the steering components covered by recall 17V250. The parts and labor are free under the recall. Mercedes-Benz used its general reimbursement plan on file for this campaign, so documented out-of-pocket repairs tied to this steering coupling issue are handled through that plan. Bring prior repair invoices, receipts, and any dealer paperwork to the service desk so Mercedes-Benz can review the claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| April 11, 2017 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 23, 2017 | Dealer notification began |
| June 23, 2017 | Dealer notification ended |
| June 30, 2017 | Owner notification mailed |
| June 30, 2017 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 17V250?
Recall 17V250 covers 10,832 2013-2016 Mercedes-Benz G550, G63, and AMG G65 vehicles with a steering coupling that was not tightened enough. The coupling can wear and cause loss of steering, increasing crash risk. Mercedes-Benz dealers replace the steering coupling for free.
What should I do if my 2013-2016 Mercedes-Benz G550, G63, or AMG G65 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 17V250. If it is, contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the steering coupling replacement. Reference recall number 17V250 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Mercedes-Benz will replace the steering coupling free of charge at a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
What is the safety risk in recall 17V250?
The safety risk is loss of steering. Mercedes-Benz reported that steering coupling wear can cause the steering connection to fail, increasing the risk of a crash. If your VIN is included, arrange the free dealer repair before continuing normal use.
What if I bought my Mercedes-Benz G-Class used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. If Mercedes-Benz did not mail you a notice, check your VIN to confirm whether your G550, G63, or AMG G65 is included, then call a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/17V250000 |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz customer service | 1-800-367-6372 |
| NHTSA recall # | 17V250 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 17V250000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (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 →