Mercedes-Benz Recalls ‘Confused, Lost’ Emergency Call System

Mercedes-Benz USA. (MBUSA) is recalling 24,226 2013-2017 vehicles due to a software defect that causes the date and time for the emergency call system (eCall) to differ from the actual date and time, potentially relaying an inaccurate vehicle location.

It’s the latest software glitch that can threaten customers lives because of bad computer code. A wrong vehicle location may delay emergency responders, increasing the risk of injury.

MBUSA has initiated an Over the Air remote update. MBUSA will also notify owners, and dealers will check the software for a successful OTA update or update the communication module software, as needed, free of charge.

The recall should begin December 31, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or go to www.safercar.gov.

For a full list of the affected models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2019/RMISC-19V787-4620.pdf