Recall 20V626 covers 12,799 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE and GLS vehicles with an improper illuminated-star ground. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 12,799 2020 Gls 450, Gle 350, Gle 450, Gls 580, and Gle 580 vehicles with the optional illuminated star logo in the front grille. That fault can affect the power steering, windshield wipers, or left headlight and increase crash risk; Mercedes-Benz dealers will inspect and repair the ground connection free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The optional illuminated Mercedes-Benz star in the front grille uses an electrical ground connection. A ground gives current a safe return path, the same basic path other electrical controls need to work correctly. On the 2020 Mercedes-Benz Gls 450, Gle 350, Gle 450, Gls 580, and Gle 580, that connection is tied to systems such as electric power steering assist, the wiper motor, and the left headlight.
The problem is the way the illuminated star was installed. The ground connection was not tightened to specification on affected vehicles, and the work instructions did not document the step properly. If that ground loosens, systems tied to the same electrical path can deactivate, including power steering assist.
When the issue occurs, the vehicle gives an acoustic warning and shows a visual warning message in the instrument cluster. Treat those warnings as a sign that an affected electrical system has lost the connection it needs.
Who's affected?
Covers the Gls and Gle SUV lines, with power steering, wiper, headlight, and wiring components listed across the included trims.
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz Gls 450 | power steering system |
|---|---|
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz Gle 350 | power steering system |
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz Gle 350 | wiper system |
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz Gle 350 | Headlights |
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz Gle 350 | wiring |
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz Gle 450 | power steering system |
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz Gle 450 | wiper system |
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz Gle 450 | Headlights |
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz Gle 450 | wiring |
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz Gls 450 | wiper system |
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz Gls 450 | Headlights |
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz Gls 450 | wiring |
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz Gls 580 | power steering system |
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz Gls 580 | wiper system |
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz Gls 580 | Headlights |
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz Gls 580 | wiring |
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz Gle 580 | power steering system |
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz Gle 580 | wiper system |
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz Gle 580 | Headlights |
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz Gle 580 | wiring |
| Units affected | 12,799 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching 2020 Mercedes-Benz Gls 450, Gle 350, Gle 450, Gls 580, or Gle 580 does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific SUV.
What's the safety risk?
A power steering, wiper motor, or left headlight malfunction raises crash risk because steering assistance, visibility, or lighting is not working as intended. The vehicle gives an audible warning and an instrument-cluster message when the issue occurs, so treat either alert as a reason to schedule service soon. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2020 Mercedes-Benz Gls 450, Gle 350, Gle 450, Gls 580, or Gle 580 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the free illuminated-star-logo ground connection repair.
- Bring the owner notice if Mercedes-Benz mailed one, and reference recall number 20V626 when you call.
- Drive with caution until the repair. If steering assist, wipers, or the left headlight stop working, pull over safely and contact the dealer before continuing.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mercedes-Benz technician relocates the illuminated front star logo's electrical ground connection so the shared ground is installed correctly for related components, including power steering, wipers, and the left headlight. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered. Out-of-pocket repairs already paid are handled through the existing new vehicle warranty, not through a separate reimbursement program, because the involved vehicles remained under warranty and had not previously been subject to the condition. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| October 9, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 16, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
| November 13, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
| November 13, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V626?
Recall 20V626 covers 12,799 2020 Mercedes-Benz Gls 450, Gle 350, Gle 450, Gls 580, and Gle 580 vehicles with an illuminated front star logo. The logo ground connection was installed improperly, which can affect power steering, windshield wipers, or the left headlight and increase crash risk.
What should I do if my 2020 Mercedes-Benz Gls 450, Gle 350, Gle 450, Gls 580, or Gle 580 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 20V626. If it is, contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer and ask for recall repair 2020100015/6. The dealer will relocate the ground connection for free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Mercedes-Benz dealers will relocate the illuminated star logo ground connection free of charge under recall 20V626.
Is it safe to drive with recall 20V626 open?
The recall does not include a do-not-drive order. The risk is that a shared ground connection fault can affect power steering, the windshield wiper motor, or the left headlight, increasing crash risk. Confirm your VIN and schedule the free dealer repair.
What if I bought my Mercedes-Benz SUV used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your 2020 Mercedes-Benz SUV is included, then contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer and reference recall 20V626.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V626000 |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz customer service | 1-800-367-6372 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V626 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V626000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall 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 →