When Mercedes-Benz introduced the eCall system, it sounded pretty damn promising – automatically calling the emergency services at your location when you need help? I’ll take it. The only problem is that the system has a malfunction, and this malfunction has led to the withdrawal of 1.3 million vehicles.
Yes. That’s because the eCall system sent emergency responders wrong location. Somehow, after an accident, the location of the vehicle will be transmitted incorrectly, which meant that emergency interventions would be rushed elsewhere only to discover that there is no injured Mercedes-Benz waiting for help. And, even worse, the passengers in the crashed car were not getting the help they needed.
According to a chronology of events, Mercedes-Benz became aware of this issue in 2019, but did not record other similar incidents with which to compare. At that time, there was only one court in Europe that could have been caused by a variety of problems. However, Mercedes has begun an investigation to see where the problem comes from and how to solve it.
But by mid-2020, the problem was inevitable. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) notes that there is a low chance that not every of these cars is to blame for eCall, but it is not a risk worth taking. Finally, it established that it expects to have 100% of the 1,292,258 vehicles recalled some problem with the eCall system.
Mercedes-Benz USA remembers certain classes 2016-2021 CLA, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, Vehicles from class CLS, SL, B, GLB, GLC and G. You can always check NHTSA website and enter the VIN to see if your vehicle is affected.
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Mercedes intends to fix the problem with an over-the-air software update, but you will still need to take your vehicle to the dealership to have it repaired.