2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS450 Instrument Cluster Recall (20V089)
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC · 2,101 vehicles · Reported February 14, 2020
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC is recalling 2,101 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE53; 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE63 S; 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLS63; 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350; 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450; 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS450; 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS580; 2021 Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS600 vehicles. The instrument cluster software may deactivate the illumination of certain interior switches (switch bar, overhead control unit, steering wheel) if the hazard lights are turned on and the ignition switch is in the 'off' position. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 101, "Control and Displays." If the interior switches are not illuminated, they may be more difficult to find and operate, increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will make the repair free of charge.
Recall 20V089 at a glance
| NHTSA campaign number | 20V089000 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer recall number | 2020030019 |
| Date reported to NHTSA | February 14, 2020 |
| Manufacturer | Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC |
| Vehicles | 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE53; 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE63 S; 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLS63; 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350; 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450; 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS450; 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS580; 2021 Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS600 |
| Units affected | 2,101 |
| Component | Electrical System > Instrument Cluster / Panel |
| Safety risk | If the interior switches are not illuminated, they may be more difficult to find and operate, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| Fix | Available at dealers |
What is wrong with the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS450 in recall 20V089?
The instrument cluster software may deactivate the illumination of certain interior switches (switch bar, overhead control unit, steering wheel) if the hazard lights are turned on and the ignition switch is in the 'off' position.
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 CLA250, CLA250 4MATIC and CLA35 AMG 4MATIC, 2020-2021 GLE350, GLE350 4MATIC, GLE450 4MATIC, GLS450 4MATIC and GLS580 4MATIC and 2021 GLE53 AMG Coupe, GLE63S AMG 4MATIC, GLS63 AMG 4MATIC and Maybach GLS600 4MATIC vehicles. The instrument cluster software may deactivate the illumination of certain interior switches (switch bar, overhead control unit, steering wheel) if the hazard lights are turned on and the ignition switch is in the 'off' position. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 101, "Control and Displays."
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.
Is it safe to drive a 2021 GLS450 with recall 20V089?
NHTSA has not told owners to stop driving, but the risk is real: If the interior switches are not illuminated, they may be more difficult to find and operate, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA describes the risk this way: If the interior switches are not illuminated, they may be more difficult to find and operate, increasing the risk of a crash.
There is no do-not-drive order on this campaign. If your GLS450 shows warning lights or behaves differently in a way that involves the instrument cluster and panel, have it checked before driving further.
Which vehicles are included in recall 20V089?
Recall 20V089 covers 2,101 vehicles: 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE53; 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE63 S; 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLS63; 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350; 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450; 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS450; 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS580; 2021 Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS600.
NHTSA lists 2,101 vehicles in this campaign. Not every vehicle of these models and years is included, so check your VIN.
| Model years | Make | Model |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Mercedes-Benz | AMG GLE53 |
| 2021 | Mercedes-Benz | AMG GLE63 S |
| 2021 | Mercedes-Benz | AMG GLS63 |
| 2021 | Mercedes-Benz | GLE 350 |
| 2021 | Mercedes-Benz | GLE 450 |
| 2021 | Mercedes-Benz | GLS450 |
| 2021 | Mercedes-Benz | GLS580 |
| 2021 | Mercedes-Benz | Maybach GLS600 |
What is the fix for the GLS450 instrument cluster recall?
Yes. MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the instrument cluster software, free of charge.
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the instrument cluster software, free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020030019.
When was recall 20V089 announced?
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC reported recall 20V089 to NHTSA on February 14, 2020.
| Date | What happened |
|---|---|
| February 14, 2020 | Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC filed the defect report with NHTSA; NHTSA assigned campaign 20V089000. |
This recall was filed 80 months ago. If your GLS450 was built in that window, the VIN check below is the way to confirm it is included.
How do I check if my GLS450 is part of recall 20V089?
Enter your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. If recall 20V089 is open on your GLS450, it will be listed there.
