Mercedes-Benz recalls almost 1.3 million U.S. cars over software fault

Mercedes-Benz will recall almost 1.3 million vehicles in the U.S. due to a problem with their eCall emergency contact system — which could send emergency services to the wrong location.

In the event of a severe accident, medical episode, or other such incident, Mercedes-Benz’ eCall feature is designed to notify emergency services of relevant information so they can attend to the scene more quickly. Either triggered automatically or activated by a button, eCall shares information such as the number of people in the car, the direction in which it was travelling, and its GPS location.

At least, that’s what it’s meant to do. A fault in the software has resulted in the possibility that eCall will communicate the wrong location in a crash, delaying help rather than assisting it. Speaking to Reuters, Mercedes-Benz stated the error could be caused by “a temporary collapse of the communication module’s power supply caused by a crash.”

The recall follows an incident in Europe where eCall relayed incorrect vehicle location information, prompting an Oct. 2019 investigation. Fortunately, this was the only such incident — at least as far as Mercedes-Benz is aware. Available in 35 countries, the eCall system has been a standard feature in Mercedes-Benz models since 2014.

The affected vehicle models are dated from 2016 to 2021, and include Mercedes-Benz’ 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. For a full list of models you can check the recall notice on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s website. Alternatively, you can find out if you’re impacted by entering your Vehicle Identification Number on the website, or on Mercedes-Benz’ website.

The recall is currently expected to begin Apr. 6, at which point a free update to the eCall system will be installed either by a dealer or over-the-air. But if you’re bougie enough to own a Benz and find yourself in trouble during the next few months, remember to dial 911 if you’re able rather than trusting your car.