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2016 Mercedes-Benz G-Class problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2016 Mercedes-Benz G-Class has been recalled for, how often it fails the UK MOT and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 0safety recalls
- 3owner complaints
- 0crash reports
- 0fire reports
- 14%fail the UK MOT
3 complaints, against an average of 5 for the other 8 Mercedes-Benz G-Class model years.
Every Mercedes-Benz G-Class model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2016 Mercedes-Benz G-Class?
The components named most often in the 3 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
Has the 2016 Mercedes-Benz G-Class been recalled?
NHTSA lists no safety recalls for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz G-Class as of October 25, 2026. Recalls can be issued at any time, so check your VIN before you rely on this.
Is the 2016 Mercedes-Benz G-Class recalled in the UK or Europe?
Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.
UK DVSAThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications
Risk: The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.
Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.
UK DVSAThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications
Risk: The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.
Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.
UK DVSAThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications
Risk: The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.
Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.
UK DVSAThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications
Risk: The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.
Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.
UK DVSAThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications
Risk: The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.
Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.
UK DVSAThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications
Risk: The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.
Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.
UK DVSAThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications
Risk: The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.
Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.
UK DVSAThe emergency call system might not meet specifications
Risk: The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.
Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.
UK DVSAThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications
Risk: The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.
Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.
UK DVSASmall cracks may appear in the brake pipes
Risk: Cracks may develop in the brake pipes to the ABS unit.
Fix: Modified brake pipes with an optimized routing will be fitted.
UK DVSAElectronic stability program (esp) may malfunctionYears estimated
Risk: Affected vehicles will have the manufacturer's DISTRONIC PLUS system fitted. In the event communication between this system and the ESP is lost the systems responses such as engine torque may be adversely affected for the period of the communication loss.. The braking system will not be affected though more effort may be required.
Fix: On affected vehicles update the ESP software.
UK DVSASteering column coupling may not be tight
Risk: Insufficient tightening of the steering column coupling could lead to wear of the steering coupling during use. In case of excessive wear of the steering coupling the coupling eventually may not transfer the effort the driver inputs to the steering to the steering gear in which case the steering control would be lost.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the steering column coupling.
UK DVSADoor lock may fail to release
Risk: Following an accident the forces required for releasing the door may be increased. The cable between the inner door handle and the door lock not being to specification may not be able to withstand these increased forces leaving the door unable to be opened from the inside. This may increase the risk of injury. Unlocking the door via the outer door handle is not affected.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and fit a quality assured cable between the inner door handle and door lock on all four doors.
UK DVSAFront passenger airbag may be deactivated
Risk: Under certain conditions the front passenger air bag can be deactivated and may not deploy in the event of a collision.
Fix: On affected vehicles check and if necessary update software.
UK DVSAEngine may cut out
Risk: On model series 463 with a 6 cylinder diesel engine the engine wiring harness may make contact with one of the brackets in the engine compartment and chafe by vibration during driving. Depending on the wire affected the engine MIL lamp could illuminate the engine could run in limp-home mode or the engine could cut out increasing the risk of collision.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the bracket in the engine compartment and where necessary correct the routing of the engine wiring harness.
UK DVSAEsp & epb may not function
Risk: The ESP hydraulic/control unit may have been damaged during shipping. This may affect operation of the ESP and/or the electronic parking brake.
Fix: On affected vehicles replace the ESP hydraulic/control unit.
UK DVSAFire may occur
Risk: The cylinder head of the high pressure fuel pump may not be to specification. During operation of the pump cracks can form and eventually fuel may leak. Escaping fuel could lead to the engine stopping and fuel leaking in exceptional circumstances could lead to a fire.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the high pressure fuel pump.
EU Safety GateThe oil supply to the drive shaft bearing in the rear axle differential may be inadequate, which could lead to that the car suddenly loses…The oil supply to the drive shaft bearing in the rear axle differential may be inadequate, which could lead to that the car suddenly loses speed, creating a risk of an accident. Moreover, the rear wheels may lock, resulting in a loss of vehicle control and/or transmission oil may leak or vehicle parts may fall onto the road, endangering other road users.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateIn some vehicles, the front cardan shaft can collide with the clamping body and damage it, which could lead to a sudden loss of vehicle…In some vehicles, the front cardan shaft can collide with the clamping body and damage it, which could lead to a sudden loss of vehicle propulsion, locking of the automatic transmission and wheels, increasing the risk of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateFaulty configurations of the control units (traction systems, signal recording triggering modules, engine control units and headlights)…Faulty configurations of the control units (traction systems, signal recording triggering modules, engine control units and headlights) could cause one or more control units to malfunction, which could increase the risk of an accident. The exhaust emissions exceed the legal limits, posing a risk to the environment.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateA trapped particle may damage the sealing between the fuel rail and fuel injector, which could cause fuel to leak into the engine…A trapped particle may damage the sealing between the fuel rail and fuel injector, which could cause fuel to leak into the engine compartment. Consequently, leaking fuel may come into contact with hot parts of the engine, increasing the risk of fire.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe software of the Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) could malfunction.The braking and/or stopping distance could be lengthened as a result. This could increase the risk of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe universal joint gear may be subject to excessive wear due to insufficient torque in the screw connection of the steering coupling.As a result, the transfer of the desired steering torque might no longer be assured. This could result in the loss of rotational torque transfer between the steering wheel and the steering box which would make it impossible to steer the vehicle.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateFollowing the update of the control unit coding, the coding parameters of the control unit could be defective.This could give rise to various unplanned reactions in the vehicle: the wrong airbag could be triggered in the event of an accident, the airbag control unit may not recognise the belt buckle status, the engine control unit could be coded with a false maximum speed or various assistance systems may not function.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe cable between the inner door handle and the door lock may not be strong enough to withstand the highly increased force which may be…The cable between the inner door handle and the door lock may not be strong enough to withstand the highly increased force which may be needed after an accident to unlock the door from the inside. In this case, the occupants may not be be able to leave the vehicle.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
How often does the 2016 Mercedes-Benz G-Class fail its MOT?
Why they failed: the share of failed tests with at least one fault in each area (a test can fail on several). Cars first registered in 2016, tested in Great Britain in 2023; first registration is usually, but not always, the model year. Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0.
What do 2016 Mercedes-Benz G-Class owners report?
3 of the 3 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz G550. The contact stated that the front driver's side door failed to close securely after entering the vehicle. The contact tied a cable around the front driver's side door and headrest to keep the door closed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the front driver's side door lock actuator and release cable were fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V178000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages); however…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 MERCEDES BENZ G63. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS CONSTANTLY ILLUMINATED. THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE MALFUNCTION SERVICE REQUIRED LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUSLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 1,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2016 MERCEDES BENZ G63. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE MALFUNCTION SERVICE REQUIRED AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS CONSTANTLY ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 921.
Mercedes-Benz guides on CarHooq
2016 Mercedes-Benz G-Class: questions owners ask
Is the 2016 Mercedes-Benz G-Class reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 3 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Mercedes-Benz G-Class; the most common categories were air bags (2, 66.7%), latches/locks/linkages (1, 33.3%). There are no safety recalls listed for this model year.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Mercedes-Benz G-Class?
Across 3 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are air bags (66.7% of complaints), latches/locks/linkages (33.3% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2016 Mercedes-Benz G-Class have any recalls?
As of October 2026, NHTSA lists no safety recalls for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz G-Class. Recalls can be issued at any time, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Check your own G-Class
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), DVSA anonymised MOT results (Open Government Licence v3.0), DVSA vehicle recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2016 only.