Mercedes-Benz USA announced plans to recall 1.29 million vehicles to correct a problem with the vehicles’ “eCall” system, which relays emergency information to responders in the event of a crash.
Emergency responders have been sent to incorrect locations due to the a problem with design problem within the system’s software, the company noted. As a result, the possibility of injuries increases due to the delay.
Mercedes-Benz USA is recalling certain 2016-2021 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS-Class, SL-Class, B-Class, GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and G-Class vehicles.
Dealers will fix the problem
According to the automaker, “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.” The company also noted that the other functions of the system are “fully operational.”
The German automaker plans to issue a software update that will be installed by dealers or through an over-the-air update. Mercedes-Benz USA said Saturday it is neither aware of any case of material damage nor personal injury in connection with the issue, Reuters reported.
The problem initially surfaced in Europe in October 2019. The company began 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.
Ultimately, after the query, investigators found that it was not a one-time event, but there were several instances in which the wrong information had been sent to first responders.
What you need to know
Mercedes will notify affected owners through the mail. If you have a Mercedes Me subscription, the update will be performed over the air, eliminating the need for visit to the dealer. However, if not, a dealer will need to perform the updated. The program is set to being April 6.
Owners who want to know if their vehicle is part of the recall, can simply to NHTSA’s recall site and enter their vehicle identification number, or VIN, to find out.
If they have OTA why isn’t it done overnight without the customer having to do anything? Hasn’t Tesla taught them enough?