Mercedes-Benz Issues Recall Because Emergency Services May Not Find Affected Cars
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Mercedes-Benz is recalling 24,226 vehicles in the U.S. due to faulty software meant to identify a vehicle’s location for a built-in system that can summon emergency services.
The software currently installed could send emergency services the wrong date and time based on GPS satellite data, starting in November 2019, and could even prevent emergency responders from determining the vehicle’s location altogether.
This recall involves a long list of cars and SUVs, from the 2013-2017 model years. According to the automaker, only three of the affected models are in dealer inventory.
If a vehicle has not received the correct software via a remote over-the-air update, then a Mercedes-Benz dealership can install it at its shop.
The automaker expects customers to be notified of this recall in December.
This recall is included in the CR Car Recall Tracker, where you can look up your car by year, make, and model. Given the complexities in identifying the specific vehicles included, we encourage owners to use a VIN look-up tool (like nhtsa.gov/recalls), call Mercedes-Benz' customer service, or visit their local dealership.
The Details
Vehicles recalled: 24,226 cars and SUVs from the 2013-2017 model years, including: CLA-Class, GLA-Class, M-Class/GLE-/GL-/GLS-Class, SLK-/SLC-Class, AMG GT-Class, GLK-/C-Class, C-Class, E-Class Coupe/Cabrio, E-Class, S-Class Coupe/Cabrio, CLS-Class, S-Class, SL, B-Class, GLC-Class, and GLE Coupe-Class.
The problem: Starting in November 2019, faulty software could prevent first responders from accurately identifying a vehicle’s position when summoned.
The fix: Affected owners are expected to be notified of this recall in December and receive a software update.
How to contact the manufacturer: Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 800-367-6372. The NHTSA campaign number is 19V787.
Check to see whether your vehicle has an open recall: NHTSA’s website will tell you whether your vehicle has a recall that needs to be addressed.
If you plug your car’s 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN) into NHTSA’s website and a recall doesn’t appear, it means your vehicle doesn’t currently have one. Because automakers issue recalls often, and for many older vehicles, we recommend checking back regularly.
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