US division Mercedes-Benz recalls 1.29 million vehicles in connection with an issue with its eCall emergency call system, which could send incorrect location information to emergency responders after an accident, potentially delaying rescue at a critical time.
In a statement to Reuters On Saturday, the car manufacturer said that “a temporary failure of the power supply of the communication module caused by an accident could lead to the position of the vehicle during a potential emergency call being incorrect”. However, “other functions of the automatic and manual emergency call function remain fully operational,” she added. Mercedes-Benz USA told the press that it is not aware of any material damage or personal injury resulting from this problem.
The withdrawal, which will start on April 6, covers a wide range of vehicles from 2016-2021, including CLA class, GLA class, GLE class, GLS class, SLC class, class A, GT class, Class C vehicles, Class E , Class S, Class CLS, Class SL, Class B, Class GLB, Class GLC and Class G, according to a registration at National Administration for Highway Traffic Safety. The car manufacturer intends to fix the problem with a free software update that can be installed over the air 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 data about the location of its vehicle, reports Reuters. In the lengthy investigation of the company and the review of its eCall software, it discovered additional incidents in which the wrong position of the vehicle was transmitted. Mercedes-Benz USA did not immediately return Gizmodo’s request for comment.