Recall 18V512 covers 4 2018 Mercedes-Benz Gle 350 and AMG GLE43 vehicles with poorly bonded sunroof glass. Free repair at franchised Mercedes-Benz dealers.
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 4 2018 Gle 350 and AMG GLE43 vehicles because panoramic sunroof glass components were installed with an incorrectly made bonding primer. If the front cover or rear fixed glass detaches, it can create a road hazard and raise crash risk; Mercedes-Benz dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The panoramic sunroof on the 2018 Mercedes-Benz Gle 350 and AMG GLE43 is bonded to the vehicle with adhesive materials, including a primer. The primer prepares the roof surfaces so the bonded panels stay attached through heat, vibration, rain, and normal body movement.
On affected vehicles, Mercedes-Benz traced the issue to a supplier production deviation involving the primer used during sunroof assembly. The wrong primer affects the long-term bond between parts of the panoramic roof and the vehicle. If that bond breaks down, a roof panel or roof element can loosen instead of staying fixed in place.
There is no warning sign before failure. The driver does not get an advance noise, light, or visible change that reliably shows the bond is failing before the roof part separates.
Who's affected?
Covers both the Gle 350 and AMG GLE43 from the 2018 model year, tied to the same sunroof assembly visibility component.
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz Gle 350 | visibility component |
|---|---|
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE43 | visibility component |
| Units affected | 4 |
| 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?
A poorly adhered panoramic sunroof front cover or rear fixed glass can detach from the vehicle, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash. There is no warning sign before failure, so schedule the inspection and repair soon if your VIN is included. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018 Mercedes-Benz Gle 350 or AMG GLE43 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the free panoramic sunroof inspection and any needed replacement, which addresses glass that is not properly adhered.
- Bring the recall notice if Mercedes-Benz mailed one. If not, reference recall number 18V512 and Mercedes-Benz recall 2018080006 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the inspection is complete because loose sunroof glass can detach and create a road hazard.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mercedes-Benz technician inspects the panoramic sunroof and replaces it if the bonding or adhesion concern is found. The inspection and any replacement parts and labor are free under the recall. Out-of-pocket repairs already paid are handled through the existing new vehicle warranty, not through a separate reimbursement program, because the involved vehicles remain covered by that warranty. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior sunroof repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| August 3, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| August 24, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| September 7, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
| September 7, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V512?
Recall 18V512 covers 4 2018 Mercedes-Benz Gle 350 and AMG GLE43 vehicles with panoramic sunroof bonding primer that can weaken long-term adhesion. If the front cover or rear fixed glass detaches, it creates a road hazard and raises crash risk. Mercedes-Benz dealers inspect the sunroof and replace it for free if needed.
What should I do if my 2018 Mercedes-Benz Gle 350 or AMG GLE43 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 18V512. If it is, contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the panoramic sunroof inspection. Reference recall number 18V512 and Mercedes-Benz recall number 2018080006 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost. Mercedes-Benz dealers will inspect the panoramic sunroof and replace it if necessary, free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is road debris from a detached panoramic sunroof part. If the front cover or rear fixed glass is not properly bonded, it can separate from the vehicle, create a road hazard, and increase crash risk. Mercedes-Benz fixes the issue through the free dealer inspection and replacement if needed.
What if I bought this Mercedes-Benz used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the VIN, not the current owner or where the vehicle was purchased. Check your VIN, then call a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer with recall number 18V512 if your specific vehicle is included.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V512000 |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz customer service | 1-800-367-6372 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V512 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V512000 |
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 →