Recall 21V832 affects 23 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE and GLS vehicles for rear glass that can detach. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 23 2021 Gle 350, GLS450, and AMG GLE53 vehicles because the rear window is not bonded tightly enough to the tailgate. Detached rear glass can become a road hazard and increase crash risk; Mercedes-Benz dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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 window on these 2021 Mercedes-Benz SUVs is the fixed glass bonded into the tailgate. The adhesive joint holds the glass in place while the tailgate opens and closes, seals the cabin from water and wind, and keeps the glass secured during normal driving.
On affected vehicles, the bonding process did not meet Mercedes-Benz specifications because the required glass activator was left out during assembly. That activator helps the adhesive grip the rear window surface. Without it, the bond between the glass and the tailgate loses strength, and the rear glass can detach.
Owners can notice wind noise from the rear window before the glass separates. Treat new air noise from the tailgate area as a warning sign and have a Mercedes-Benz dealer inspect the vehicle under recall 21V832.
Who's affected?
The scope spans GLE and GLS variants from the 2021 model year, all tied to the rear window visibility component.
| 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE53 | visibility component |
|---|---|
| 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS580 | visibility component |
| 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS450 | visibility component |
| 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE63 S | visibility component |
| 2021 Mercedes-Benz Gle 350 | visibility component |
| 2021 Mercedes-Benz Gle 580 | visibility component |
| 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLS63S | visibility component |
| Units affected | 23 |
| 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?
Rear glass that detaches can become a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash. Wind noise from the rear window is the warning sign owners can notice before separation. If you hear it, drive cautiously and schedule service soon. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE53, GLS580, GLS450, AMG GLE63 S, Gle 350, Gle 580, or AMG GLS63S is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the free rear-window replacement that fixes the insufficient bond to the tailgate.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it. If not, reference recall number 21V832 when you call.
- Inspect the rear glass before driving, and keep the vehicle parked if the glass has separated from the tailgate.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mercedes-Benz technician replaces the rear window so the glass is properly bonded to the tailgate. The recall covers the replacement parts and labor at no charge. 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. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| October 22, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 29, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| December 8, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
| December 8, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| December 10, 2021 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V832?
Recall 21V832 covers 23 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE53, GLS580, GLS450, AMG GLE63 S, Gle 350, Gle 580, and AMG GLS63S vehicles. The rear window bond on the tailgate is insufficient, and the rear glass can detach. Mercedes-Benz dealers will replace the rear window for free.
What should I do if my 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE53, GLS580, GLS450, AMG GLE63 S, Gle 350, Gle 580, or AMG GLS63S is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 21V832. If it is, contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the rear window replacement. Reference recall 21V832 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
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 rear window free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for vehicles included in recall 21V832.
What is the safety risk?
The rear glass can detach from the tailgate and become a road hazard. That increases the risk of a crash for other road users. Confirm your VIN first, then schedule the free rear window replacement with a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer if your vehicle is included.
When were owners notified about recall 21V832?
Mercedes-Benz mailed owner notification letters on December 8, 2021. If you bought the vehicle used or never received a letter, the VIN still decides whether the recall applies. Check your VIN and call Mercedes-Benz customer service at 1-800-367-6372 if you need help.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V832000 |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz customer service | 1-800-367-6372 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V832 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V832000 |
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 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →