Mercedes-Benz recalls cars over faulty emergency-call system

Mercedes-Benz is recalling almost 1.3 million vehicles from the 2016 through 2021 model years to fix a problem with the communication module for the eCall emergency call system which may not provide a vehicle’s correct location to emergency responders after a crash.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in its recall notice, says the problem is expected to affect 100 percent of the 1,292,258 Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-AMG vehicles subject to the recall by Mercedes-Benz USA. Among them are the A-, B-, C-, E-, GT-, S-, SL-, and SLC-class; CLA- and CLS-class; and G-, GLA-, GLB-, GLC-, GLE-, and GLS-class. All were made between 2016 and 2021 but specific model years for various products differ; so owners should check the NHTSA recalls site to see if their vehicle is included.

Moreover, The company’s spokesperson confirmed that other functions of the automatic and manual emergency call function remain fully operational and that Mercedes-Benz US is not aware of any case of material damage or personal injuries due to this issue.

A change will be made to the vehicles’ communication module software. It can be done either at the dealership or; in cases of vehicles with the Mercedes Me subscription; through an over-the-air update. The recall is set to begin on April 6.
The recall comes after Mercedes-Benz learned of a crash in Europe; in which the automatic emergency system provided the incorrect location of the vehicle; according to AP.

before, 1,400 S-Class delivered were recalled; with the lettering informing owners about the hazard.

Mercedes, overall, explained the affected 2021 S-Class cars might not have the inner tie rods intended for this vehicle; in which case the connection to the steering rack might not “permanently withstand the stress of driving.”