Look up your VIN on nhtsa.gov/recalls. If 20V089000 is open on your GLS450, it will be listed there, along with Mercedes-Benz recall number 2020030019. You can also ask any Mercedes-Benz dealer to run the VIN. The VIN is printed on your registration and visible through the lower driver-side windshield.
What should GLS450 owners do about recall 20V089?
Check your VIN, schedule the free recall repair, and keep a repair order for every dealer visit.
- Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm recall 20V089000 applies to your GLS450.
- Call a Mercedes-Benz dealer and schedule the recall repair. Ask how long the repair takes and whether parts are in stock.
- Keep a copy of every repair order. Check that each one lists your complaint, the mileage, and the dates in and out.
- Keep a simple log of any instrument cluster and panel symptoms with dates and mileage. Video of a warning light or the problem happening is strong evidence.
- Count the days the vehicle is at the dealer. Days out of service add up toward California's 30-day presumption.
- If the problem comes back after the repair, return to the dealer and contact a lemon law attorney.
What are GLS450 owners reporting to NHTSA?
Owners have filed 116 complaints with NHTSA about these vehicles since 2020, 42 of them about the electrical system.
Since recall 20V089 was reported on February 14, 2020, owners have filed 42 complaints with NHTSA about the electrical system on these vehicles. 9 of them (21%) describe the same problem happening more than once or coming back after a repair attempt.
How we counted: we matched NHTSA owner complaints for the model years in this recall that list the electrical system and were received on or after February 14, 2020, then flagged narratives that describe a repeat failure or a problem returning after a dealer repair, recall service or software update. Data from NHTSA, accessed October 1, 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports and may involve a related electrical system issue rather than this exact defect; automated text matching can miss or misread some reports.
NHTSA’s public complaint database lists 116 owner complaints filed since 2020 for the vehicles in this recall, and 42 of them involve the electrical system. Complaints are reports from owners and have not been verified by NHTSA, but a high count for the same component is a sign the problem is widespread.
- 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350: 48 complaints in total, 9 about the electrical system
- 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS450: 30 complaints in total, 13 about the electrical system
- 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE53: 16 complaints in total, 9 about the electrical system
- 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450: 15 complaints in total, 8 about the electrical system
- 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS580: 5 complaints in total, 2 about the electrical system
- 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLS63: 2 complaints in total, 1 about the electrical system
- 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE63 S: 0 complaints in total, 0 about the electrical system
- 2021 Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS600: 0 complaints in total, 0 about the electrical system
Here is what some owners told NHTSA, in their own words (excerpts, unverified):
The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE350. The contact initially stated that the air conditioner failed to function as needed and the vehicle was taken to dealer and was repaired. The contact stated that recently while driving 70 MPH, there was a burning odor coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated.
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 owner, MS, NHTSA complaint 11636498, filed January 17, 2025
While driving at about 55mph on road with one lane going each way, the car engine shut off, all instrument displays went off. There was no check engine light, warning or noise. I was almost rear ended by a car behind me. The car behind me swerved barely missing me, but almost hit oncoming traffic.
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 owner, MS, NHTSA complaint 11672109, filed July 8, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE350. The contact stated that while reversing, the back over prevention camera screen was black and there was no image displayed, causing a visibility hazard for the driver.
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 owner, TX, NHTSA complaint 11694682, filed October 21, 2025
Can recall 20V089 make my GLS450 a lemon in California?
Not by itself. A recall repair that fails, or repeat dealer visits for the same defect, can support a California lemon law claim.
A recall by itself does not make a car a lemon. Under California's Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, what matters is whether a defect covered by the warranty substantially impairs the vehicle's use, value or safety, and whether the manufacturer or its dealers fixed it within a reasonable number of attempts (Civ. Code 1793.2(d)).
Electrical faults are hard to diagnose, so dealers often try several fixes before one works, if one works at all. That pattern of repeat visits for the same instrument cluster and panel problem is common in lemon law claims.
