Recall 21V288 covers 6,331 2020-2021 Mercedes-Benz Gle, Gls, and AMG GLE53 vehicles for misrouted air-conditioner drain hoses. Repair is free at franchised Mercedes-Benz dealers.
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 6,331 2020-2021 Gle 350, Gle 450, Gls 450, Gls 580, AMG GLE53, and Gle 580 vehicles because incorrectly installed air conditioner drain hoses can send water into the passenger compartment. Water intrusion can corrode or short electrical parts and raise fire, injury, and crash risks; Mercedes-Benz dealers will inspect and repair the hoses free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The condensation drainage hose in these 2020-2021 Mercedes-Benz Gle 350, Gle 450, Gle 580, Gls 450, Gls 580, and AMG GLE53 vehicles carries water from the air conditioner evaporator out of the passenger compartment. When the air conditioner runs, moisture collects inside the HVAC case and this hose gives that water a controlled path outside the vehicle.
On affected vehicles, the hose was installed outside current production specifications during assembly. Because the connection is not tight enough, condensate water drains into the passenger compartment instead of leaving the vehicle. That water collects where the front floor area and interior trim are supposed to stay dry.
The warning signs are wet carpets in the front footwells and fogged windows. If you notice either condition, describe it to a Mercedes-Benz dealer as air conditioner drain hose water intrusion under recall 21V288.
Who's affected?
The included model list covers Gle, Gls, and AMG GLE53 variants, all tied to the same condensation drainage hose for the air conditioner.
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz Gle 350 | Air conditioner |
|---|---|
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz Gle 450 | Air conditioner |
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz Gls 450 | Air conditioner |
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz Gls 580 | Air conditioner |
| 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE53 | Air conditioner |
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz Gle 580 | Air conditioner |
| Units affected | 6,331 |
| 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?
Water intrusion into front footwells can corrode or short electrical components, increasing the risk of fire. It can also disable eCall, prevent doors from unlocking, or cause no-start and limp-home operation, increasing injury and crash risk. Wet front carpets or fogged windows are warning signs to schedule service soon. 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, Gls 450, Gls 580, AMG GLE53, or Gle 580 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the free air-conditioner drain-hose inspection and correction that stops water from draining into the passenger compartment.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it. If not, reference recall number 21V288 when you call.
- Ask the Mercedes-Benz dealer whether the vehicle is safe to drive if water has reached the driver or passenger foot well.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mercedes-Benz technician inspects the air conditioner drain hoses and corrects any hoses that were installed incorrectly, so water drains where it should instead of into the passenger compartment. The recall repair is free, and parts and labor are 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 remain under warranty. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| April 23, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 30, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| June 4, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
| June 4, 2021 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| June 4, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V288?
Recall 21V288 covers 6,331 2020-2021 Mercedes-Benz Gle 350, Gle 450, Gle 580, Gls 450, Gls 580, and AMG GLE53 vehicles with air conditioner drain hoses that were installed incorrectly. Water can drain into the passenger compartment. Mercedes-Benz dealers will inspect and correct the hoses for free.
What should I do if my 2020-2021 Mercedes-Benz Gle 350, Gle 450, Gls 450, Gls 580, AMG GLE53, or Gle 580 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 21V288. If it is, contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the air conditioner drain hose inspection and correction. Reference recall number 21V288 or Mercedes-Benz recall number 2021040024 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the recall repair at no cost, and Mercedes-Benz says dealers will inspect and correct the air conditioner drain hoses as needed for free. The repair is handled through franchised Mercedes-Benz dealers.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is water intrusion into the driver and passenger foot wells. Mercedes-Benz says that water can corrode electrical parts or cause short circuits, increasing fire risk. It can also disable eCall, prevent door unlocking, stop the engine from starting, or put the vehicle into limp-home mode.
When were owners notified about recall 21V288?
Mercedes-Benz mailed owner notification letters on June 4, 2021. If you bought the vehicle used or never received a letter, the VIN still decides whether the recall applies. Check your VIN, then call a Mercedes-Benz dealer if your vehicle is included.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V288000 |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz customer service | 1-800-367-6372 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V288 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V288000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (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 →