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Campaign 21V961 Posted December 13, 2021 139 units

2016, 2019, 2020 Mercedes-Benz Recall 21V961: Fuel Leak

RN
Reviewed by the RecallNotify editorial team
Published May 20, 2026

Recall 21V961 covers 139 2016, 2019, 2020 Mercedes-Benz gasoline vehicles for fuel rail and injector leaks. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.

Mercedes-Benz is recalling 139 vehicles from the 2016, 2019, 2020 model years, including C300, E 300, and AMG G63 models, because particles trapped between the fuel rail and injectors can cause a fuel leak. Fuel leaking near hot engine or exhaust parts can raise the risk of fire, and Mercedes-Benz dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.

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What's wrong?

The fuel rail is the metal passage that feeds gasoline to the injectors on affected Mercedes-Benz gasoline models. The injectors then spray the fuel into the engine in a controlled pattern so the engine receives the right amount of fuel under pressure. The seal between the rail and each injector has to stay clean and tight.

In this recall, the fuel rail and injectors were not cleaned properly before assembly. Small plastic or metal particles were trapped between the parts. Over the vehicle's operating life, sharp-edged particles can work into the seal between the fuel rail and injector. Once that seal is damaged, gasoline can leak at the connection.

Owners can notice a fuel odor if a leak starts. A check engine light can also appear when the fuel rail pressure moves outside its set limits. Those are the warning signs tied to this defect.

Who's affected?

The scope crosses sedan, SUV, coupe, convertible, and AMG performance lines, all tied to fuel-system components.

2016 Mercedes-Benz C300 fuel system
2019 Mercedes-Benz E 300 fuel system
2019 Mercedes-Benz E 300 fuel system
2020 Mercedes-Benz Gla 250 fuel system
2020 Mercedes-Benz Gla 250 fuel system
Units affected139
Field incidentsNHTSA has logged 1 field incident to date.

A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle.

What's the safety risk?

A fuel leak near hot engine or exhaust parts can raise the risk of a fire. Fuel odor or a check engine light means the fuel system needs attention, so avoid heat, open flames, and extra trips until a dealer checks it. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.

What should I do?

  1. Check your VIN to confirm your 2016, 2019, or 2020 Mercedes-Benz gasoline model is included in this recall.
  2. Contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the free fuel-rail and fuel-injector replacement that fixes the fuel leak risk.
  3. Bring the owner letter if you have it. If not, reference recall number 21V961 when you call.
  4. Avoid driving after any sign of a fuel leak, and keep the vehicle away from open flames until the repair is complete.

What happens at the repair

At the dealer, a Mercedes-Benz technician replaces the fuel rail and fuel injectors to remove the leak path created by particles trapped between those parts. Parts and labor are covered under the recall, so the dealer repair is free now. If you already paid out of pocket for a related fuel rail or injector repair before the recall notice, the Mercedes-Benz standard reimbursement plan covers documented expenses. Bring receipts or repair documentation to the service desk.

ReimbursementReimbursement available

Timeline

December 13, 2021 NHTSA published the recall
December 17, 2021 Dealer notification began
February 8, 2022 VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle.
February 8, 2022 Interim owner notification (was planned for this date)
April 22, 2022 Owner notification mailed

Frequently asked questions

What is recall 21V961?

Recall 21V961 covers 139 2016, 2019, and 2020 Mercedes-Benz gasoline-engine vehicles with fuel rail and fuel injector parts that can leak fuel. A leak near hot engine or exhaust parts can increase fire risk. Mercedes-Benz dealers will replace the fuel rail and fuel injectors for free.

What should I do if my 2016, 2019, or 2020 Mercedes-Benz vehicle is on this recall?

Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 21V961. If it is, contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer and schedule the fuel rail and fuel injector replacement. Reference recall number 21V961, or Mercedes-Benz recall 2022030003, when you call.

Is the recall repair free?

Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Mercedes-Benz dealers will replace the affected fuel rail and fuel injectors free of charge, including parts and labor, for vehicles included in recall 21V961.

What is the safety risk?

The risk is fire from a fuel leak. Particles trapped between the fuel rail and injectors during manufacturing can allow gasoline to leak, and fuel near hot engine or exhaust components can ignite. If your VIN is included, arrange the free dealer repair.

What if I bought the Mercedes-Benz vehicle used?

The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. If you never received the owner letter Mercedes-Benz mailed on April 22, 2022, check your VIN and contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer if your vehicle is included.

More information

NHTSA campaign pagenhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V961000
Mercedes-Benz customer service1-800-367-6372
NHTSA recall #21V961
NHTSA recall # (full)21V961000

Source documents

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 →