Mercedes-Benz announced it will recall 1.29 million vehicles in the US sold since 2016 due to faulty software that may fail to communicate correct vehicle location in the event of a crash.
The recall comes after Mercedes-Benz learned of a crash in Europe where the automatic eCall system sent the wrong position of the vehicle.
The firm notes it has not found the issue in the US, but is conducting the recall as a precaution.
Mercedes-Benz said that it will notify affected owners and update the software systems at no charge, according to filings with the U.S. Department of Transportation. It expects to begin the recall on April 6.
The recall covers many vehicles from the 2016 through 2021 model years, including those classed CLA, GLA, GLE, GLS, SLC, A, GT, C, E, S, CLS, SL, B, GLB, GLC and Git.
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Mercedes-Benz announced it will recall 1.29 million vehicles sold since 2016 due to faulty software that may fail to communicate correct vehicle location in the event of a crash. Pictured is a 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA that is included in the recall
The carmaker began an investigation in October 2019, and it eventually found other similar events, but no incidents have been identified in the US.
Although the glitch has been discovered, Mercedes-Benz says it is not aware of any instances of damages or personal injuries caused by the software issue.
The automaker plans to roll out a free software update over the air or at a dealership location.
Mercedes-Benz said that ‘a temporary collapse of the communication module’s power supply caused by a crash might lead to the vehicle’s position during a potential emergency call being incorrect.’
Mercedes-Benz said that it will notify affected owners and update the software systems at no charge, according to filings with the U.S. Department of Transportation. It expects to begin the recall on April 6. Pictured is a GLA that is included in the recall
The firm added that ‘other functions of the automatic and manual emergency call function remain fully operational.’
Mercedes-Benz in Europe in October 2019 launched an investigation based on a report from the Mercedes-Benz eCall center of a single instance in the European market where the automatic eCall system relayed an inaccurate vehicle position.
After a lengthy investigation reviewing various software combinations of the communication module, the company’s research showed additional similar events where the vehicle position transmitted was incorrect.
The news comes just a few months after Mercedes-Benz recalled more than 30,000 vehicles in August over fears of a potentially deadly fault in the sunroof.
The luxury car giant recalled the C, CLK and E Class models manufactured between 2000 and 2010.
‘The durability of the bonding between the sunroof glass panel and the sliding roof frame on some vehicles might not meet specifications and the glass panel may separate from the vehicle,’ the recall said.
‘If the glass panel separates from the vehicle, there is a risk of an accident resulting in injury or death of others on the road.’