A remedy is available. Many vehicles are fixed on the first try. If the problem returns after the recall repair, or the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS450 has needed other repairs for the same defect, those visits count toward a lemon law claim.
California law presumes a reasonable number of attempts has been made if, within 18 months or 18,000 miles of delivery, the same problem was repaired two or more times for a defect likely to cause death or serious injury, four or more times for any covered defect, or the vehicle was out of service for repairs more than 30 days in total (Civ. Code 1793.22(b)). Some of these require written notice to the manufacturer. A claim can still succeed outside that window.
An owner who prevails in a lemon law case can recover reasonable attorney fees and costs from the manufacturer (Civ. Code 1794(d)). You pay nothing, win or lose. We are paid only if you win, and the manufacturer pays our fees, including in settlements. If a case is lost, our firm covers the costs.
In our cases, a recall repair visit counts as a repair attempt, and it's strongest when the owner complained about the problem before the recall came out. A recall shows the defect is real and that enough owners reported it for the manufacturer to issue a fix.
The biggest mistake I see is waiting too long. The mileage offset starts at your first repair visit for the problem, so the sooner you take it in, the better. If the problem comes and goes, take it in when it happens. You can't go back to that date later.
If you get a recall notice, call a lemon law attorney right away. You may have taken the car in for the same problem before and forgotten, or there may be other recalls related to it.
Jacob Shayesteh, Esq. (SBN 362320), Founder and Managing Attorney. Quotes lightly edited for clarity. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Has your GLS450 been back to the dealer for this problem?
Call 877-536-6620Other Mercedes-Benz GLS450 recalls
Frequently asked questions about recall 20V089
Did the recall 20V089 fix work?
Since recall 20V089 was reported on February 14, 2020, owners have filed 42 complaints with NHTSA about the electrical system on these vehicles. 9 of them (21%) describe the same problem happening more than once or coming back after a repair attempt. If your vehicle still has the problem after the recall repair, go back to the dealer, get a repair order, and talk to a lemon law attorney.
Is the 20V089000 recall repair free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are done free of charge at authorized dealers.
How do I know if my GLS450 is part of recall 20V089000?
Enter your 17-character VIN in NHTSA's recall lookup at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or call a dealer. The VIN is on your registration, insurance card and the lower corner of the windshield.
Does a recall mean my car is a lemon?
Not on its own. A lemon law claim depends on whether a covered defect keeps coming back or keeps the vehicle out of service. A recall repair that fails, or repeat visits for the same problem, can support a claim.
What should I keep for a possible lemon law claim?
Keep every repair order, the recall owner letter, your purchase or lease contract, and notes on dates, mileage and symptoms. Make sure each dealer visit is written up, even when the dealer says it cannot find a problem.
Does the recall fixing my car mean I have no case?
Not necessarily. Even if the recall repair fixed it, you may still have a case, and a car that's a year or more old can still qualify.
Do used cars qualify for California lemon law?
We take certified pre-owned, demo and dealer vehicles. Since the California Supreme Court's Rodriguez decision in 2024, ordinary used cars generally do not qualify.
How long does a recall lemon law case take?
Recall-related cases typically resolve in one to three months from your first call. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
What does a lemon law attorney cost?
You pay nothing, win or lose. We are paid only if you win, and the manufacturer pays our fees, including in settlements. If a case is lost, our firm covers the costs.
Sources
- NHTSA recall record 20V089000 (recall report and owner letters are posted there)
- NHTSA complaints and recalls data, accessed October 1, 2026
- California Civil Code 1793.2 and 1793.22
Attorney advertising. America’s Lemon Lawyer is a trade name of Wynn Law Group, APC. Responsible attorney: Jacob Shayesteh, Esq. (SBN 362320). This page is general information, not legal advice. America’s Lemon Lawyer is not affiliated with NHTSA or Mercedes-Benz. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.