Recall 17V653 affects 8 2018 Mercedes-Benz Gla 250 vehicles for reduced low-beam headlight range. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 8 2018 Gla 250 vehicles because the low beam headlights were set outside the required specification, reducing how far the lights reach. Reduced headlight range can affect visibility and increase the risk of a crash, and Mercedes-Benz dealers will adjust the headlights free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The low beam headlights on the 2018 Mercedes-Benz Gla 250 are the forward lights meant for normal night driving and poor visibility. They aim light onto the road without throwing the beam high enough to blind oncoming traffic. For the system to work as designed, the headlamp aim has to stay within the federal lighting standard.
On affected vehicles, the headlamp adjustment device was set incorrectly during assembly. That means the low beams were aimed outside the required tolerance range before the vehicle reached an owner. When the beam is off, the lights do not reach as far down the road, so the driver sees less of the lane, shoulder, and obstacles ahead at night.
There is no warning sign before failure. The lights still turn on, so an owner will not get a clear dashboard warning or obvious broken part to point to.
Who's affected?
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz Gla 250 | Headlights |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 8 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2018 Mercedes-Benz Gla 250 is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
Reduced headlight range gives you less distance to see the road ahead and increases the risk of a crash. Use extra care in darkness, rain, or fog, and schedule the headlight inspection soon. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018 Mercedes-Benz Gla 250 is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the free low-beam headlight inspection and adjustment.
- Bring the recall notice if Mercedes-Benz sent one. If not, reference recall number 17V653 when you call.
- Avoid night driving until the headlights are inspected and corrected.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mercedes-Benz technician checks the low beam headlight adjustment and corrects the setting so the lights meet the required specification. The recall repair is free, including parts and labor tied to the adjustment. Mercedes-Benz has a general reimbursement plan on file for eligible out-of-pocket repairs paid before the recall notice. Bring repair documentation to the service desk or contact Mercedes-Benz customer service to ask how to submit a claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| October 16, 2017 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 27, 2017 | Owner notification mailed |
| October 27, 2017 | Dealer notification began |
| October 27, 2017 | Dealer notification ended |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 17V653?
Recall 17V653 covers 8 2018 Mercedes-Benz Gla 250 vehicles with low-beam headlight settings that do not meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 108. The reduced headlight range can affect visibility and increase crash risk. Mercedes-Benz dealers inspect the headlight adjustment and correct it for free.
What should I do if my 2018 Mercedes-Benz Gla 250 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 17V653. If it is, contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the headlight inspection and adjustment. Reference recall 17V653 or Mercedes-Benz recall number 2017100009 when you call.
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 low-beam headlight adjustment and correct it as needed free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
Reduced headlight range can make it harder to see the road ahead, which increases crash risk. This recall is about low-beam headlight aim, not an engine or brake defect. If your VIN is included, have a Mercedes-Benz dealer inspect and correct the headlight setting.
When did the Mercedes-Benz Gla 250 headlight recall begin?
The recall began on October 27, 2017. Mercedes-Benz listed the dealer remedy as available, with dealers inspecting the headlight adjustment and correcting it as necessary. Use your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2018 Gla 250 is included before scheduling service.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/17V653000 |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz customer service | 1-877-496-3691 |
| NHTSA recall # | 17V653 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 17V653000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (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 →