Relocate Grounding for the Illuminated Star – 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, GLS-Class

October 9, 2020 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V626000

Incorrectly Installed Electrical Ground

If the power steering, wiper motor, or left headlight malfunction there could be an increased risk of a crash.

 

NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V626

Manufacturer Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.

Components ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, VISIBILITY, STEERING

Potential Number of Units Affected 12,799

 

Summary

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 GLE 350, GLE 450, GLE 580, GLS 450, GLS 580 vehicles equipped with an optional illuminated Mercedes-Benz star logo in the front grill. The star logo’s electrical ground connection may not be installed properly, potentially affecting the function of other components that share the same ground connection, such as the power steering control unit, wiper motor, and/or the left headlight.

 

Remedy

MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will relocate the ground connection, free of charge. The recall began November 13, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA’s number for this recall is 2020100015/6.

 

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

 

Check if your Mercedes-Benz has a Recall

 

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TO: Mercedes-Benz Dealer Principals, General Managers, Sales Managers, Service Managers, Parts Managers	FROM: Gregory Gunther, Department Manager, Vehicle Compliance and Analysis, Engineering Services
RE: Recall Campaign Initial Notification Relocate Grounding for the Illuminated star MY20 167 (GLE-Class, GLS-Class)	Date: October 16, 2020

 

IMPORTANT RECALL CAMPAIGN UPDATE

 

Please see the attached documents related to the campaign listed above.

 

 

Please note that all customer inquiries should be directed to the Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-FOR-MERCEDES.

 

Sincerely, Gregory Gunther

Department Manager, Vehicle Compliance & Analysis

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Campaign No. :	NHTSA ID	Campaign Desc. :	Relocate Grounding for the Illuminated Star
TBD	20V626	20P2197294, 20P2197296
This is to notify you of a new Recall Campaign regarding the relocation of the grounding for the illuminated star on 12,799 Model Year (“MY”) 2020 167 (GLE-Class, GLS-Class) vehicles. The recall campaign will be visible on the www.safercar.gov website and may generate questions from customers. Affected VINs will be flagged in VMI as “PENDING” on October 16, 2020.
Background
Issue		Mercedes-Benz AG (“MBAG”), the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, has determined that certain Model Year (“MY”) 2020 GLE-Class and GLS-Class vehicles (167 platform) that are fitted with the optional illuminated Mercedes-Benz star in the front grill may have the electrical ground installed outside specifications. In this case, the function of other components that share the same ground connection might be impaired. Depending on the individual ground point used for the illuminated star logo, either the power steering control unit, or the left headlamp, and/or the wiper motor might malfunction. This could increase the risk of a crash. A deactivation of the power steering assist as well as the deactivation of the left headlamp and the wiper motor would be indicated by an acoustic warning, as well as by a visual warning message in the instrument cluster.
What We’re Doing		MBUSA will conduct a voluntary recall. An authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer will relocated the ground connection of the illuminate star to the proper location.
Parts		Parts are not required for repair. However, the current remedy is not available at this time. An additional notification will be sent once the remedy is available.
Vehicles Affected
Vehicle Model Year(s)		2020
Vehicle Model		GLE-Class, GLS-Class
Vehicle Populations
Total Recall Population		12,799
Total Vehicles in Dealer Inventory		76
Given this notice, it is a violation of Federal law for a dealer to sell or lease any new MY20 GLE-Class, GLS-Class vehicles in dealer inventory covered by this notification until the vehicle has been repaired. Once the remedy is available, the vehicles will be flagged as “OPEN” and Work Instructions will be available in Star TekInfo. Once the repair is complete, the vehicle may be sold or leased. Loaner and demonstrator vehicles may continue to be driven, but must not be retailed until repaired. Additionally, given this notice, it is a violation of Federal Law for car rental companies to rent new MY20 GLE-Class, GLS-Class vehicles covered by this notification until the vehicle has been repaired.
Next Steps/Notes
Customer Notification Timeline		Customer letters will be mailed approximately one week after the remedy becomes available.
AOMS/SOMS		AOMs – This recall may generate questions from your dealers. Please forward this notice to your dealers ASAP.
Rental Fleet Partners		This recall may affect vehicles in your fleet. Please contact your respective MBUSA fleet representative for further information and next steps. For repairs, please contact your preferred MBUSA dealer.
While we regret any inconvenience this may cause, MBUSA is determined to maintain a high level of vehicle quality and customer satisfaction. Please refer all customer inquiries to the Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-FOR-MERCEDES.

