Mercedes-Benz recalls cars due to problem with eCall system

Mercedes-Benz is recalling cars due to a problem with the Emergency Call system. In any case, it would be 1,292,258 vehicles in the US, which were produced between 2016 and 2021. The cars will receive a software update to fix the problem.

The recall has now been officially announced in the US, the Associated Press also reports. The company confirms to the BBC that the company is also working on a solution for customers in other countries. “This update is also being rolled out in other countries and we are working closely with local authorities,” the company said.

The problem is in the Emergency Call system, which automatically makes an emergency call to emergency services after an accident. Mercedes-Benz is launching the recall after that system reported the wrong location of a crashed vehicle. The company launched an investigation in October 2019, after which it encountered other similar events. ECall has been a mandatory position within the EU since 2018.

According to the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 1,292,258 vehicles are involved in the recall within the US. These are different Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-Benz-AMG vehicles from different classes. In total, more than 200 different car models would struggle with the problem. All affected vehicles were produced between 2016 and 2021, the company reports.

Mercedes-Benz vehicle owners can enter their chassis number on the manufacturer’s website to view current recalls. The recall also applies to some 2016-2020 Metris vehicles and 2019-2020 Sprinter cars.

The issue will be resolved through a software update. According to Mercedes-Benz, this update will be installed at the dealer or ‘over-the-air’, Reuters writes. The carmaker’s recall is expected to begin on April 6. The company will notify affected owners. The software update will be installed free of charge on vehicles with the problem.