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2017 Mercedes-Benz G-Class problems, recalls and owner complaints

What the 2017 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
  • 4owner complaints
  • 0crash reports
  • 0fire reports
  • 14%fail the UK MOT

4 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 2017 Mercedes-Benz G-Class?

The components named most often in the 4 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.

  1. Electronic Stability Control (ESC)2 (50%)
  2. Air1 (25%)
  3. Back Over Prevention1 (25%)
  4. Service Brakes1 (25%)

Has the 2017 Mercedes-Benz G-Class been recalled?

NHTSA lists no safety recalls for the 2017 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 2017 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 DVSACoolant pump might have a leakage between the vacuum system and the coolant circuit Recall R/2021/438 · Jan 21, 2022 · built Apr 2017 to Oct 2021 · Risk and fix

Risk: On certain vehicles with a Diesel engine the coolant pump which is controlled by vacuum might have a leakage between the vacuum system and the coolant circuit.

Fix: Update the software of the coolant pump and replace the electrical switch valve on the affected vehicles.

Check on GOV.UK

UK DVSAThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications Recall R/2021/130 · Dec 1, 2021 · built Jan 2016 to Jan 2021 · Risk and fix

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.

Check on GOV.UK

UK DVSAThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications Recall R/2021/376 · Nov 29, 2021 · built Jan 2016 to Jan 2021 · Risk and fix

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.

Check on GOV.UK

UK DVSAThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications Recall R/2021/110 · May 13, 2021 · built Jan 2016 to Jan 2021 · Risk and fix

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.

Check on GOV.UK

UK DVSAThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications Recall R/2021/120 · May 11, 2021 · built Jan 2016 to Jan 2021 · Risk and fix

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.

Check on GOV.UK

UK DVSAThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications Recall R/2021/111 · May 10, 2021 · built Jan 2016 to Jan 2021 · Risk and fix

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.

Check on GOV.UK

UK DVSAThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications Recall R/2021/131 · May 5, 2021 · built Jan 2016 to Jan 2021 · Risk and fix

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.

Check on GOV.UK

UK DVSAThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications Recall R/2021/132 · May 5, 2021 · built Jan 2016 to Jan 2021 · Risk and fix

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.

Check on GOV.UK

UK DVSAThe emergency call system might not meet specifications Recall R/2021/133 · May 5, 2021 · built Jan 2016 to Jan 2021 · Risk and fix

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.

Check on GOV.UK

UK DVSAThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications Recall R/2021/134 · May 5, 2021 · built Jan 2016 to Jan 2021 · Risk and fix

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.

Check on GOV.UK

UK DVSAThe emergency call system (ecall) does not meet the specification Recall R/2020/236 · Oct 6, 2020 · built Mar 2017 to Sep 2018 · Risk and fix

Risk: On affected vehicles the software of the communication module for the emergency call system does not meet the specification

Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system

Check on GOV.UK

UK DVSASmall cracks may appear in the brake pipes Recall R/2019/203 · Sep 6, 2019 · built Jan 2007 to Mar 2019 · Risk and fix

Risk: Cracks may develop in the brake pipes to the ABS unit.

Fix: Modified brake pipes with an optimized routing will be fitted.

Check on GOV.UK

UK DVSAElectronic stability program (esp) may malfunctionYears estimated Recall R/2017/322 · Dec 11, 2017 · Risk and fix

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.

Check on GOV.UK

UK DVSASteering column coupling may not be tight Recall R/2017/146 · Jun 16, 2017 · built Jun 2012 to Mar 2017 · Risk and fix

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.

Check on GOV.UK

UK DVSAFront passenger airbag may be deactivated Recall R/2016/299 · Jan 30, 2017 · built Jul 2014 to Sep 2016 · Risk and fix

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.

Check on GOV.UK

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. Alert A12/01558/23 · reported by Germany · Jul 7, 2023 · Measures

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

View on EU Safety Gate

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. Alert A12/01436/22 · reported by Germany · Oct 21, 2022 · Measures

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

View on EU Safety Gate

EU Safety GateThe vacuum-controlled coolant pump may not be tightly sealed between the coolant and vacuum circuits.This may result in the coolant leaking into the vacuum circuit leading to an electrochemical reaction, increasing the risk of fire. Alert A12/00045/22 · reported by Germany · Jan 14, 2022 · Measures

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

View on EU Safety Gate

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. Alert A12/00017/22 · reported by Germany · Jan 7, 2022 · Measures

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

View on EU Safety Gate

EU Safety GateAn incorrectly embossed lock symbol for the child safety locks may lead to misinterpretations.This could result in the rear doors being opened from inside despite apparently being locked, increasing the risk of an accident. Alert A12/00919/20 · reported by Germany · Jun 26, 2020 · Measures

