An improperly fitted air-conditioning drain hose could lead to water leaking into the interior of Mercedes-Benz’s GLE and GLS SUVs – increasing the risk of a fire if a short circuit occurs.
Mercedes-Benz Australia has recalled 3613 examples of its 2018-2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE and GLS SUVs, after it was discovered an air-conditioning system leak could result in a vehicle fire.
The Department of Infrastructure has listed two separate recall notices for the affected Mercedes-Benz vehicles, despite the GLE and GLS being recalled for the same issue.
The only difference between the two notices is the production dates of the cars, with one notice listing examples made between 2018-2019 while the second lists 2019-2020 models.
The recall notices say: “Due to an installation issue, the air conditioning drain hoses may not have been installed correctly and may result in condensation leaking into the vehicle’s interior.
“If condensation leaks into the vehicle’s interior, this may cause a short circuit which can lead to a vehicle fire and various electrical function errors including: automatic emergency call (eCall) may fail, the vehicle may not unlock, the vehicle may not start and the active engine-limp-home mode may fail.
“A vehicle fire which could increase the risk of injury or death to vehicle occupants, other road users and bystanders. Other electrical function errors may increase the risk of an accident and / or injury to vehicle occupants and other road users.
| Date of recall notice | 15 May 2023 |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | GLE, GLS |
| Year | 2018-2019 |
| Vehicles affected | 3613 |
| VIN list | Click here to download the list of affected VINs (2018-2019), (2019-2020) |
| Contact link | Click here to contact the manufacturer |
A full list of vehicle identification numbers for the 221 vehicles involved in the 2018-2019 recall can be found here, while the 3392 cars affected by the 2019-2020 recall are listed here.
Mercedes-Benz Australia has advised owners of affected vehicles to contact their most convenient Mercedes-Benz dealership to have the work carried out as soon as possible, free of charge.
