Mercedes Benz recalls 161,000 units of the latest GLE and GLS SUVs

Mercedes Benz USA has recalled the GLE and GLS SUVs, which were manufactured between 2020-2022, over a window trim defect that can detach from the rear windows while driving. Over 161,000 units of the GLE-class, GLS, and Maybach-GLS SUVs have been recalled, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) disclosed last week.

To elaborate more on the problem, the fasteners that secure the trim bars on the rear window are suspected to have loosened, which will cause the trim bars to separate while driving. As per the NHTSA, this will pose a risk to other road users, and thus increase the risk of a crash. Furthermore, there are no warning lights as such that would indicate that the problem persists.

This is the 32nd time that the 2020 Mercedes Benz GLE SUV has been recalled since the brand’s signature SUV was redesigned. It is built in Mercedes Benz USA’s manufacturing plant in Tuscaloosa, Alabama alongside the GLS, GLE, GLE coupe, and the C-class sedan. Coincidentally, Mercedes Benz also locally assembles the GLE SUV, alongside the GLS SUV, for the Indian market at its Chakan plant in Pune.

The 2020 GLE SUV was launched in India in 2020, towards the end of January. At the start, it was available in two Long Wheelbase variants - 300d and the 400 Hip Hop variant. Later, Mercedes Benz introduced two new variants, 450 and 400d. Shortly after, both the 450 and 400 Hip Hop variants were discontinued, leaving only the 300d and 400d variant models in the line-up. The GLE also gets AMG variants, but it is available with the coupe-body styling.

The GLE 300d is powered by a 2.0-litre inline-4 engine that produces 245 hp at 4200 rpm and 500 Nm of torque between 1500-2400 rpm. The 400d gets a bigger 3.0-liter inline-6 engine that produces 330 hp at 4200 rpm and 700 Nm of torque between 1200-3200 rpm. Transmission duties are handled by the 9G Tronic automatic transmission in both variants. When it comes to their performance, the GLE 300d can do 0-100 km./hr in 7.2 seconds, while the 400d can do the same feat in 5.7 seconds.

As for the more premium GLS SUV, it is available in just one variant 400d. It is powered by the same 3.0-litre inline-6 engine that powers the GLE 400d SUV, with the same 330 hp and 700 Nm of torque. The 9G Tronic automatic transmission is also the same. However, due to its added dimension and more weight, it can do 0-100 km/hr in 6.3 seconds. But the Maybach GLS is powered by the 4.0-liter Biturbo V8 engine with EQ boost. It produces 557 hp at 6000 rpm and 730 Nm of torque between 2500-4500 rpm and it can do 0-100 km/hr in 4.9 seconds.

Owners of the affected vehicle in the USA will be notified as early as November 11, 2022. Since the vehicles are still under the new car warranty, there will be no cost to the owners.