Recall 21V771 affects 3 2020 Mercedes-Benz Gls 580 vehicles for incorrect air bag control software. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 3 2020 Gls 580 SUVs because incorrectly programmed air bag control unit software can cause the driver's air bag to deploy improperly. In a crash, that air bag problem can increase the risk of injury, and Mercedes-Benz dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The air bag control unit in the 2020 Mercedes-Benz Gls 580 is the computer that reads crash sensor signals and tells the restraint system when and how to deploy. Its software uses stored parameters to control the driver's air bag during a frontal crash, so the programming has to match the vehicle's certified restraint setup.
On affected SUVs, the control unit was loaded with an incorrect parameter data set. That means the driver's air bag can deploy with the wrong behavior for the crash condition the system is trying to manage. Mercedes-Benz traced the issue to a development process deviation, then found that a small group of vehicles was sold without the updated parameter data installed.
There is no warning sign before failure. The issue is in the restraint software, so the driver will not see, hear, or feel a problem during normal driving.
Who's affected?
The same airbag control unit is listed under both air bag system and front air bag components.
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz Gls 580 | air bag system |
|---|---|
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz Gls 580 | front air bag |
| Units affected | 3 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2020 Mercedes-Benz Gls 580 SUV is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
If your VIN is included, the air bag control unit can stop the air bag from deploying properly in a crash, raising the risk of injury. There is no advance warning before the issue matters, so schedule the repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2020 Mercedes-Benz Gls 580 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the free air bag control unit replacement that corrects improper driver's air bag deployment.
- Bring the recall notice if Mercedes-Benz mailed one. If not, reference recall number 21V771 when you call.
- Call Mercedes-Benz customer service at 1-800-367-6372 with questions about scheduling or the owner letter.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mercedes-Benz technician replaces the air bag control unit covered by this recall. The 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 under warranty and were not previously subject to the condition. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| October 1, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 8, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| October 8, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| October 29, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
| November 30, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V771?
Recall 21V771 covers 3 2020 Mercedes-Benz Gls 580 vehicles with air bag control unit software that was programmed incorrectly. The defect can cause the driver's air bag to deploy improperly in a crash, increasing injury risk. Mercedes-Benz dealers will replace the air bag control unit for free.
What should I do if my 2020 Mercedes-Benz Gls 580 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 21V771. If it is, contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the air bag control unit replacement. Reference recall number 21V771 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Mercedes-Benz will replace the air bag control unit free of charge at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is that the driver's air bag can deploy improperly during a crash. An air bag that does not deploy the way it was designed to deploy can increase the risk of injury. Mercedes-Benz's remedy is to replace the air bag control unit for free.
When were owners notified about recall 21V771?
Mercedes-Benz mailed owner notification letters on October 29, 2021. If you bought the vehicle used or never received a letter, check your VIN and then call a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer with recall number 21V771. Mercedes-Benz customer service is available at 1-800-367-6372.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V771000 |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz customer service | 1-800-367-6372 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V771 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V771000 |
Source documents
-
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 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →