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A Recall that Isn't

Yesterday I received a letter from Mercedes, sent "in accordance with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicles Safety Act," advising me that my car needs an "Over-The-Air update" to the software system as the "software design of the communication module may fail to communicate the correct vehicle's location for the emergency call system ('eCall') in the event of a crash." So this afternoon I called my dealer to make an appointment, and after checking the service advisor told me the update is not yet available and MB will send me another notice when it is.

Anyone have any further information about this recall?

Often there is a time lapse of several months between the time the first NHTSA recall notice and the time a fix is available. In at least one case (Takata) it took longer than 4 years.

Here is the NHTSA notice:

Quote:

Feb 12,2021
Manufacturer Recall Number2021020023
NHTSA Recall Number21V058
Recall StatusRecall Incomplete, remedy not yet available

SummaryMercedes-Benz AG ("MBAG"), the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, has determined that on certain Model Year ("MY") 2016 2021 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 (117, 118, 156, 166, 167, 172, 177, 190, 205, 207, 213, 217, 218, 222, 231, 238, 242, 247, 253, 257, 290, 292, and 463 platform), the software design of the communication module may fail to communicate the correct vehicle s location for the emergency call system ( eCall ) in the event of a crash.If there is a drop of the power supply to the communications module during a crash, the automatic eCall system may register the location of the vehicle s last ignition cycle, rather than its location at the time the eCall system is activated. Emergency responders may be dispatched to an inaccurate vehicle location, increasing the risk of injury following a crash. Nevertheless, the other functions of the automatic and manual emergency call function are not affected by this issue. Either an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer or an over-the-air ("OTA") update will update the software of the communication module for the automatic emergency call system on the affected vehicles.

Safety RiskIf there is a drop of the power supply to the communications module during a crash, the automatic eCall system may register the location of the vehicle s last ignition cycle, rather than its location at the time the eCall system is activated. Emergency responders may be dispatched to an inaccurate vehicle location, increasing the risk of injury following a crash. Nevertheless, the other functions of the automatic and manual emergency call function are not affected by this issue.

RemedyEither an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer or an over-the-air ("OTA") update will update the software of the communication module for the automatic emergency call system on the affected vehicles. All customers will be mailed recall notification letters as required under federal regulations. For vehicles with a "Mercedes Me" subscription service, the software update will be performed OTA and so a dealer visit is not required. For vehicles without a Mercedes Me subscription service, the notification letter will advise the customer that they may opt out of the OTA update and visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer to have the update performed. If the customer does not opt out within the specified period, the update will be performed OTA with the vehicle thereafter. Depending on conditions such as network coverage and consistency of the data connection, if the OTA update cannot be successfully completed, the customer will be notified and advised to visit an authorized dealer to have the update performed. Customers who subscribe to the Mercedes Me service may check the status of the update through the associated website and/or through the Mercedes Me App. If the vehicle is subscribed to the Mercedes Me Connect services, the current status of the remote software update will be listed on the Mercedes Me connect webpage under "Software Update". Further information regarding software updates can be found in the Operator s Manual.

According to the NHTSA notice the fix is not yet available and at least for 2019+ vehicles it'll be pushed out as an OTA update once it becomes available, so no need to visit a dealership at all. It will automatically install over the car's Internet connection once it is available. Surprised that your letter says OTA update since 2018 and older models don't officially support OTA updates.

I received mine as well for a 2020 E-450 wagon. I'd already seen it mentioned on this forum as well as there was no fix for it currently.

I have a US MB 2020 E450 sedan and I too received an "Important Safety Recall" letter. My letter states that no dealer visit will be needed.

In accordance with the Mercedes Me terms of service, a software update will be carried out via your vehicle's existing mobile data link. An Over-The-Air ("OTA") activation will be initiated to update the communication model software for the automatic emergency call system on the affected vehicles. This service will be provided free of charge. For vehicles with a "Mercedes Me" subscription service, the software update will be performed OTA and so no additional action is needed and a dealer visit is not required at this time.

<< software update will be listed on the Mercedes Me connect webpage under "Software Update".>>

Except that in my case, my Mercedes Me app (and home page on my PC) does not have any such link, which my letter said it would be under "Home page>Connect>Software updates"

I tried looking for it on the web site too and couldn't find it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by prosete (Post 8296981)

Quote:

Originally Posted by hukenobi90 (Post 8297559)

I tried looking for it on the web site too and couldn't find it.

Yes, as I said above, the OTA software update only applies to newer 2019+ model years using Mercedes me connect. Those on mBrace don't have OTA update capabilities unless MB has been secretly holding it back. The software updates page is there for Mercedes me connect. So far I've only been getting map updates, but vehicles with MBUX have been getting other updates to fix bugs.

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...bc8f0d536b.jpg

Had this recall done at my dealer last week. 2018 AMG E43