NHTSA service bulletin

NHTSA Service Bulletin 11020279: 2020-2025 Mercedes-benz Amg Gle53

Official manufacturer communication context for 2020-2025 Mercedes-benz Amg Gle53, with affected products, buyer checks and links into Carchieve recall, problem and VIN research.

NHTSA service bulletin 11020279 summary graphic for 2020-2025 Mercedes-benz Amg Gle53
11020279NHTSA document ID
Warranty program / extensioncommunication type
10affected product rows
90/100quality score

Reviewed June 2026 from NHTSA manufacturer communication and service bulletin records. Carchieve is independent and not affiliated with any vehicle manufacturer or government agency.

Quick answer

Complaint Customer concern of Air Conditioning not cooling. Cause Possible refrigerant leak at the evaporator. Remedy Perform the following measures : *Important* - ALL Photos and documents MUST be uploaded at the time of claim submission. Photos submitted after the claim was submitted will no longer be accepted. Remedy 1: (Only applies to vehicles produced prior to April 15, 2022) Must be included for warranty: 1. Picture of the forming gas check being performed with RO that shows the VIN clearly in view. (see attachment "Forming gas picture required for warranty" or Feb 2025 PCTT). *Note* - Pressure must be seen on the gauges and the photo must show the VIN and RO clearly when zoomed in so that it is legible and not blurred. 2. Clear picture of VIN on B-pillar. 3. Ensure that the rest of the AC system has been thoroughly checked for leaks before condemning the evaporator. Remedy 2: (Applies to all vehicles produced on or after April 15, 2022 up to April 1, 2025) Must be included for warranty: 1. Picture of the forming gas check being performed with RO that shows the VIN clearly in view. (see attachment "Forming gas picture required for warranty" or Feb 2025 PCTT). *Note* - Pressure must be seen on the gaugesand the photo must show the VIN and RO clearly when zoomed in so that it is legible and not blurred. 2. Clear picture of VIN on B-pillar. 3. Attach pictures of new and old bracket so it can be seen if leaking to your warranty submission. (see attachment "Bracket Comparison Image required for warranty") Ensure that the entire AC system has been thoroughly checked for leaks. If no leaks were found AND the system came in with no cooling/low charge, OR the evaporator is suspected of leaking: Replace the expansion valve and bracket (comes with new valve) as per WIS. (Refer to the attachments "Clamp surface of the bracket" and install the bracket with the clamp surface being parallel to the expansion valve) Be sure to tighten the valve to 7Nm and alternate each bolt when tightening. Make sure old bracket is included with expansion valve for warranty return as it is needed for analysis. If the production date is between June 1, 2023 and July 1, 2024, replace the dryer as well. After, charge the system and perform a few drive cycles. Recheck the vehicle for leaks. If no leaks are found, the vehicle can be released. If any leaks are found afterwards, then open a TIPS case with the following: 1. Initial Quick Test 2. Create a short video of the actual pressures via AC machine, showing the engine running, and hold a copy of the VIN/RO in view as well. 3. Picture of the forming gas check being performed with RO that shows the VIN clearly in view. 4. OBS recording of XENTRY AC actual values of compressor request to be on and current value. (Instructions in Attachments) 5. Video recording of the leak being found via sniffer at the R/F AC drain after removing the under dash panel. (see attached videos) 6. If the evaporator is found to be leaking via sniffer, another video needs to be uploaded (or a continuation if only making the video after checks), showing the expansion valve being checked for leaks. 7. If no leaks are found with the sniffer at the expansion valve, spray soapy water mix on the expansion valve and check for leaks. Upload a video showing the spray test and VIN. 8. Open a TIPS case in the HV/LV inbox labeled "167 Evaporator Suspected of Leaking" with all attachments. Remedy 3: (Only applies to vehicles produced after April 1, 2025) Ensure that the entire AC system has been thoroughly checked for leaks. If any leaks are found, then open a TIPS case with the following: 1. Initial Quick Test 2. Create a short video of the actual pressures via AC machine, showing the engine running, and hold a copy of the VIN/RO in view as well. NOTE: Please see attachment for further details.

What this bulletin may mean before buying

Treat this as service research, not a verdict on one car. Before you buy, compare this communication with official recall campaigns, model-level owner complaint patterns, and the exact vehicle’s VIN-decoded specifications. A bulletin can help you ask a seller or dealer sharper questions about software updates, known repairs, warranty extensions and service history.

Affected products listed in this communication

MakeModelModel yearsBuyer note
Mercedes-benzAmg Gle532021-2024Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
Mercedes-benzAmg Gle63 S2021-2024Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
Mercedes-benzAmg Gls632021-2024Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
Mercedes-benzGle 3502020-2023Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
Mercedes-benzGle 350 4matic2024, 2025Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
Mercedes-benzGle 450 4matic2025Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
Mercedes-benzGle 450 4matic Coupe2025Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
Mercedes-benzGle 450e 4matic2025Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
Mercedes-benzGls 450 4matic2025Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
Mercedes-maybachGls 600 4matic2025Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.

Buyer checklist

  1. Run the 17-character VIN and confirm the year, make, model, engine and equipment match the listing.
  2. Check recall campaign pages for safety actions that may require dealer repair.
  3. Compare this bulletin with common problem pages for the same model and component area.
  4. Ask the seller or dealer whether the bulletin procedure, update or inspection has already been completed.
  5. Use the used-car buying checklist and get an independent inspection.

Frequently asked questions

What is NHTSA service bulletin 11020279?

Complaint Customer concern of Air Conditioning not cooling. Cause Possible refrigerant leak at the evaporator. Remedy Perform the following measures : *Important* - ALL Photos and documents MUST be uploaded at the time of claim submission. Photos submitted after the claim was submitted will no longer be accepted. Remedy 1: (Only applies to vehicles produced prior to April 15, 2022) Must be included for warranty: 1..

Is a service bulletin the same as a recall?

No. A recall is a safety campaign with a required remedy for affected VINs. A service bulletin or manufacturer communication usually describes diagnostic, repair, software, warranty or service information.

How should a used-car buyer use this bulletin?

Use it as a research signal. Compare it with recalls, owner complaints, service records, a VIN report and an independent inspection before buying.

Check the exact VIN before you buy

Model-level pages show public safety patterns. A full VIN report helps confirm the exact vehicle, decoded specs, recall applicability and buyer checks.

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