Recall 21V071 affects 41,838 2020-2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE and GLS SUVs for an ESP software defect. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 41,838 2020-2021 GLE 350, GLE 450, GLS 450, GLS 580, and GLE 580 SUVs under recall 21V071 because the Electronic Stability Program software can apply torque to a front wheel during an evasive maneuver, pulling the vehicle to one side. Mercedes-Benz dealers will update the software free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The Electronic Stability Program, or ESP, is the software that keeps a Mercedes-Benz GLE or GLS tracking straight when you make a sudden steering input. It watches wheel speed, steering angle, and yaw, then applies small braking pulses to individual wheels to keep the SUV pointed where the driver is steering. On these 2020-2021 GLE350, GLE450, GLE580, GLS450, and GLS580 vehicles, that software does not meet the current production specification.
During a sharp evasive steering maneuver, a rapid turn of the wheel and then back the other way without braking, the ESP software can send torque to one of the front wheels. Instead of helping the SUV hold its line, the system pulls the vehicle toward one side. The vehicle no longer complies with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 126 for Electronic Stability Control.
There is no warning sign before failure. The behavior shows up only during the specific evasive maneuver, not during normal driving.
Who's affected?
Covers five GLE and GLS variants across the 2020 and 2021 model years, all running the same ESP control unit software.
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz Gle 350 | Software |
|---|---|
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz Gle 450 | Software |
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz Gls 450 | Software |
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz Gls 580 | Software |
| 2021 Mercedes-Benz Gle 350 | Software |
| 2021 Mercedes-Benz Gle 450 | Software |
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz Gle 580 | Software |
| Units affected | 41,838 |
| 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 in this recall.
What's the safety risk?
An unexpected pull to one side during an evasive maneuver raises the risk of a crash. There is no warning sign before it happens, so drive cautiously and schedule the software update soon. A dealer technician reflashes the ESP control unit in a single visit, and the fix restores normal stability-system behavior. 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, GLE 580, GLS 450, or GLS 580 is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the free ESP software update that corrects the torque pull during evasive maneuvers.
- Bring the owner notice if Mercedes-Benz has mailed one. If not, reference recall number 21V071 when you call.
- Call Mercedes-Benz customer service at 1-800-367-6372 with any questions about scheduling or the repair.
- Drive cautiously until the update is installed, and leave extra room for sudden steering inputs.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mercedes-Benz technician updates the Electronic Stability Program software on the vehicle. The update is free under the recall, and the work is done with the vehicle connected to the dealer's diagnostic equipment. Out-of-pocket repairs already paid are handled through the new vehicle warranty, not through a separate reimbursement program, since all affected vehicles remain under warranty. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork tied to the ESP system.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| February 12, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| February 22, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| February 22, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| March 31, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
| March 31, 2021 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| March 31, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V071?
Recall 21V071 covers 41,838 2020-2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE350, GLE450, GLE580, GLS450, and GLS580 SUVs with an Electronic Stability Program software defect. During evasive driving maneuvers, the ESP software can apply torque to one front wheel and pull the vehicle to one side, failing FMVSS 126 requirements.
What should I do if my 2020-2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE or GLS is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 21V071. If it is, contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the ESP software update. Reference recall 21V071 or Mercedes-Benz internal number 2021030004 when you call. The repair is free, and you can reach Mercedes-Benz customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to fix safety defects at no cost to the owner. Mercedes-Benz dealers will update the Electronic Stability Program software free of charge at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer, regardless of where the SUV was originally purchased.
Is it safe to drive my GLE or GLS while I wait for the repair?
Mercedes-Benz has not issued a do-not-drive warning for recall 21V071. The defect surfaces during evasive maneuvers, when the ESP software can pull the vehicle to one side. Drive with extra caution, avoid abrupt steering inputs where possible, and schedule the free software update at a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer as soon as you can.
What if I bought my Mercedes-Benz GLE or GLS used?
The free repair still applies. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to honor the recall regardless of ownership history. If Mercedes-Benz never mailed you a notice, check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included, and reference recall 21V071 when you call a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the software update.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V071000 |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz customer service | 1-800-367-6372 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V071 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V071000 |
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 24, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →