Safety concerns have prompted two separate recalls for Mercedes SUVs. The first involves the transmission in select GLE and GLS models. The second, affecting fewer units, poses a risk of the brake pedal becoming inoperative for 2024 GLE drivers.
The transmission issue impacts vehicles from the 2020-2023 model years equipped with the six-cylinder engine and the nine-speed automatic. In the U.S., this affects a total of 105,071 vehicles — 32,308 GLE 450s and 72,7633 GLS 450s.
Mercedes initially became aware of the issue in March 2022 but struggled to identify the problem until May 2023, after gathering data from a significant number of vehicles in the field. The complexity of the issue, attributed to various factors, was eventually traced back to the SUV’s transmission software.
The automaker’s investigation found that the issue arises when one of these vehicles shifts from seventh gear down to sixth. If, during such a downshift, the GLE or GLS attempts to abort the shift, while the transmission fluid temperature is low, and the 48-volt starter-alternator attempts recuperation, the engine can stall.
Read: Mercedes Recalls Dozens Of Cars And SUVs Over Fuel Pump Issue
That unexpectedly leaves the driver without motive power, potentially exposing them to rear-end collisions. Mercedes claims that since this is a case of the engine stalling, drivers should have no problem restarting the vehicle. The company says it has developed software to prevent the vehicles from stalling under these circumstances. Starting April 16, Mercedes will contact owners to request that they bring their GLEs and GLSs to a nearby dealer, where the new software will be installed free of charge.
A second recall
The GLE, specifically, has also been hit by another recall campaign. This one impacts fewer vehicles, but it is likely to affect them in a less unusual set of circumstances. The problem is related to the pedal assembly in the 2024 GLE350, GLE450, as well as the AMG GLE53 (in both standard and coupe body styles).
Only 466 vehicles are affected by the recall, but due to a welding issue on the supplier’s side, the accelerator and brake pedals could fracture and break. This could affect a driver’s ability to accelerate or, more alarmingly, to decelerate. Fortunately, Mercedes has not received any reports of owners experiencing this issue.
Again, the automaker will reach out to owners of affected vehicles on April 16. They will be asked to return their SUV to a nearby dealer, where a technician will drill through the troublesome spot welds and will install a bracket with rivets, which will stand up to the pressures of the job.
