Mercedes-Benz Gl/gls, GLE Recall R/2018/206: Oil Foam May Develop In The Active Curve System Oil Reservoir, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Urgent
- How serious
- 24 Aug 2018
- Launched
- 1,303
- vehicles in the UK
- SRPC1827
- Manufacturer’s campaign code
Mercedes-Benz recalled Gl/gls, GLE vehicles built between 1 November 2010 and 30 June 2016. Series ML/GLE GL/GLS (166) & GLE Coupe (292) with ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM (ACS) Oil foam may develop in the systems oil reservoir under dynamic operating conditions and at an oil level below the minimum level and escape via the ventilation bores in the cap of the reservoir. The recall notice describes the fix as: on affected vehicles replace the oil dipstick of the reservoir for the ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
Series ML/GLE GL/GLS (166) & GLE Coupe (292) with ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM (ACS) Oil foam may develop in the systems oil reservoir under dynamic operating conditions and at an oil level below the minimum level and escape via the ventilation bores in the cap of the reservoir. Depending on the orientation of the two ventilation bores the escaping oil could spray onto hot component parts of the exhaust system. In this case risk of fire cannot be ruled out.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: OIL FOAM MAY DEVELOP IN THE ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM OIL RESERVOIR Defect: It has been determined that on Model series ML/GLE GL/GLS (166) & GLE Coupe (292) with ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM (ACS) Oil foam may develop in the systems oil reservoir under dynamic operating conditions and at an oil level below the minimum level and escape via the ventilation bores in the cap of the reservoir. Depending on the orientation of the two ventilation bores the escaping oil could spray onto hot component parts of the exhaust system. In this case risk of fire cannot be ruled out. Remedy: On affected vehicles replace the oil dipstick of the reservoir for the ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Risk
The recall notice describes the concern as: oil foam may develop in the active curve system oil reservoir.
The Fix
The recall notice describes the fix as: on affected vehicles replace the oil dipstick of the reservoir for the ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM.
Are You Affected?
Gl/gls, GLE built between 1 November 2010 and 30 June 2016 may be included. Mercedes-Benz estimates 1,303 vehicles in the UK. Enter your registration to check, then confirm by VIN with Mercedes-Benz, because not every car in the date range may be included.
Which Car Is It?
Choose the make and model so we can match recalls to your car.
What To Do Now
- Check your car by registration above, then by VIN with Mercedes-Benz.
- Book with any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer, quoting the campaign code SRPC1827 or the DVSA reference R/2018/206. See how to get a Mercedes-Benz recall fixed.
- Follow the letter's instructions until the repair is done. See can you drive a car with a recall?.
Related Recalls
| Launched | Vehicle and fault | Severity | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| GLEInstallation of the heat shield | Low | R/2026/326 | |
| GLERear seat belt bolting | Urgent | R/2026/221 | |
| GLE, GLSMounting of Multi-Purpose camera & interior mirror | Book soon | R/2025/217 | |
| GLE, GLSBolting of 48V ground connection | Urgent | R/2024/173 | |
| GLEOn affected vehicles under specific conditions (such as electric driving in wet weather) the required operating force of the brake pedal for a deceleration intended by the driver might be increased | Urgent | R/2023/346 |
This is one of 833 Mercedes-Benz recalls in DVSA’s data. The Mercedes-Benz recall launched before it was R/2018/203 on 24 Aug 2018, for communication module software incorrect specification for emergency call system. The one launched after it was R/2018/169 on 29 Aug 2018, for fault in navigation software. You can also see every Mercedes-Benz recall, all recalls launched in 2018 and fire risk recalls across every make.
Source: DVSA recall R/2018/206, launched 24 August 2018. Data updated 15 October 2026. How we grade urgency.
Sources
- The Code does not itself say repairs are free. GOV.UK guidance says "You will not usually have to pay for any repairs or parts under a safety recall." gov.uk Checked 15 Oct 2026.