On February 5, 2021, Mercedes Benz issued a recall that affects 1.3 million vehicles. Mercedes stated that 100 percent of those vehicles could experience failure of the eCall system — which shares location data with first responders in the event of a crash. That location failure can send emergency responders to the wrong location and increase the risk of injury.
Documentation filed with the U.S. Government’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) describes that a drop of power supply to the communications module causes the automatic eCall system to register the wrong location. Instead of sending the coordinates when the eCall system is activated, it sends the vehicle’s last ignition cycle location.
The automaker maintains that the automatic and manual emergency call functions are not affected by the software issues.
The recall begins on April 6, 2021. It involves changing the vehicle’s communication module software. It can be done at the dealership or through an over-the-air update with the Mercedes Me/Mercedes Pro service.
How to Know if Your Mercedes-Benz is Affected
The Mercedes vehicle itself does not signal an advance warning of failure to the eCall software. However, all customers should receive an official recall notification letter and it is crucial that you proactively check whether your vehicle is included in the recall.
The 1,292,258 recalled vehicles range from 2016 to 2021 model years and include the following models:
- 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
- G-Class
If you own any of these potentially affected models, you can contact the manufacturer’s toll-free line at 1-877-762-8267. You can also contact a local Mercedes dealer.
Additionally, NHTSA allows you to search recalls by vehicle identification number (VIN) or by make and model. The NHTSA campaign number is: 21V058000.
Cost to Remedy Recalled Vehicle
If your Mercedes has been recalled, you have a right for the issue to be fixed at no charge. Also, the problem should be fixed within a reasonable amount of time.
Injuries due to the eCall Software Issue
Mercedes has stated that if conditions on the network coverage prohibit an over-the-air update that will cure the defect, the customer must visit the shop. You might be entitled to legal remedies after several attempts at fixing the eCall software issue. Some include protection under the California Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, also known as the “Lemon Law.”
Also, just because a manufacturer issues a recall doesn’t mean that they are not liable for any damages caused by the defect. Suppose you suffered injuries related to the eCall Software issue. In that case, you have the legal right to move forward with a manufacturer defect claim. Our experienced attorneys at Conn Law, P.C. can guide you through the complexities of filing a lawsuit. Contact us today at 412-417-2780 or online for a free consultation.