Recall 19V648 affects 1,478 2020 Mercedes-Benz Gle 350 and Gle 450 vehicles with missing third-row head-restraint instructions. Booklet is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 1,478 2020 Gle 350 and Gle 450 SUVs because the owner's manuals left out instructions for adjusting the third-row head restraints. Without the right adjustment information, third-row passengers face a higher injury risk in a crash; Mercedes-Benz dealers will correct the manual information free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The head restraints in the third row of the 2020 Mercedes-Benz Gle 350 and Gle 450 are the padded supports behind an occupant's head. Their job is to be adjusted for the person sitting there, so the restraint is positioned to support the head and neck during a crash.
The defect is in the owner's manual, not in the head restraint hardware. The manuals included general head restraint instructions, but they left out the information specific to adjusting and using the third-row head restraints. Mercedes-Benz traced the problem to an earlier-than-planned introduction of the third-row seating, which led to a documentation oversight.
The filing says the third-row head restraint design alerts an occupant that adjustment is needed. If the restraint feels out of position for the person sitting there, that is the cue to adjust it using the supplemental booklet information.
Who's affected?
Covers both Gle 350 and Gle 450 versions, with the same vehicle equipment issue.
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz Gle 350 | vehicle equipment |
|---|---|
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz Gle 450 | vehicle equipment |
| Units affected | 1,478 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching 2020 Mercedes-Benz Gle model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
Improperly adjusted head restraints raise the injury risk for third row passengers in a crash. Make sure the third row head restraints are adjusted according to the supplemental owner's manual booklet, and schedule the recall remedy soon. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2020 Mercedes-Benz Gle 350 or Gle 450 is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to request the free owner's manual supplement for third-row head restraint adjustment.
- Bring the recall notice if Mercedes-Benz mailed one. If not, reference recall number 19V648 when you call.
- Read the supplement before carrying passengers in the third row, then adjust the head restraints as instructed.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mercedes-Benz technician provides the supplementary owner's manual booklet that explains how to adjust the head restraints for the third row seats. The booklet and dealer handling are free under the recall. This recall is available now, so contact a Mercedes-Benz dealer and ask for campaign 19V648 or MBUSA recall 2019090005. Out-of-pocket costs already paid for this issue are handled through the new vehicle warranty, not through a separate reimbursement program, since all involved vehicles remain covered under that warranty. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| September 9, 2019 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 17, 2019 | Dealer notification began |
| November 4, 2019 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| November 22, 2019 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 19V648?
Recall 19V648 covers 1,478 2020 Mercedes-Benz Gle 350 and Gle 450 vehicles with owner's manuals missing instructions for adjusting the third row head restraints. Mercedes-Benz dealers will provide a supplementary owner's manual booklet for free.
What should I do if my 2020 Mercedes-Benz Gle 350 or Gle 450 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 19V648. If it is, contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer and ask for the supplementary owner's manual booklet. Reference recall number 19V648 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to provide the recall remedy at no cost, and Mercedes-Benz dealers will provide the supplementary owner's manual booklet free of charge. The booklet explains how to adjust the third row head restraints.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is improper head restraint adjustment for third row passengers. If the head restraints are not adjusted correctly, third row passengers face a higher risk of injury in a crash. Mercedes-Benz's free remedy gives owners the missing adjustment instructions.
What if I bought my Mercedes-Benz used?
The free recall remedy still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your Gle 350 or Gle 450 is included, then contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer for the booklet.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/19V648000 |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz customer service | 1-800-367-6372 |
| NHTSA recall # | 19V648 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 19V648000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation 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 23, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →