VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM
2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE63
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Overview
Our database contains 2 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE63, most frequently naming the electrical, engine and visibility categories. 6 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 158 manufacturer communications are on file.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
Not enough dated records to plot a meaningful trend — 2 months of data.
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Electrical133.3%
- Engine133.3%
- Visibility133.3%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Safety recalls
6 campaigns cover this model year
Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.
Check a VIN on NHTSA.govCOMMUNICATION: AUTO CRASH NOTIFICATION; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
Engine light came on at 44K miles
- NHTSA ID
- 11687634
- Incident
- Sep 3, 2025
The sunroof exploded this morning while cruising on I-5 in the carpool lane. Nothing hit it, and there was nothing above us when it happened. It was overcast this morning, so I had considered opening the shade. It is good I did not, as we would have had glass in our faces/eyes!
- NHTSA ID
- 11458394
- Incident
- Mar 25, 2022
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
This NCU replaces the prior NCU issued on May 15, 2025, and contains additional MY 2023 and MY 2024 vehicles which are highlighted below. In our continuing efforts to ensure the proper performance of Mercedes-Benz products and to enhance the satisfaction of our customers, Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (“MBUSA”) is extending the warranty coverage on the Diagnostic Module for Tank Leakage detection (DMTL) in certain Model Year (“MY”) vehicles listed below from the original New Vehicle Limited Warranty of 4 years/50,000 miles to 10 years/120,000 miles (vehicles certified as LEV II) and 15 years/150,000 miles (vehicles certified as LEV III), whichever occurs first, for the following condition: •Under certain circumstances, the DMTL may trigger erroneous Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) entries that may result in the illumination of the Check Engine Malfunction Indicator Lamp (‘MIL’).
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; STEERING
Complaint Hand detection system – malfunction / vehicles with code 266 Fault message in instrument cluster: "Active Emergency Stop Assist not available" "Active Lane Keeping Assist not available" "Active steering assist not available" Cause Possible causes: Hand detection mat, hand detection control unit, contacts, and electrical feed line. Remedy In the event of a customer complaint and fault code in IDC control unit: U186B29 in IDC223 or fault code U0429E0, U042941, U042929, U042902, U0429E1 in IDC213 or fault code in HOSWD control unit: B1E7614 Check: Please do not replace the HOSWD control unit. Please flash the new SW and perform the SCN coding for the HOSWD control unit (N179/1) (available from July 2026). The software can be flashed onto all HOSWD213 with HW number A0009011522 and all HOSWD223 with HW number A0009011422. Please also flash the SW for the IDC control unit (N62/4), if possible (only applies to HOSWD223). Erase fault memory Remedy: Turn on the ignition or start the engine without touching the steering wheel. If, after 10 seconds without touching the steering wheel, one of the three fault messages appears on the instrument cluster: Check the contacts and feed lines in the steering wheel by means of a visual inspection for damage, crimp connections, loose connections, etc. (example in picture 2 and 3). If there is visible damage -> replace the steering wheel electronics or the feed lines. If there is not any visible damage -> replace the steering wheel rim. If a yellow message does not appear on the instrument cluster within 10 seconds: Grasp the steering wheel fully with both hands, including the chrome molding at the 6 o'clock position (see picture 1). If the fault is triggered by grasping the steering wheel rim or pressing the clip at the 6 o'clock position, check the contacts and feed lines in the steering wheel by means of a visual inspection for damage, kinked connections, loose connections, etc. (example in picture 2 and 3). Check the ground connections (screw connections and cables to the steering wheel rim); if necessary, retighten the screws/bolts and check for corrosion (picture 4). If there is visible damage -> replace the steering wheel electronics or the feed lines. If there is not any visible damage: Replace the steering wheel rim. Please do not replace the HOSWD control unit. A TIPS case should be created if fault profile is unclear. In the event of a customer complaint and a further fault code in HOSWD: B1E7713: Check the ground connections (screw connections and cables to the steering wheel rim); if necessary, retighten the screws/bolts and check for corrosion (picture 4). B1F1F04: Check the control unit of the hand detection system; if necessary, replace this with the control unit from a donor vehicle (make sure that the hardware part numbers are identical).
