Mercedes-Benz’s US division is recalling 1.29 million vehicles due to a problem with the eCall emergency call system that can send the wrong location information to emergency services after an accident, delaying a rescue at a critical time.
In a statement to Reuters On Saturday, the automaker said, “a temporary collapse of the communication module power supply due to a crash could cause the vehicle to be incorrectly positioned during a possible emergency call.” “However, other features of the automatic and manual emergency call function remain fully operational,” he added. Mercedes-Benz USA told the point of sale that it was not aware of any incidents of property damage or personal injury as a result of the problem.
The recall, starting April 6, will affect a wide range of vehicles from model year 2016 to 2021, including CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, GT- Class, vehicles of the C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS-Class, SL-Class, B-Class, GLB-Class, GLC-Class and G-Class, according to an application at the National Highway Traffic Safety AdministrationThe automaker plans to resolve the issue with a free software update that can be installed wirelessly or at a dealer.
Last year, Mercedes-Benz in Europe investigated a report from the Mercedes-Benz eCall center of a single incident in which the eCall system sent inaccurate location data for its vehicle, Reuters reports. During the lengthy investigation and review of the company’s eCall software, it discovered additional incidents where the wrong vehicle position was reported. Mercedes-Benz USA did not immediately respond to Gizmodo’s request for comment.