 

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TO: Mercedes-Benz Dealer Principals, General Managers, Sales Managers, Service Managers, Parts Managers	FROM:  Gregory Gunther, Department Manager, Vehicle Compliance and Analysis, Engineering Services
RE: Recall Campaign Launch Notification Relocate Grounding for the Illuminated Star MY20 167 (GLE-Class, GLS-Class)	Date: November 6, 2020

 

IMPORTANT RECALL CAMPAIGN UPDATE

 

Please see the attached documents related to the campaign listed above.

 

 

Please note that all customer inquiries should be directed to the Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-FOR-MERCEDES.

Sincerely,

Gregory Gunther

Department Manager, Vehicle Compliance & Analysis

 

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Campaign No. :	NHTSA ID		Campaign Desc. :	Relocate Grounding for the Illuminated Star
2020100015 2020100016	20V626		20P8292801 20P8292802
This is to notify you of a Recall Campaign launch affecting the installation of the illuminated star on 12,799 Model Year (“MY”) 2020 167 (GLE-Class, GLS-Class) vehicles. The recall campaign will be visible on the www.safercar.gov website and may generate questions from customers. Affected VINs will be flagged in VMI as “OPEN” on November 6, 2020.
Background
Issue		Mercedes-Benz AG (“MBAG”), the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, has determined that certain Model Year (“MY”) 2020 GLE-Class and GLS-Class vehicles (167 platform) that are fitted with the optional illuminated Mercedes-Benz star in the front grill may have the electrical grounding installed outside specifications. In this case, the function of other components that share the same ground connection might be impaired. Depending on the individual ground point used for the illuminated star logo, either the power steering control unit, or the left headlamp, and/or the wiper motor might malfunction. This could increase the risk of a crash. A deactivation of the power steering assist as well as the deactivation of the left headlamp and the wiper motor would be indicated by an acoustic warning, as well as by a visual warning message in the instrument cluster.
What We’re Doing		MBUSA will conduct a voluntary recall. An Authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer will relocated the ground connection of the illuminate star to the proper location.
Parts		Parts are not required for repair. The recall remedy is available and can repairs can be performed as necessary.
Vehicles Affected
Vehicle Model Year(s)		2020
Vehicle Model		GLE-Class, GLS-Class
Vehicle Populations
Total Recall Population		12,799
Total Vehicles in Dealer Inventory		76
Given this notice, it is a violation of Federal law for a dealer to sell or lease any new MY20 GLE-Class, GLS-Class vehicles in dealer inventory covered by this notification until the vehicle has been repaired.  Once the remedy is available, the vehicles will be flagged as “OPEN” and Work Instructions will be available in Star TekInfo Once the repair is complete, the vehicle may be sold or leased.   Loaner and demonstrator vehicles may continue to be driven, but must not be retailed until repaired.   As a matter of normal service process, please check for other repair measures which might be applicable to the vehicle(s)   Additionally, given this notice, it is a violation of Federal Law for car rental companies to rent new MY20 GLE-Class, GLS-Class vehicles covered by this notification until the vehicle has been repaired.
Next Steps/Notes
Customer Notification Timeline		Customer letters will be mailed on November 6, 2020.
AOMS/SOMS		AOMs – This recall may generate questions from your dealers. Please forward this notice to your dealers ASAP.
Rental Fleet Partners		This recall may affect vehicles in your fleet. Please contact your respective MBUSA fleet representative for further information and next steps. For repairs, please contact your preferred MBUSA dealer. While we regret any inconvenience this may cause, MBUSA is determined to maintain a high level of vehicle quality and customer satisfaction. Please refer all customer inquiries to the Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-FOR-MERCEDES.

 

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Campaign No. 2020100015, November 2020
Revision A

 

TO:	ALL MERCEDES-BENZ CENTERS
SUBJECT:	Model GLE-Class and GLS-Class vehicles (167 platform) Model Year 2020 Installation of the Illuminate Star

 

 

Mercedes-Benz AG (“MBAG”), the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, has determined that certain Model Year (“MY”) 2020 GLE-Class and GLS-Class vehicles (167 platform) that are fitted with the optional illuminated Mercedes-Benz star in the front grill may have the electrical grounding installed outside specifications. In this case, the function of other components that share the same ground connection might be impaired. Depending on the individual ground point used for the illuminated star logo, either the power steering control unit, or the left headlamp, and/or the wiper motor might malfunction. This could increase the risk of a crash. A deactivation of the power steering assist as well as the deactivation of the left headlamp and the wiper motor would be indicated by an acoustic warning, as well as by a visual warning message in the instrument cluster.

 

Prior to performing this Recall Campaign:

• VMI must always be checked before performing campaigns to verify that the campaign is required on a specific vehicle. Always check for any other open campaigns, and perform accordingly.
• Please review the entire Recall Campaign bulletin and follow the repair procedure exactly as described.

