Recall 17V655 covers 3,620 2016-2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE and GLS vehicles for excess insulation that affects windshield bonding. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 3,620 2016-2017 GLE350, GLE300D, and GLS450 vehicles because excess bulkhead insulation extends into the lower windshield area and affects windshield bonding and passenger air bag protection. That defect increases the front seat passenger's injury risk in a crash, and Mercedes-Benz dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The bulkhead, also called the firewall, is the panel area between the engine compartment and the cabin. Insulation on that panel helps manage heat and noise, and the windshield is bonded to the body at the lower windshield area. On these 2016-2017 Mercedes-Benz SUVs, that lower windshield bond also matters for the passenger frontal air bag because the air bag uses the surrounding structure as it inflates in a crash.
In affected vehicles, excess bulkhead insulation extends into the lower windshield area. Mercedes-Benz traced the issue to a supplier production deviation in a batch of firewall insulation that did not meet requirements. That extra material can interfere with the windshield bonding, including on the passenger side, which can reduce the full protective function of the passenger frontal air bag during a crash.
There is no warning sign before failure. The defect is hidden behind the windshield and bulkhead area, so an owner should not expect a light, sound, or visible symptom before the air bag protection is affected.
Who's affected?
Spans the GLE and GLS SUV lines across the 2016 and 2017 model years, with both front air bag and windshield components listed.
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE63S | front air bag |
|---|---|
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE63S | visibility component |
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE350 | front air bag |
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE350 | visibility component |
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE300D | front air bag |
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE300D | visibility component |
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE63 | front air bag |
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE63 | visibility component |
| 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS450 | front air bag |
| 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS450 | visibility component |
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE400 | front air bag |
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE400 | visibility component |
| 2017 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE63 | front air bag |
| 2017 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE63 | visibility component |
| 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE550 | front air bag |
| 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE550 | visibility component |
| Units affected | 3,620 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
If the passenger frontal air bag does not work as designed during a crash, the front seat passenger faces a higher injury risk. Schedule the repair soon, especially if the vehicle carries a front seat passenger. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016-2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE63S, GLE350, GLE300D, AMG GLE63, GLS450, GLE400, or GLE550 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the free bulkhead-insulation removal and windshield-bonding repair that helps the passenger frontal air bag protect as designed.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it. If not, reference recall number 17V655 when you call.
- Ask the dealer whether the vehicle is safe to use before the appointment if you carry a front-seat passenger.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mercedes-Benz technician checks the lower windshield area, removes any excess bulkhead insulation, and reworks the windshield bonding if the bonding was affected. The recall repair is free, and parts and labor are covered. Out-of-pocket repairs already paid are handled through the new vehicle warranty, not through a separate pre-notice reimbursement program, because the involved vehicles remain under that warranty. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| October 17, 2017 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 29, 2017 | Dealer notification began |
| December 15, 2017 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| February 16, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| February 26, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 17V655?
Recall 17V655 covers 3,620 2016-2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE and GLS vehicles with excess bulkhead insulation near the lower windshield. That insulation can affect windshield bonding and the passenger frontal air bag's full protective function in a crash.
What should I do if my 2016-2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE63S, GLE350, GLE300D, AMG GLE63, GLS450, GLE400, or GLE550 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 17V655. If it is, contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer and reference recall number 17V655 or Mercedes-Benz recall 2018020002. 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 remove excess bulkhead insulation and rework the windshield bonding where needed free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is reduced passenger protection in a crash. If the passenger frontal air bag does not work as designed, the front-seat passenger has an increased risk of injury. The free dealer repair addresses the insulation and windshield bonding issue tied to recall 17V655.
What if I bought this Mercedes-Benz used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN, then call a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer with recall number 17V655 or Mercedes-Benz recall 2018020002 if your vehicle is included.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/17V655000 |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz customer service | 1-877-496-3691 |
| NHTSA recall # | 17V655 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 17V655000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - 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 →