Mercedes-Benz Recall 21V-056: Exterior lighting – back up lights

Affected: 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE350, 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE450. Filed with NHTSA on February 5, 2021, covering about 8,199 vehicles.

The problem

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 GLE350 and GLE450 vehicles. The lighting control unit may malfunction and cause the left exterior reverse light to remain illuminated after the transmission is shifted into a different gear. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

The risk

If the reverse light remains illuminated in a gear other than reverse, it may cause confusion about the driver's intention to other motorists, and increase the risk of a crash.

The fix

MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the lighting control unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 10, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022050004.

Recall details

NHTSA campaign21V-056 (21V056000)
Manufacturer number2022050004
ManufacturerMercedes-Benz USA, LLC
ComponentExterior lighting › Back up lights
Report dateFebruary 5, 2021
Owners notifiedJune 10, 2022
Vehicles affected8,199
Initiated byManufacturer

Vehicles covered

Owner complaints about the lights

Frequently asked questions

Is the recall 21V-056 repair free?

Yes. Mercedes-Benz dealers will fix the problem at no cost: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the lighting control unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 10, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022050004.

How do I know if my car is included?

Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 8,199 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.