Mercedes-Benz is recalling more than 100,000 vehicles due to an issue that could cause a ground connection to overheat and potentially catch fire.
The automaker said certain GLE and GLS vehicles have a 48V ground connection under the passenger seat that might not have be secured properly during assembly.
"In combination with the high electrical currents potentially flowing through this connection, the temperature in this area might increase. As a consequence, a risk of fire cannot be ruled out completely," Mercedes-Benz said in a recall notice posted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Before the issue occurs, drivers will not receive a warning. When the issue occurs, drivers may notice warning messages in the instrument cluster relating to the onboard power supply.
The recall includes certain 2023-2024 GLE 350, 2020-2024 GLE 450, 2020-2023 GLS 580, GLE 580, 2019-2023 GLS 450, 2021-2023 Maybach GLS 600, AMG GLS 63, 2021-2024 AMG GLE 53, AMG GLE 53 Coupe, and AMG GLE 63 S vehicles. Approximately 116,020 vehicles are included in the recall.
The automaker said it is not aware of any reports of property damage, fatalities, crashes or injury related to the issue. However, it has received 31 field reports regarding the problem between Aug. 2022 and Nov. 2023.
Mercedes-Benz will inform the owners of recalled vehicles by mid-May and dealers will inspect and tighten the ground connection if necessary, free of charge.