Recall 23V178 covers 70,225 2022-2023 Mercedes-Benz SUVs with rear window trim bars that detach while driving. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 70,225 2022-2023 vehicles, including the Gle 350, Gls 450, AMG GLE53, and Gls 600, because rear door window trim bars can detach while driving. Detached trim bars can create a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash or injury; the Mercedes-Benz dealer repair will be free once available.
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 door window trim bar on the 2022-2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE, GLS, AMG, and Maybach GLS SUVs is exterior body trim around the side window pane. Its normal job is to sit flush against the rear door window area and stay attached while the vehicle is moving, washing, or exposed to wind.
In NHTSA campaign 23V178, Mercedes-Benz says the rear door window trim bars can detach from the vehicle while driving. The defect is not a broken glass pane. It is an attachment problem in the trim area, where the bar does not stay secured to the rear door window assembly as intended.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner is not given a dashboard light or a specific sound to rely on before the trim bar separates.
Who's affected?
Spans 9 listed SUV variants across the 2022 and 2023 model years; all involve side window panes in the body structure.
| 2023 Mercedes-Benz Gls 450 | body structure |
|---|---|
| 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLS63 | body structure |
| 2023 Mercedes-Benz Gls 580 | body structure |
| 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE63 S | body structure |
| 2023 Mercedes-Benz Gle 580 | body structure |
| 2023 Mercedes-Benz Gle 350 | body structure |
| 2023 Mercedes-Benz Gle 450 | body structure |
| 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE53 | body structure |
| 2022 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLS63 | body structure |
| 2022 Mercedes-Benz Gls 580 | body structure |
| 2022 Mercedes-Benz Gls 450 | body structure |
| 2022 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE63 S | body structure |
| 2022 Mercedes-Benz Gle 580 | body structure |
| 2022 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE53 | body structure |
| 2022 Mercedes-Benz Gle 450 | body structure |
| 2022 Mercedes-Benz Gle 350 | body structure |
| 2022 Mercedes-Maybach Gls 600 | body structure |
| 2023 Mercedes-Maybach Gls 600 | body structure |
| Units affected | 70,225 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific SUV.
What's the safety risk?
Detached rear-window trim bars can separate from the vehicle, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash or injury. There is no warning sign listed before separation, so confirm your VIN and contact a Mercedes-Benz dealer for repair timing if included. Repair will be free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2022-2023 Mercedes-Benz Gls 450, AMG GLS63, Gls 580, AMG GLE63 S, Gle 580, Gle 350, Gle 450, AMG GLE53, or Gls 600 is included in this recall.
- Review the Mercedes-Benz owner letter mailed May 5, 2023, if you received one.
- Contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to ask whether the free rear-window-trim inspection and securing repair is open for your VIN.
- Reference recall number 23V178 when you call, and bring the recall notice to the appointment if you have it.
- Drive with extra space around other vehicles until the trim bars are inspected and secured, since detached trim bars create a road hazard.
What happens at the repair
Mercedes-Benz has identified the dealer fix for this recall, but the available recall filing does not mark the final repair as open. Once available, a Mercedes-Benz technician will inspect the rear window trim bars and secure them as needed. Parts and labor will be free under the recall. Ask the service department to confirm the campaign is ready for your VIN before arranging a service visit.
Timeline
| March 17, 2023 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 5, 2023 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 23V178?
Recall 23V178 covers 70,225 2022-2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE, GLS, AMG, and Maybach GLS vehicles with rear door window trim bars that can detach while driving. Detached trim bars can create a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash or injury. Mercedes-Benz dealers will inspect and secure the trim bars for free.
What should I do if my 2022-2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE or GLS is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 23V178. If it is, contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the rear window trim bar inspection and repair. Reference recall number 23V178 or Mercedes-Benz recall number 2023040011 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 secure the rear window trim bars free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for vehicles included in recall 23V178.
What is the safety risk from recall 23V178?
The risk is road debris from the vehicle itself. If a rear door window trim bar detaches while driving, it can become a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash or injury. The repair path is a free dealer inspection and securing of the trim bars.
When were owners notified about recall 23V178?
Mercedes-Benz mailed owner notification letters on May 5, 2023. 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 franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer if your vehicle is included.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/23V178000 |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz customer service | 1-800-367-6372 |
| NHTSA recall # | 23V178 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 23V178000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (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 →