1.2M Mercedes-Benz Vehicles Recalled Over Inaccurate Emergency Dispatch Service

Mercedes-Benz USA ia recalling more than 1.2 million vehicles from its 2016 through 2021 model years, due to a software defect which may report the wrong location of an accident to first responders, increasing the risk of injury and delayed medical attention.

The Mercedes Benz recall was announced by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on February 12, after an investigation determined nearly 80 vehicle models are equipped with software that could relay the wrong coordinates to first responders following an auto accident.

The recalled vehicles are equipped with eCall software, which is designed send Global Positioning System (GPS) coordinates to first responders in order to reduce emergency response times. However, Mercedes became aware of an incident reported out of the European market in October 2019 in which the eCall system relayed an inaccurate vehicle location after being involved in a crash. The report prompted the manufacturer to open an investigation which determined the power supply of the communication module could impact the relay of location information, creating a safety risk to customers.

According to the recall, the same eCall platform was used in a wide variety of models over the last several years. Approximately 1,292,258 Mercedes-Benz vehicles are included from the model year 2016 through 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.

The vehicles were manufactured by Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC and distributed for sale throughout the United States to licensed dealers.

Mercedes indicates a recall notification will be provided to customers with instructions on how to receive a free repair at their local dealer, where dealers will be instructed to update the communication module software, free of charge.

The recall is expected to begin on April 6, 2021. Customers with additional questions or concerns are encouraged to contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267 and reference the NHTSA recall campaign number 21V-058.