If your 2016-2017 Mercedes-Benz G63, AMG G65, or G550 is in recall 17V713, ESP software repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 8,043 2016-2017 G550, G63, and AMG G65 vehicles because the Electronic Stability Program can malfunction while Distronic Plus is engaged, keeping engine power from dropping as expected. Stopping the vehicle can take more braking effort or a shift to neutral, and Mercedes-Benz dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The Electronic Stability Program on 2016-2017 Mercedes-Benz G550, G63, and AMG G65 vehicles is software that helps manage traction and stability. It works with systems such as Distronic Plus, the adaptive cruise control feature that holds a set following distance. When the vehicle needs less power, the ESP should help command the engine to reduce output.
On affected vehicles, the ESP software was programmed incorrectly. While Distronic Plus is engaged, the system can fail to reduce engine power even when vehicle speed, the driving situation, or brake application calls for it. That leaves the driver fighting an engine that is still being powered when the control system should be backing off.
There is no warning sign before failure. The problem is in the software, so an owner will not hear a broken part or see a worn component before the malfunction happens.
Who's affected?
Spans the G63, AMG G65, and G550 across the 2016 and 2017 model years, with both adaptive cruise control and cruise control listed in scope.
| 2017 Mercedes-Benz G63 | Adaptive cruise control |
|---|---|
| 2017 Mercedes-Benz G63 | Cruise control |
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz G63 | Adaptive cruise control |
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz G63 | Cruise control |
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz AMG G65 | Adaptive cruise control |
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz AMG G65 | Cruise control |
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz G550 | Adaptive cruise control |
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz G550 | Cruise control |
| 2017 Mercedes-Benz G550 | Adaptive cruise control |
| 2017 Mercedes-Benz G550 | Cruise control |
| 2017 Mercedes-Benz AMG G65 | Adaptive cruise control |
| 2017 Mercedes-Benz AMG G65 | Cruise control |
| Units affected | 8,043 |
| 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?
Increased braking effort can make the pedal harder to press, and shifting to neutral can be needed to stop. That lengthens stopping distance and increases the risk of a crash. If your VIN is included, drive cautiously and 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 G63, AMG G65, or G550 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the free ESP control-unit software update that fixes the Distronic Plus fault tied to longer stopping distance.
- Bring the owner notice if you have it, and reference recall number 17V713 when you call.
- Use extra following distance and be ready to apply stronger braking or shift to neutral until the repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mercedes-Benz technician reprograms the Electronic Stability Program control unit software. The software update and labor are free under the recall. Out-of-pocket repairs already paid are handled through the new vehicle warranty, not through a separate reimbursement program, because the involved vehicles remained covered by that warranty. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork related to the ESP control unit or this recall.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| November 14, 2017 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| December 6, 2017 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 17V713?
Recall 17V713 covers 8,043 2016-2017 Mercedes-Benz G63, AMG G65, and G550 vehicles with an Electronic Stability Program software problem tied to Distronic Plus. When the system malfunctions, stopping the vehicle requires more braking effort or shifting to neutral, increasing crash risk. Mercedes-Benz dealers reprogram the ESP control unit software for free.
What should I do if my 2016-2017 Mercedes-Benz G63, AMG G65, or G550 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 17V713. If it is, contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the ESP control unit software reprogramming. Reference recall number 2017110012 or campaign 17V713 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Mercedes-Benz dealers will reprogram the ESP control unit software free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for vehicles included in recall 17V713.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is longer stopping distance when Distronic Plus is engaged and the Electronic Stability Program malfunctions. The engine does not reduce power as expected, so the driver needs more braking effort or must shift to neutral to stop, increasing crash risk.
What if I bought my Mercedes-Benz G-Class used?
The free repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your 2016-2017 Mercedes-Benz G63, AMG G65, or G550 is included, then call a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer and reference recall 17V713.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/17V713000 |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz customer service | 1-800-367-6372 |
| NHTSA recall # | 17V713 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 17V713000 |
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 →