Recall 22V261 affects 129 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC vehicles for non-watertight headlight connections. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 129 2021 Glc 300, AMG GLC43, AMG GLC63, and AMG GLC63 S vehicles because the headlight electrical connection is not watertight, which can lead to headlight failure. Failed headlights reduce visibility for the driver and surrounding traffic and increase crash risk; Mercedes-Benz dealers will inspect and repair the connection free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The headlamp plug connector on these 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC63 S, AMG GLC63, AMG GLC43, and Glc 300 vehicles carries power and signals from the wiring harness into the headlamp. Sealing plugs inside the connector housing are supposed to close off unused openings, so water stays out and the electrical contacts stay dry. That watertight seal lets the headlights keep working in rain, a car wash, and normal road spray.
On affected vehicles, some sealing plugs were not installed correctly in the connector housing. Moisture can enter the connector and reach the headlamp electrical contacts. Once water gets into that connection, the headlamp can lose power or communication and stop working. That leaves the driver with less lighting and visibility.
Before the failure, an owner can see fogged headlamps. When the problem occurs, the driver is also shown a warning message in the instrument cluster.
Who's affected?
Spans AMG GLC63 S, AMG GLC63, AMG GLC43, and Glc 300 variants in the 2021 model year, all tied to the same headlight plug connector.
| 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC63 S | Headlights |
|---|---|
| 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC63 | Headlights |
| 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC43 | Headlights |
| 2021 Mercedes-Benz Glc 300 | Headlights |
| Units affected | 129 |
| 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?
Headlight failure can decrease visibility for you and surrounding traffic, increasing the risk of a crash. Fogged headlamps or an instrument cluster warning message point to the issue. If either appears, limit low-light driving and schedule the recall repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC63 S, AMG GLC63, AMG GLC43, or Glc 300 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the free headlight sealing-plug inspection and replacement that fixes the water leak path at the headlight electrical connection.
- Bring the recall notice if Mercedes-Benz mailed one. If not, reference recall number 22V261 when you call.
- Call Mercedes-Benz customer service at 1-800-367-6372 with questions about the free dealer repair.
- Drive only with working headlights until the repair, and stop using the vehicle after dark if the headlights fail.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mercedes-Benz technician inspects the headlight sealing plugs and replaces any sealing plugs that are not keeping the electrical connection watertight. Parts and labor are free under recall 22V261. 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 under that warranty. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| April 15, 2022 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 22, 2022 | Dealer notification began |
| April 22, 2022 | Dealer notification ended |
| June 3, 2022 | Owner notification mailed |
| June 3, 2022 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| June 3, 2022 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 22V261?
Recall 22V261 covers 129 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC63 S, AMG GLC63, AMG GLC43, and Glc 300 vehicles with headlight electrical connections that are not watertight. Water intrusion can lead to headlight failure, reducing visibility for the driver and surrounding traffic.
What should I do if my 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC63 S, AMG GLC63, AMG GLC43, or Glc 300 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 22V261. If it is, contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the headlight sealing plug inspection and replacement. Reference recall 22V261 or Mercedes-Benz recall number 2022050005 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Mercedes-Benz dealers will inspect and replace the headlight sealing plugs as needed free of charge.
What is the safety risk from this headlight recall?
The safety risk is reduced visibility. If the headlight connection lets water in and a headlight fails, the driver and surrounding traffic have less light to see and be seen, increasing crash risk.
When were owners notified about recall 22V261?
Mercedes-Benz mailed owner notification letters on June 3, 2022. If you bought the vehicle used or never received a letter, the VIN still decides whether the free recall repair applies to your specific vehicle.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/22V261000 |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz customer service | 1-800-367-6372 |
| NHTSA recall # | 22V261 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 22V261000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (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 →