POWER TRAIN
Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The noise is heard once in each instance when changing direction of travel. Note: Sound file in attachment Cause If the complaint is eliminated by experimentally loosening the outboard collar nut (by 1 turn), the problem is due to cracking of the microweld between the wheel bearing inner race and the joint housing of the side shaft. Note: The collar nut must always be replaced after being loosened. See also LI33.20-P-078406 Remedy Coat contact surface of side shaft with wheel bearing with Molykote paint. To do this, proceed as follows: 1. Remove side shafts 2. Clean contact surface A (see image file in attachment "Outer joint housing before") before coating with Molykote, using "spirit" (free of dust and grease) 3. Coat contact surface A (see image file in attachment "Outer joint housing after") with Molykote and leave to dry for "one hour" in removed condition 4. Reinstall side shafts Note: Before using the antifriction coating (Molykote), stir it or shake it thoroughly for (at least 1 minute).
STEERING
Complaint Noises from the area of the steering column. - Creaking - Squeaking - Chattering - Humming - Grinding Cause At present, there are no known noise problems with the steering column. Remedy Check surrounding area of the steering column for possible noises. • Instrument panel support • Steering column switch module NOTE: Occasionally to verify complaint, the steering column/vehicle needs to be in direct sunlight or hot conditions for a few hours. If noise only occurs when adjusting the steering column via electric actuation, please perform: 1. Disassemble bellows of steering column tube module. 2. Move steering column entirely out and entirely down. 3. Grease steering column on all pivot points including, but not limited to, green-marked positions with a suitable brush (find pictures in attachment). 4. Move column up 1/4 of the way and grease again. 5. Continue until upper limit stop is reached. 6. Then move steering column adjustment in all directions from limit stop to limit stop several times to work in the grease. 7. If noise does not resolve, wipe excess grease off and perform greasing and movement to limit stops in all directions again. For all other noises or if the above does not resolve, create a TIPS case Body, Chassis, and Entertainment inbox. Attach a detailed description of the noise complaint, images, and a recording of the noise. Include detailed items of the following: • Position of height and longitudinal adjustment when the noise occurs • If possible, locate affected component part on steering column • State any change in the noise when steering column component parts are touched (e.g. spring, etc.)
POWER TRAIN; SUSPENSION
The part numbers listed in the chart below should no longer be installed, and any existing stock must be returned to your facing PDC. The deadline for all dealer returns is no later than Thursday, June 4, 2026. After June 4th, returns of these parts will no longer be accepted. These parts should be returned via ZSR Special Return, using item category SCM Authorized Part Return. Please include a copy of this NCU as your authorization to return these parts. This procedure will not affect your return allowance. All returned parts will be replaced in accordance with the chart provided below.
SERVICE BRAKES
Complaint Repeat workshop visit for vehicle vibration while braking from 60MPH. Vehicle production date prior to December 2025. Cause Although the cause of the vibration is most likely due to excessive lateral runout on the rotor or hub/wheel bearing, the system as a whole needs to be checked for other possible contributors. 1. Prior collision damage. 2. Excessive vehicle sitting times without rotating components. 3. Wheel bearing/hub lateral runout. 4. Wheel mating interface has been overtightened (did not follow WIS torque procedures). 5. Mating interfaces have been excessively modified (painted, gouged, bent, etc...). Remedy Read through the entire attached worksheet prior to performing. After performing, please review the final page and perform work accordingly. If there are any questions on how to proceed OR The work sheet has been performed and the vehicle has returned with the same concern. Please perform the measurements as seen in the worksheet again and open a TIPS case to the Body, Chassis, and Entertainment team.
Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.
Compare model years
Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.