Recall 17V506 affects 12,322 2016-2017 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE43 vehicles for software conflicts that can shut down the engine. Free repair at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 12,322 2016-2017 AMG GLE43 vehicles because conflicting engine and transmission control software can shut the engine down while the driver brakes to a stop or accelerates after an ECO start. If the engine shuts down, crash risk increases; Mercedes-Benz dealers will update the control-unit software free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The engine and transmission control unit software in the 2016-2017 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE43 tells the engine and gearbox how to coordinate idle speed, gear changes, and ECO start/stop operation. When that software is matched correctly, the engine keeps running as the vehicle slows, stops, and restarts after an ECO start event.
On these vehicles, the engine and transmission software can conflict with each other. During rapid, consecutive downshifts while braking, engine speed can fall below the required threshold. A separate condition can happen after ECO start/stop, when a slight tap of the accelerator and high engine load cause the programmed idle regulator to deactivate. In either case, the engine can shut down while the driver brakes to a stop or accelerates after ECO start.
The warning sign comes when the shutdown happens. The instrument cluster warning lamps turn on with the ignition still on, and the display tells the driver the vehicle is not in ECO start/stop mode and needs a manual restart.
Who's affected?
This covers the same model across two model years, with both electrical system software and engine components listed.
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE43 | electrical system software |
|---|---|
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE43 | Engine |
| 2017 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE43 | electrical system software |
| 2017 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE43 | Engine |
| Units affected | 12,322 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2016-2017 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE43 is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
An engine shutdown while driving increases the risk of a crash. If it happens with the ignition on, warning lamps on the instrument cluster tell you the vehicle is not in ECO start/stop mode and needs a manual restart. Schedule the software repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016-2017 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE43 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the free engine and transmission control unit software update that fixes the shutdown risk while braking to a stop or accelerating after ECO start.
- Bring the recall notice if Mercedes-Benz sent one. If not, reference recall number 17V506 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the software update is complete, and leave extra space when braking to a stop.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mercedes-Benz technician reprograms the engine control unit and transmission control unit software so the systems use the corrected calibration. The recall repair is free at the dealer now, with service labor covered. Repairs already paid out of pocket are handled through the new vehicle warranty, not through a separate reimbursement program. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| August 14, 2017 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 18, 2017 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 17V506?
Recall 17V506 covers 12,322 2016-2017 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE43 vehicles with engine and transmission control unit software conflicts. The conflict can shut the engine down while braking to a stop or accelerating after an ECO start, increasing crash risk. Mercedes-Benz dealers reprogram the software for free.
What should I do if my 2016-2017 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE43 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 17V506. If it is, contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the engine and transmission control unit software reprogramming. Reference recall 17V506 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, and Mercedes-Benz dealers reprogram the engine and transmission control unit software free of charge. Mercedes-Benz listed customer service at 1-877-496-3691 for this recall.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is an engine shutdown during a stop or after an ECO start acceleration. If the engine shuts down, the driver loses normal engine power in traffic, increasing crash risk. The fix is dealer software reprogramming for the engine and transmission control units.
What if I bought my Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE43 used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the original owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your AMG GLE43 is included, then call a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer and reference recall 17V506 when scheduling the software reprogramming.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/17V506000 |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz customer service | 1-877-496-3691 |
| NHTSA recall # | 17V506 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 17V506000 |
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 →