Mercedes-Benz’s US division is recalling 1.29 million vehicles due to a problem with its eCall emergency call system that can send incorrect location information to emergency services after an accident, potentially delaying a rescue at a critical moment.
In a statement to Reuters on Saturday, the automaker said that “a temporary collapse of the communication module power supply caused by a crash could cause the vehicle’s position during a possible emergency call to be incorrect.” However, “other functions of the automatic and manual emergency call function remain fully operational,” he added. Mercedes-Benz USA told the outlet it was not aware of any cases of property damage or personal injury resulting from the problem.
The recall, which will begin on April 6, covers a wide range of 2016 to 2021 model vehicles, including CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class Vehicles, Class S, Class CLS, Class SL, Class B, Class GLB, Class GLC and Class G, according to a filing before the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The automaker plans to fix the problem using a free software update that can be installed wirelessly or at a dealer.
Last year, Mercedes-Benz in Europe investigated a report from the Mercedes-Benz eCall center of a single incident in which the eCall system sent inaccurate location data for your vehicle, Reuters reports. In the company’s extensive investigation and review of its eCall software, it discovered additional incidents in which the wrong vehicle position was transmitted. Mercedes-Benz USA did not immediately respond to Gizmodo’s request for comment.