Recall 20V627 covered 2 2020 Mercedes-Benz Gle 350 vehicles with an incorrectly installed driveshaft locking ring. Both were repaired in December 2020.
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 2 2020 Gle 350 vehicles because the locking ring connection between the front and rear sections of the drive shaft was not installed correctly, and Mercedes-Benz dealers will complete the repair free of charge. If that connection separates, the vehicle can lose power transfer between the transfer case and rear axle differential and stall, which increases crash risk.
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What's wrong?
The drive shaft on the 2020 Mercedes-Benz Gle 350 is the metal driveline assembly that carries engine power from the transfer case toward the rear axle differential. In normal driving, the front and rear sections stay locked together so torque reaches the rear wheels. A locking ring holds that connection in place.
On affected vehicles, the locking ring between the front and rear sections of the drive shaft was not mounted to specification during supplier production. If that ring is not fully engaged, the two sections of the drive shaft can separate while the vehicle is moving. When that happens, power transfer from the transfer case to the rear axle differential is lost, so the rear wheels no longer receive drive power.
There is no warning sign before failure. The filing says the driver does not get advance warning because of how the connection fails.
Who's affected?
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz Gle 350 | driveline |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 2 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 2 field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not confirm inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
If the transfer case disconnects from the rear axle differential, the vehicle can stall and increase crash risk. There is no warning sign before this failure, so treat any sudden loss of power as a reason to pull over safely and call the dealer. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2020 Mercedes-Benz Gle 350 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the free drive-shaft replacement that secures the transfer-case-to-rear-axle connection.
- Bring the recall notice if Mercedes-Benz sent one. If not, reference recall number 20V627 when you call.
- Confirm the repair is complete before regular driving, since this defect can disconnect the transfer case from the rear axle differential and stall the vehicle.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mercedes-Benz technician replaces the drive shaft covered by recall 20V627. The replacement parts and labor are free under the recall. The affected vehicles were still in dealer inventory, and Mercedes-Benz says both were repaired in December 2020. 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 under warranty.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| October 9, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 16, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
| December 8, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
| December 8, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V627?
Recall 20V627 covers 2 2020 Mercedes-Benz Gle 350 vehicles with a drive shaft locking-ring connection that was installed incorrectly. If the transfer case disconnects from the rear axle differential, the vehicle can stall and increase crash risk. Mercedes-Benz dealers replace the drive shaft for free.
What should I do if my 2020 Mercedes-Benz Gle 350 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 20V627. If it is, contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer and reference recall number 20V627 or Mercedes-Benz recall number 2020100020. The drive shaft replacement is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to perform recall repairs at no cost, and Mercedes-Benz dealers replace the affected drive shaft free of charge. Mercedes-Benz says the affected vehicles were in dealer inventory and both were repaired in December 2020.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is a stall from lost power transfer between the transfer case and the rear axle differential. A stall can increase crash risk. If your VIN is included and the repair is not complete, ask a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer how to handle the vehicle before driving it.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V627000 |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz customer service | 1-800-367-6372 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V627 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V627000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (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 →