Recall 21V056 affects 8,199 2020 Mercedes-Benz Gle 350 and Gle 450 vehicles for reverse lights staying on. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 8,199 2020 Gle 350 and Gle 450 vehicles because a lighting control unit defect can leave the left exterior reverse light on after the driver shifts out of reverse. That false reverse signal can confuse other motorists and increase the risk of a crash, and Mercedes-Benz dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The exterior reverse light is the white backup lamp that tells people behind the 2020 Mercedes-Benz Gle 350 or Gle 450 that the vehicle is in reverse. A lighting control unit manages that lamp, sending power to the left exterior reverse light only when the transmission is shifted into reverse.
On affected vehicles, the control unit was built with contact pins for the left exterior reverse light at the edge of the supplier's tolerance limits. That pin position can let the control unit keep the left reverse light illuminated after the driver shifts into another gear. The result is a backup lamp that stays on when the vehicle is no longer backing up.
There is no warning sign before failure. The owner notices the problem only when the left exterior reverse light remains on after the transmission has already been shifted out of reverse.
Who's affected?
Includes both Gle variants using the same back-up-light control unit.
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz Gle 350 | Back up lights |
|---|---|
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz Gle 450 | Back up lights |
| Units affected | 8,199 |
| 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 reverse light that stays illuminated outside reverse gear can confuse other motorists about the driver's intention and increase the risk of a crash. There is no warning sign before this failure. Schedule the repair soon and use extra care when maneuvering or parking until it is complete. 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 schedule the free lighting-control-unit replacement that fixes the reverse light staying on after shifting out of reverse.
- Bring the recall notice if Mercedes-Benz mailed one, or reference recall number 21V056 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. Confirm the vehicle is out of reverse before moving forward or parking.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mercedes-Benz technician replaces the lighting control unit that controls the exterior reverse lighting. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered. The issue involves the left exterior reverse light staying on after the transmission is shifted out of reverse. Out of pocket repairs already paid are handled through the new vehicle warranty, not through a separate reimbursement program, because all involved vehicles remain covered under that warranty. Ask the service desk how that warranty coverage applies to prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| February 5, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 24, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| November 1, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| June 10, 2022 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V056?
Recall 21V056 covers 8,199 2020 Mercedes-Benz Gle 350 and Gle 450 vehicles with a lighting control unit defect. The left exterior reverse light can stay on after the transmission leaves reverse, confusing other motorists and increasing crash risk.
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 21V056. If it is, contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule replacement of the lighting control unit. Reference recall number 21V056 and Mercedes-Benz recall number 2022050004 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 dealers will replace the lighting control unit free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for vehicles included in recall 21V056.
Is it safe to drive my Mercedes-Benz before the repair?
Mercedes-Benz did not issue a stop-driving instruction for this recall. The safety concern is that an illuminated reverse light in a gear other than reverse can confuse other drivers. Confirm your VIN, then schedule the free lighting control unit replacement with a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
When were owners notified about recall 21V056?
Mercedes-Benz mailed owner notification letters on June 10, 2022. If you bought the vehicle used or never received the letter, check your VIN to confirm whether your 2020 Gle 350 or Gle 450 is included, then call a Mercedes-Benz dealer for the free repair.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V056000 |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz customer service | 1-800-367-6372 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V056 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V056000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (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 →