Recall 24V118 affects 105,071 2020-2023 Mercedes-Benz Gls 450, Gle 450, and GLS450 vehicles for engine-stall risk. Software update is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 105,071 2020-2023 Gls 450 and Gle 450 vehicles because the transmission can fail to fully downshift in certain conditions and stall the engine. An engine stall increases the risk of a crash, and Mercedes-Benz dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The recalled part is the transmission control unit software in 2020-2023 Mercedes-Benz Gls 450, Gle 450, and GLS450 vehicles. This software tells the automatic transmission when to shift, including when to downshift as the vehicle slows or load changes. It is supposed to keep the transmission and engine working together so the engine keeps running during a gear change.
On affected vehicles, a software deviation can keep the transmission from fully downshifting in a narrow combination of driving conditions. Mercedes-Benz identified abnormalities during automatic shifts from 7th to 6th gear while investigating reports of stalling. If the transmission does not complete the downshift as intended, the engine can stall while the vehicle is moving.
There is no warning sign before failure. The driver does not receive a message or other advance warning because of the way the failure occurs.
Who's affected?
Covers Gls 450, Gle 450, and GLS450 naming variants across the 2020-2023 model years, all tied to automatic-transmission software.
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz Gls 450 | automatic transmission |
|---|---|
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz Gle 450 | automatic transmission |
| 2021 Mercedes-Benz Gle 450 | automatic transmission |
| 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS450 | automatic transmission |
| 2022 Mercedes-Benz Gle 450 | automatic transmission |
| 2022 Mercedes-Benz Gls 450 | automatic transmission |
| 2023 Mercedes-Benz Gle 450 | automatic transmission |
| 2023 Mercedes-Benz Gls 450 | automatic transmission |
| Units affected | 105,071 |
A matching year and model does not confirm inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific SUV.
What's the safety risk?
An engine stall can leave the driver without power at a critical moment and increases the risk of a crash. There is no warning sign before failure, so schedule the software update soon if your VIN is included. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2020-2023 Mercedes-Benz Gls 450, Gle 450, or GLS450 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the free transmission-control-unit software update that fixes the downshift problem tied to engine stalls.
- Bring the owner notice if you have it, and reference recall number 24V118 when you call.
- Drive carefully until the software update is complete, and stop in a safe place if the engine stalls.
- Call Mercedes-Benz customer service at 1-800-367-6372 with questions about the recall or dealer appointment.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mercedes-Benz technician updates the transmission control unit software. The dealer repair is free under recall 24V118. The update is meant to correct transmission logic that can keep the transmission from fully downshifting and allow the engine to stall. Mercedes-Benz says owners who paid before the recall notice can use the manufacturer's standard reimbursement plan for documented related repairs. Bring repair invoices and payment records to the service desk, or contact MBUSA customer service to ask how to submit them.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| February 16, 2024 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| February 23, 2024 | Dealer notification began |
| March 29, 2024 | Owner notification mailed |
| March 29, 2024 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| April 16, 2024 | 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 24V118?
Recall 24V118 covers 105,071 2020-2023 Mercedes-Benz Gls 450, Gle 450, and GLS450 vehicles with transmission control unit software that does not fully downshift in certain conditions. The problem can stall the engine and increase crash risk. Mercedes-Benz dealers will update the software for free.
What should I do if my 2020-2023 Mercedes-Benz Gls 450, Gle 450, or GLS450 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 24V118. If it is, contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the transmission control unit software update. Reference recall number 24V118 when you call. The 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 will update the transmission control unit software free of charge at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is an engine stall. If the transmission does not fully downshift in certain conditions, the engine can stall, which increases the risk of a crash. The repair path is a free transmission control unit software update at a Mercedes-Benz dealer.
When were owners notified about recall 24V118?
Mercedes-Benz mailed owner notification letters on March 29, 2024. If you bought the vehicle used or never received the letter, check your VIN and call a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer with recall number 24V118.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/24V118000 |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz customer service | 1-800-367-6372 |
| NHTSA recall # | 24V118 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 24V118000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (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 →