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

View on EU Safety Gate

EU Safety GateThe brake calliper brackets on the rear axle may develop cracks and fail.This could lead to a reduction in the braking performance. Alert A12/1158/18 · reported by Germany · Aug 10, 2018 · Measures

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

View on EU Safety Gate

EU Safety GateThe safety ring on the right-hand side shaft on the front axle may not be correctly mounted or may be missing.This could lead to the right front wheel suddenly becoming blocked, causing an accident. Alert A12/0943/18 · reported by Germany · Jul 13, 2018 · Measures

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

View on EU Safety Gate

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. Alert A12/1824/17 · reported by Germany · Dec 22, 2017 · Measures

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

View on EU Safety Gate

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. Alert A12/0572/17 · reported by Germany · May 5, 2017 · Measures

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

View on EU Safety Gate

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. Alert A12/0457/17 · reported by Germany · Apr 14, 2017 · Measures

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

View on EU Safety Gate

How often does the 2017 Mercedes-Benz G-Class fail its MOT?

13.8% of 239 MOT tests in 2023 on Mercedes-Benz G-Classs first registered in 2017 were a fail4.5 points better than the average car of the same age
  1. Lights and electrics33%
  2. Brakes18%
  3. Suspension18%
  4. Tyres15%
  5. Steering12%
  6. Number plates and VIN9%

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 2017, 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 2017 Mercedes-Benz G-Class owners report?

4 of the 4 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.

Dear NHTSA Please consider this a formal complaint against Mercedes-Benz for completely defective ABS and EPS systems which control handling, dynamic stability, and anti-lock braking. The “Defective” designation is theirs, rather than a notice to service or that the systems were merely off-line or required repair. The failure notice was issued by the car itself. These critical system failures were only one of many Distonic (radar, cruise control, vehicle spacing, automatic braking), front and rear sensors, rear camera, and navigation failures. But this one is reported to you separately because…
Service Brakes, Air, Electronic Stability Control (ESC)NHTSA complaint 11418736 · May 27, 2021
PLEASE CONSIDER THIS A FORMAL COMPLAINT AGAINST MERCEDES-BENZ FOR ONGOING SENSOR AND BACKUP CAMERA SAFETY FAILURES. REAR CAMERAS AND SENSORS CONTINUE INTERMITTENT FAILURE EVEN AFTER YEARS OF SERVICE BY MERCEDES BENZ AND HAVE ACTUALLY CAUSED 1 ACCIDENT. FULL EXPLANATION AND DOCUMENTATION SUBMITTED IN 4 ATTACHMENTS.
Unknown Or Other, Back Over PreventionNHTSA complaint 11413169 · Apr 21, 2021
MERCEDES BENZ ISSUED A RECALL NOTICE NHTSA RECALL 21V058 ... NEITHER THE DEALER NOR MERCEDES BENZ CAN PROVIDE THE FIX ... NOR WILL PROVIDE A PATH OR DATE TO THE REPAIR. SEE ATTACHED FILES. FULL DESCRIPTION OF THIS COMPLAINT CONTAINED IN THE PDF FILE.
Unknown Or OtherNHTSA complaint 11406857 · Apr 7, 2021
DUE TO A TRACTION CONTROL SOFTWARE ERROR IN MANUFACTURING, AND PERHAPS OTHER ERRORS THAT TRIGGER ERROR CODES, MY CAR WITH ONLY 650 MILES IS UNDRIVEABLE AND UNSAFE. A REPLACEMENT MODULE MUST BE BUILT IN GERMANY WHICH WILL TAKE OVER ONE MONTH TO BE SENT TO THE U.S. DEALERSHIP,AS WELL AS OTHER POSSIBLE FIXES MAY HAVE TO BE MADE,.
Unknown Or Other, Electronic Stability Control (ESC)NHTSA complaint 11055907 · Dec 21, 2017

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2017 Mercedes-Benz G-Class: questions owners ask

Is the 2017 Mercedes-Benz G-Class reliable?

NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 4 complaints with NHTSA about the 2017 Mercedes-Benz G-Class; the most common categories were electronic stability control (esc) (2, 50%), air (1, 25%), back over prevention (1, 25%). There are no safety recalls listed for this model year.

What are the most common problems with the 2017 Mercedes-Benz G-Class?

Across 4 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are electronic stability control (esc) (50% of complaints), air (25% of complaints), back over prevention (25% of complaints), service brakes (25% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.

Does the 2017 Mercedes-Benz G-Class have any recalls?

As of October 2026, NHTSA lists no safety recalls for the 2017 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 2017 only.

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