 

Please note that Recall Campaigns do not expire and may also be performed on a vehicle with a vehicle status indicator.

 

Approximately 10,686 vehicles are involved.

 

Order No. P-RC-2020100015

This bulletin has been created and maintained in accordance with MBUSA-SLP S423QH001, Document and Data Control, and MBUSA-SLP S424HH001, Control of Quality Records.

 

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Procedure

 

1. Open hood.

 

2. Switch off ignition and store transmitter key outside the transmitter range (at least 2 meters).

 

3. Unscrew ground point W2/6.

For basic data, see 19-P-2001-17NCA.

 

4. Remove illuminated star ground line (A, figure 1).

 

Note:

• Check ground line clearance.
• Ground line may be zip tied to shorten original length.
• Check behind the illuminated star for any possible zip ties around the ground wire.
• Zip ties may be removed for extra length if needed.

 

5. Unscrew brass sleeve (B, figure 2) at jump-start connection point.

 

6. Route illuminated star ground line (A, figure 1) to jump-start connection point and attach to threaded pin of jump-start connection point.

 

7. Screw on brass sleeve (B, figure 2).

Brass sleeve 16 Nm.

 

8. Secure illuminated star ground line (A, figure 1) up to jump-start connection point.

Ensure a chafe-free routing and attachment of the illuminated star ground line See 40-P-0011-01ME

 

9. Check anti-twist protection (C, figure 3) of cable lug of ground point W2/6 for damage.

 

10. Measure outside dimension between anti-twist protection lugs (D, figure 4).

Outside dimension between anti-twist protection lugs (D, figure 4) min. 13.6 mm.

 

a. Anti-twist protection (C, figure 3) straight or bent outwards, i.e. outside dimension between anti-twist protection lugs (D, figure 4) equal to or greater than 13.6 mm: Perform operation step 11, then end measure.

b. Anti-twist protection (C, figure 3) bent inwards, i.e. outside dimension between anti-twist protection lugs (D, figure 4) less than 13.6 mm: Create PTSS case.

 

Only if anti-twist protection of cable lug is bent inwards , i.e. outside dimension between anti-twist protection lugs (D, figure 4) is less than 13.6 mm.

 

Create PTSS case:

Make detailed photos of anti-twist protection of ground line, ground point W2/6 in removed condition. Clarify the further repair procedure via a PTSS case. Keep faulty part.

 

11. Screw on ground point W2/6.

For basic data, see GF00.19-P-2001-17NCA.

Ground point at bodyshell M6 10 Nm.  Ground point at bodyshell M8 16 Nm.

 

Warranty Information 

Operation: Correct routing of ground line for illuminated star at ground point W2/6 (02-1779)

Damage Code	Operation Number	Labor Time (hrs.)
82 928 01 8	02-1779	0.3

 

Note

Operation Number labor times are subject to change.

 

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Campaign No. 2020100016, November 2020
Revision A

 

TO:	ALL MERCEDES-BENZ CENTERS
SUBJECT:	Model GLE-Class and GLS-Class vehicles (167 platform) Model Year 2020 Installation of the Illuminate Star

 

 

Mercedes-Benz AG (“MBAG”), the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, has determined that certain Model Year (“MY”) 2020 GLE-Class and GLS-Class vehicles (167 platform) that are fitted with the optional illuminated Mercedes-Benz star in the front grill may have the electrical grounding installed outside specifications. In this case, the function of other components that share the same ground connection might be impaired. Depending on the individual ground point used for the illuminated star logo, either the power steering control unit, or the left headlamp, and/or the wiper motor might malfunction. This could increase the risk of a crash. A deactivation of the power steering assist as well as the deactivation of the left headlamp and the wiper motor would be indicated by an acoustic warning, as well as by a visual warning message in the instrument cluster.

 

Prior to performing this Recall Campaign:

• VMI must always be checked before performing campaigns to verify that the campaign is required on a specific vehicle. Always check for any other open campaigns, and perform accordingly.
• Please review the entire Recall Campaign bulletin and follow the repair procedure exactly as described.

 

Please note that Recall Campaigns do not expire and may also be performed on a vehicle with a vehicle status indicator.

 

Approximately 2,113 vehicles are involved.

Order No. P-RC-2020100016

 

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Procedure

 

1. Open hood.

 

2. Switch off ignition and store transmitter key outside the transmitter range (at least 2 meters).

 

3. Unscrew ground point W9.

For basic data, see GF00.19-P-2001-17NCA.

 

4. Remove illuminated star ground line (A, figure 1).

 

5. Unscrew brass sleeve (B, figure 2) at jump-start connection point.

 

6. Route illuminated star ground line (A, figure 1) to jump-start connection point and attach to threaded pin of jump-start connection point.

