Mercedes-Benz Recall 16V-903: Air bags – occupant classification

Affected: 2016–2017 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE43, 2016–2017 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE63, 2017 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLS63 and 8 more. Filed with NHTSA on December 15, 2016, covering about 47,799 vehicles.

The problem

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 GL350 4Matic Bluetec, GL550 4Matic, GLE350 4Matic, GLE43 AMG Coupe, GLE450 4Matic, 2016 GLE300d 4Matic, GLE350, GLE350d 4Matic, GLE400 4Matic, GLE550e 4Matic, GLE63 AMG, GLE63 AMG 4Matic, GLE63S AMG 4Matic Coupe, and 2017 GLS63 AMG vehicles manufactured April 23, 2014, to May 10, 2016. The front passenger seat Occupant Classification System (OCS) calibration may be incorrect, and as a result, the system can incorrectly classify the occupant as a child seat, deactivating the front passenger air bag.

The risk

If the front passenger air bag does not deploy as necessary in the event of a crash, the front passenger has an increased risk of injury.

The fix

MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the OCS software, free of charge. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

Recall details

NHTSA campaign16V-903 (16V903000)
Manufacturer number2016120004
ManufacturerMercedes-Benz USA, LLC
ComponentAir bags › Sensor › Occupant classification
Report dateDecember 15, 2016
Owners notifiedJanuary 18, 2017
Vehicles affected47,799
Initiated byManufacturer

Vehicles covered

Plus 2 other model/year combinations not covered on this site.

Owner complaints about the air bags

Frequently asked questions

Is the recall 16V-903 repair free?

Yes. Mercedes-Benz dealers will fix the problem at no cost: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the OCS software, free of charge. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

How do I know if my car is included?

Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 47,799 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.