Recall 21V231 affects 5,215 2020-2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLB35 and Glb 250 SUVs for side spoilers that can detach. Free repair at a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 5,215 2020-2021 AMG GLB35 and Glb 250 vehicles because side spoilers on the tailgate were not installed correctly and can detach. Detached spoilers can create a road hazard and raise the risk of a crash or injury, and the Mercedes-Benz dealer repair is free.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
The rear side spoilers on the 2020-2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLB35 and Glb 250 are trim pieces mounted along the tailgate area. They help finish the rear body shape and must stay fixed to the tailgate under vibration, weather, and normal driving airflow.
On affected SUVs, the side spoilers were not mounted to specification after a process deviation at the assembly plant. Mercedes-Benz traced the problem to work that involved removing and reinstalling the spoilers during vehicle assembly. If the mounting is not secure, airflow and road vibration can work the spoiler loose until it separates from the tailgate while the SUV is moving.
There is no warning sign before failure. The owner is not expected to hear, see, or feel a reliable symptom before a side spoiler detaches, so the VIN check and dealer inspection decide whether this recall applies.
Who's affected?
Spans the AMG GLB35 and Glb 250 across the 2020 and 2021 model years, all tied to the rear spoiler on the tailgate.
| 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLB35 | body structure |
|---|---|
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz Glb 250 | body structure |
| 2021 Mercedes-Benz Glb 250 | body structure |
| Units affected | 5,215 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
A side spoiler that detaches can become a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash or injury for other road users. There is no warning sign before failure, so treat a loose or missing spoiler as a reason to call the dealer. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2020-2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLB35 or Glb 250 is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the free tailgate side-spoiler inspection and replacement if needed.
- Bring the recall notice if Mercedes-Benz mailed one. If not, reference recall number 21V231 when you call.
- Avoid driving with a loose or missing tailgate side spoiler, since a detached spoiler can create a road hazard.
- Call Mercedes-Benz customer service at 1-800-367-6372 with questions about recall number 21V231.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mercedes-Benz technician inspects the side spoilers on the tailgate and replaces them if the installation is not correct. The inspection, replacement parts, and labor are 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 remain covered by that warranty. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| April 1, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 9, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| April 9, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| May 21, 2021 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| May 21, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| July 2, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V231?
Recall 21V231 covers 5,215 2020-2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLB35 and Glb 250 vehicles with tailgate side spoilers that were installed incorrectly and can detach. Mercedes-Benz dealers will inspect the side spoilers and replace them for free when needed.
What should I do if my 2020-2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLB35 or Glb 250 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 21V231. If it is, contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer and ask for the tailgate side spoiler inspection. Reference recall number 21V231 or Mercedes-Benz recall number 2021050009 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Mercedes-Benz will inspect and replace the affected tailgate side spoilers free of charge at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
What is the safety risk from the Mercedes-Benz GLB spoiler recall?
A detached side spoiler can create a road hazard. NHTSA campaign 21V231 says that road hazard increases the risk of a crash or injury. The repair path is an inspection at a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer, followed by free replacement if the side spoilers are affected.
What if I bought my Mercedes-Benz GLB used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your AMG GLB35 or Glb 250 is included, then call a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer with recall number 21V231.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V231000 |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz customer service | 1-800-367-6372 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V231 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V231000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (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 →