Mercedes Recalls 2026 GLC SUVs in the U.S. Over Incorrect Rear Seat Belt Installation

Mercedes-Benz USA has announced a recall affecting 20 units of the Mercedes-Benz GLC from the 2026 model year in the United States. The campaign is registered with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) under recall number 26V172.

According to the automaker, some vehicles may have been equipped with an incorrect seat belt in the center position of the rear row. The installed belt may lack a feature designed to properly secure child safety seats. Because of this, the configuration does not comply with federal safety regulations FMVSS No. 208 and FMVSS No. 209.

That function allows the seat belt to automatically lock when a child restraint system is installed. Without it, a child seat may not be properly secured, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

The recall affects several 2026 versions of the GLC lineup, including the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300, Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4MATIC, Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4MATIC Coupe, and Mercedes-AMG GLC43 4MATIC.

All affected vehicles were produced within a short manufacturing window between September 16 and September 18, 2025.

Mercedes says the issue stems from a supplier error that allowed the wrong type of seat belt to enter the production process.

Authorized dealers will inspect the center rear seat belt and replace it with the correct version if necessary. The repair will be performed free of charge.

Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed by May 15, 2026, while VIN numbers became available for recall checks starting March 27.