Recall 20V089 covers 2,101 2020-2021 Mercedes-Benz vehicles with instrument cluster software that can deactivate interior switch illumination. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 2,101 2020-2021 Gle 350, GLS450, Cla 250, and other vehicles under recall 20V089 because instrument cluster software can turn off illumination for certain interior switches when the hazard lights are on and the ignition is off. Unlit controls are harder to find and operate, raising crash risk, and Mercedes-Benz dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The instrument cluster software in affected 2020-2021 Mercedes-Benz vehicles controls the display panel and related lighting commands. That includes illumination for interior switches such as the switch bar, overhead control unit, and steering wheel controls, so the driver can identify those controls in low light.
On these vehicles, a supplier coding error in a specific software version causes the lighting command to drop out under a narrow set of conditions. If the hazard lights are turned on while the ignition is off, certain interior switches lose illumination. If the engine is then started while the hazard lights remain active, the dark switch condition stays until the next ignition cycle with the hazard lights turned off. The switches still work, but their lighting does not meet the required control and display standard.
There is no warning sign before failure. The owner sees the problem only when the affected switch lighting goes dark under those conditions.
Who's affected?
The scope crosses GLE, GLS, CLA, AMG, and Maybach variants that share the instrument panel issue.
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz Gle 350 | instrument panel |
|---|---|
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz Gle 450 | instrument panel |
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz Cla 250 | instrument panel |
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS450 | instrument panel |
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz Gls 580 | instrument panel |
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA35 | instrument panel |
| 2021 Mercedes-Benz Gle 350 | instrument panel |
| 2021 Mercedes-Benz Gle 450 | instrument panel |
| 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE63 S | instrument panel |
| 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS450 | instrument panel |
| 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS580 | instrument panel |
| 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLS63 | instrument panel |
| 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE53 | instrument panel |
| 2021 Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS600 | instrument panel |
| Units affected | 2,101 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not confirm inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
Unlit interior switches are harder to find and operate while driving. That added distraction increases the risk of a crash. There is no advance warning before the lighting failure, so schedule the software update 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 2020-2021 Mercedes-Benz Gle 350, Gle 450, Cla 250, GLS450, Gls 580, AMG CLA35, AMG GLE63 S, GLS580, AMG GLS63, AMG GLE53, or Maybach GLS600 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the free instrument cluster software update that keeps the interior switch illumination working when the hazard lights are on and the ignition is off.
- Bring the recall notice if Mercedes-Benz mailed one. Reference recall number 20V089 when you call.
- Use extra care locating the switch bar, overhead controls, and steering wheel switches until the software update is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mercedes-Benz technician updates the instrument cluster software so the switch bar, overhead controls, and steering wheel switch illumination stays active as required when the hazard lights are on and the ignition is off. The software update is 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 under warranty. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| February 14, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| February 21, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
| March 31, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
| April 14, 2020 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| April 14, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V089?
Recall 20V089 covers 2,101 2020-2021 Mercedes-Benz vehicles with instrument cluster software that can turn off illumination for certain interior switches when the hazard lights are on and the ignition is off. Mercedes-Benz dealers update the instrument cluster software for free.
What should I do if my 2020-2021 Mercedes-Benz is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 20V089. If it is, contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the instrument cluster software update. Reference recall number 20V089 or Mercedes-Benz recall number 2020030019 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Mercedes-Benz's remedy says dealers will update the instrument cluster software free of charge at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is that certain interior switches are harder to find and operate when they are not illuminated, increasing crash risk. The free dealer repair updates the instrument cluster software so the affected switch illumination works as required.
When did Mercedes-Benz notify owners about this recall?
Mercedes-Benz began the recall on March 31, 2020. If you bought the vehicle used or never received a letter, check your VIN and call a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer with recall number 20V089.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V089000 |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz customer service | 1-800-367-6372 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V089 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V089000 |
Source documents
-
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 24, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →