Recall 17V252 covers 168 select 2013-2015 Mercedes-Benz C250, C300, C350, AMG C63, GLK250, and GLK350 vehicles. Free repair at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 168 2013-2015 GLK350, GLK250, AMG C63, C250, C300, and C350 vehicles because the steering coupling connecting bolt was not tightened enough. A failed connection can cause loss of steering control and increase crash risk; Mercedes-Benz dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The steering coupling is the mechanical joint that links the steering column to the rest of the steering system. On affected 2013-2015 Mercedes-Benz GLK350, GLK250, AMG C63, C250, C300, and C350 vehicles, the connecting bolt is the fastener that keeps that joint clamped together, so the movement from the steering wheel is transferred to the front wheels.
The problem is an incorrectly tightened bolt connection from vehicle assembly. If that bolt was not torqued correctly and the vehicle was not reworked before it left production, the steering coupling can separate. Once the coupling separates, the driver loses steering control because the steering wheel is no longer properly connected to the steering gear.
There is no warning sign before failure. The filing does not describe a noise, warning light, looseness, or steering feel change that owners can rely on before the coupling separates.
Who's affected?
Spans the GLK350, GLK250, AMG C63, C250, C300, and C350 across the 2013-2015 model years, all tied to the steering system.
| 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK350 | steering system |
|---|---|
| 2014 Mercedes-Benz GLK250 | steering system |
| 2013 Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 | steering system |
| 2013 Mercedes-Benz C250 | steering system |
| 2013 Mercedes-Benz C300 | steering system |
| 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLK350 | steering system |
| 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK250 | steering system |
| 2014 Mercedes-Benz GLK350 | steering system |
| 2014 Mercedes-Benz C300 | steering system |
| 2014 Mercedes-Benz C250 | steering system |
| 2013 Mercedes-Benz C350 | steering system |
| Units affected | 168 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 1 field incident to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle.
What's the safety risk?
A loss of steering can leave the driver unable to guide the vehicle and increase the risk of a crash. If your VIN is included, limit driving until the steering coupling connecting bolt is inspected and tightened if needed. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2013-2015 Mercedes-Benz GLK350, GLK250, AMG C63, C250, C300, or C350 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the free steering-coupling bolt inspection and tightening that addresses the loss-of-steering risk.
- Bring the recall notice if Mercedes-Benz mailed one. If not, reference recall number 17V252 when you call.
- Call Mercedes-Benz customer service at 1-800-367-6372 if the dealer cannot confirm parts, timing, or your appointment.
- Drive cautiously until the inspection is complete. Leave extra following distance and avoid hard steering inputs.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mercedes-Benz technician inspects the steering coupling connecting bolt and tightens it if needed. Parts and labor are free under the recall. If you already paid out of pocket for this steering coupling repair before the recall notice, Mercedes-Benz's standard reimbursement plan covers documented expenses. Bring receipts or repair paperwork to the service desk, or contact Mercedes-Benz customer service for the claim path.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| April 5, 2017 | Dealer notification began |
|---|---|
| April 12, 2017 | NHTSA published the recall |
| April 12, 2017 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| May 5, 2017 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| May 19, 2017 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 17V252?
Recall 17V252 covers 168 2013-2015 Mercedes-Benz GLK350, GLK250, AMG C63, C250, C300, and C350 vehicles with a steering coupling connecting bolt that was not tightened enough. A loose bolt can lead to loss of steering and increase crash risk.
What should I do if my 2013-2015 Mercedes-Benz GLK350, GLK250, AMG C63, C250, C300, or C350 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 17V252. If it is, contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the steering coupling bolt inspection. The dealer will tighten the bolt if needed, free of charge.
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 steering coupling connecting bolt and tighten it if needed for free.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of steering. The recall filing says the steering coupling connecting bolt was not tightened enough, which can result in loss of steering and increase the risk of a crash. Use your VIN to confirm coverage before scheduling service.
When did Mercedes-Benz start this recall repair?
Mercedes-Benz began the recall in May 2017. Because the remedy is available, an included vehicle can be taken to a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer for the steering coupling bolt inspection and free tightening if the bolt needs it.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/17V252000 |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz customer service | 1-800-367-6372 |
| NHTSA recall # | 17V252 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 17V252000 |
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 →