When Mercedes-Benz introduced the eCall system, it looked promising: automatically call emergency services at your location when you need help? I’ll take it. The only problem is that the system has an error and has caused the withdrawal of 1.3 million vehicles.
Yes. This is because the eCall system sent those people who responded to emergencies the wrong location. Somehow, after a crash, the location of the vehicle would be transmitted incorrectly, which meant that lifeguards would be taken anywhere else only to find that no injured Mercedes-Benz was waiting for help. And, even worse, the passengers in the crashed car were not getting the help they needed.
According to one chronology of events, Mercedes-Benz first realized the problem in 2019, but had no record of other similar incidents with which to compare. At the time, it was a single instance in Europe that could have been caused by several problems. Still, Mercedes began an investigation to see where the problem came from and how to fix it.
But by mid-2020, the problem was inevitable. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) points out that there is little likelihood that not all withdrawn cars are to blame for eCall, but it is not a worthwhile risk. Ultimately, it determined that it expects to have 100 percent of the 1,292,258 vehicles withdrawn some problem with eCall system.
Mercedes-Benz USA recalls certain types CLA 2016-2021, Class GLA, Class GLE, Class GLS, Class SLC, Class A, Class GT, Class C, Class E, Class S, Vehicles of class CLS, of class SL, of class B, of class GLB, of class GLC and of class G. You can always consult the file NHTSA website and enter your VIN to see if your vehicle is affected.
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Mercedes intends to fix the problem through an antenna software update, but will have to take the vehicle to the dealership to fix it.