 

7. Screw on brass sleeve (B, figure 2). Brass sleeve 16 Nm.

 

8. Secure illuminated star ground line (A, figure 1) up to jump-start connection point.

Ensure a chafe-free routing and attachment of the illuminated star ground line. See AZ88.40-P-0011-01ME

 

9. Check anti-twist protection (C, figure 3) of cable lug of ground point W9 for damage.

 

10. Measure outside dimension between anti-twist protection lugs (D, figure 4).

Outside dimension between anti-twist protection lugs (D, figure 4) min. 13.6 mm.

 

a. Anti-twist protection (C, figure 3) straight or bent outwards, i.e. outside dimension between anti-twist protection lugs (D, figure 4) equal to or greater than 13.6 mm: Perform operation step 11, then end measure.

b. Anti-twist protection (C, figure 3) bent inwards, i.e. outside dimension between anti-twist protection lugs (D, figure 4) less than 13.6 mm: Create PTSS case.

 

Only if anti-twist protection of cable lug is bent inwards , i.e. outside dimension between anti-twist protection lugs (D, figure 4) is less than 13.6 mm.

 

Create PTSS case:

Make detailed photos of anti-twist protection of ground line, ground point W9 in removed condition. Clarify the further repair procedure via a PTSS case. Keep faulty part.

 

11. Screw on ground point W9.

For basic data, see GF00.19-P-2001-17NCA.

Ground point at bodyshell M6 10 Nm.  Ground point at bodyshell M8 16 Nm.

 

Warranty Information 

Operation: Correct routing of ground line for illuminated star at ground point W9 (02-1780)

Damage Code	Operation Number	Labor Time (hrs.)
82 928 02 8	02-1780	0.3

 

Note

Operation Number labor times are subject to change.

 

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5 Affected Products

Vehicles

MAKE	MODEL	YEAR
MERCEDES BENZ	GLE580	2020
MERCEDES-BENZ	GLE350	2020
MERCEDES-BENZ	GLE450	2020
MERCEDES-BENZ	GLS450	2020
MERCEDES-BENZ	GLS580	2020

 

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18 Associated Documents

Recall Quarterly Report #3, 2021-2

RCLQRT-20V626-7720.PDF 211.34KB

 

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Defect Notice 573 Report

RCLRPT-20V626-1728.PDF 216.649KB

 

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Recall Acknowledgement

RCAK-20V626-1075.pdf 245.02KB

 

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Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc) – Recall Campaign Initial Notification Relocate Grounding for the Illumiated star MY20 167 (GLE-Class, GLS-Class)

RCMN-20V626-4564.pdf 124.457KB

 

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Remedy Instructions and TSB

RCRIT-20V626-0417.pdf 213.787KB

 

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Remedy Instructions and TSB

RCRIT-20V626-2174.pdf 212.722KB

 

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Recall Quarterly Report #1, 2020-4

RCLQRT-20V626-7685.PDF 211.148KB

 

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Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc)- Recall Campaign Launch Notification Relocate Grounding for the Illuminated Star MY20 167 (GLE-Class, GLS-Class)

RCMN-20V626-8302.pdf 312.021KB

 

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ISSUED Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)- 2020100016

RCONL-20V626-9754.pdf 211.117KB

 

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ISSUED Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)- 2020100015

RCONL-20V626-1189.pdf 211.018KB

 

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Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc)- Recall Campaign Launch Notification Relocate Grounding for the Illuminated Star MY20 167 (GLE-Class, GLS-Class)

RCMN-20V626-1051.pdf 313.103KB

 

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Recall Quarterly Report #2, 2021-1

RCLQRT-20V626-8655.PDF 211.249KB

 

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Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc)- Recall Campaign Launch Notification Relocate Grounding for the Illuminated Star MY20 167 (GLE-Class, GLS-Class)

RCMN-20V626-1733.pdf 311.096KB

 

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Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc)- Recall Campaign Launch Notification Relocate Grounding for the Illuminated Star MY20 167 (GLE-Class, GLS-Class)

RCMN-20V626-6860.pdf 312.191KB

 

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Recall 573 Report – Amendment 2

RCLRPT-20V626-3354.PDF 216.63KB

 

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Remedy Instructions and TSB

RCRIT-20V626-2325.pdf 212.826KB

 

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Remedy Instructions and TSB

RCRIT-20V626-5557.pdf 211.699KB

 

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Recall 573 Report – Amendment 1

RCLRPT-20V626-9302.PDF 216.657KB

 

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Latest Recalls Documents

https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/acms/cs/documentList.xhtml?docId=20V626&docType=RCL

 

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Last update on 2026-06-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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