Problem getting SIM recall fixed
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Joined: Nov 2023
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E63s wagon / c43 wagon
Problem getting SIM recall fixed
I am the owner of a 2020 C43amg wagon. I learned there was a recall made by Mercedes on nearly a quarter million various Mercedes, including mine, in May of 2022 that concerned the ability of the car in question to contact emergency services in a crash situation. Apparently, there is some issue with the SIM card in some cars that could lead to the problem. The planned fix is to issue an over-the-air update to the SIM software, or replace the SIM at a MB dealer. The problem is, they issued the recall in May of 2022 as "pending", and they still haven't opened the recall for completion, now nearly 1.5 years later! I am unable to import my vehicle to the US from Canada while there is a recall outstanding, so I'm stuck, waiting on Mercedes. A call to MB Canada was basically useless as I was told that Germany hasn't issued a solution for the problem and there is no estimated date for the same.
The other funny thing is that I had another 2020 C43 wagon that is not subject to the same recall. Might it be possible to determine that type of SIM and purchase another for replacement of the current car by MB, thereby solving the recall issue? Otherwise, my car is trapped in Canada until MB gets around to dealing with the problem. Given it's taken them over 1.5 years so far, I'm not holding my breath!
Has anyone found a way to deal with this recall in the USA? Why would it take MB so long to issue a fix for what appears to be a simple issue? Any other insights?
Here is the Canadian recall notice that applies to a lot of cars:
*Details on service measures or recalls completed prior to June 2020 will not be shown in the results below.
Thanks for considering
The other funny thing is that I had another 2020 C43 wagon that is not subject to the same recall. Might it be possible to determine that type of SIM and purchase another for replacement of the current car by MB, thereby solving the recall issue? Otherwise, my car is trapped in Canada until MB gets around to dealing with the problem. Given it's taken them over 1.5 years so far, I'm not holding my breath!
Has anyone found a way to deal with this recall in the USA? Why would it take MB so long to issue a fix for what appears to be a simple issue? Any other insights?
Here is the Canadian recall notice that applies to a lot of cars:
Recalls
VIN: WDDWH6EB5LF975049View your vehicle’s recall details below.*Details on service measures or recalls completed prior to June 2020 will not be shown in the results below.
- Open Recalls (1)
- Completed Recalls (1)
Recall Campaign: 2022060011
MY VEHICLE STATUSRecall Currently PendingMBC CAMPAIGN NUMBER2022060011GOVERNMENT ISSUED RECALL NUMBER2022263RECALL START DATERecall Currently PendingRECALL REPORTED DATEMay 20, 2022TOPIC22P2197528WHAT IS THE ISSUE?Mercedes-Benz AG has determined that on certain A-Class, CLA, C-Class, E-Class, CLS, SL, SLC, S-Class, AMG GT, GLA, GLB, GLC, GLE, GLS, and G-Classvehicles (platforms 117, 118, 156, 166, 167, 172, 177, 190, 205, 213, 217, 222, 223, 231, 238, 247, 253, 257, 290, 292, and 463), the communication module's SIM card might disable itself. If the communication module's SIM card were to be disabled, the communication module would not be able to establish a connection with a mobile phone network. In this case, the manual as well as the automatic eCall (emergency call) function would not be available. Therefore, the condition may preclude or delay the arrival of emergency responders. This might increase the consequences of an injury following an emergency event. The driver will not receive a warning due to the nature of the failure mechanism. There are no specific precautions to be taken with respect to the subject issue until the corrective measures are implemented. As a precautionary measure, the supplier of the SIM card will update the SIM profile of the communication modules on the affected vehicles. This update is planned to be performed over-the-air with no workshop visit being required. If the over-the-air update cannot be successfully completed, the customer will be notified and advised to visit an authorized dealer to have the update performed.WHAT IS THE CONCERN?If the communication module's SIM card were to be disabled, the communication module would not be able to establish a connection with a mobile phone network. In this case, the manual as well as the automatic eCall (emergency call) function would not be available. Therefore, the condition may preclude or delay the arrival of emergency responders. This might increase the consequences of an injury following an emergency event. The driver will not receive a warning due to the nature of the failure mechanism. There are no specific precautions to be taken with respect to the subject issue until the corrective measures are implemented.WHAT WILL YOUR DEALER DO?As a precautionary measure, the supplier of the SIM card will update the SIM profile of the communication modules on the affected vehicles. This update is planned to be performed over-the-air with no workshop visit being required. If the over-the-air update cannot be successfully completed, the customer will be notified and advised to visit an authorized dealer to have the update performed.Thanks for considering
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Apr 2019
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From: Silicon Valley
W212 MY'14 M276-3.5NA @75kMi
Getting a Recall applied...
You know SIM are managed by the network owners. They are network key holders. OTA happen on regular basis.
If you feel the module in question is disfunctioning, have it worked on. In the course of guided testing technician will be promoted to apply latest available firmware to prevent replacing the module all together.
You just got to come up with a just cause that busy dealer can easily use to get reimbursed from MB warranty charge account.... you have one chance to get this straight... (free entitlement excluded).
Of course be prepared to pay a diagnostic fee in order to get free coffee & donut
It never hurts to pay for scheduled oil service while your car at the shop... a little 50 points inspection the service desk can be proud of selling.
If you feel the module in question is disfunctioning, have it worked on. In the course of guided testing technician will be promoted to apply latest available firmware to prevent replacing the module all together.
You just got to come up with a just cause that busy dealer can easily use to get reimbursed from MB warranty charge account.... you have one chance to get this straight... (free entitlement excluded).
Of course be prepared to pay a diagnostic fee in order to get free coffee & donut
It never hurts to pay for scheduled oil service while your car at the shop... a little 50 points inspection the service desk can be proud of selling.
Last edited by CaliBenzDriver; Nov 11, 2023 at 10:30 PM.
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 7,847
Likes: 3,498
From: Maryland
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
I think you are on the right track, but I wonder if the recall can ONLY be performed by a dealer in order to clear the pending status. Besides MB Canada, have you reached out to MB USA or even MB Germany? The offer to pay out of pocket for now may help -- you'll probably be able to claim reimbursement later.
It really sounds like a stupid reason for keeping your car out of the US. It's like preventing your car from entering because there is a recall on the cupholder in the rear seat armrest (that's fiction). But, welcome to bureaucracies! That's like another guy trying to import his Mercedes into the US from Canada and couldn't because the brake warning light was a different symbol or something stupid.
Will the dealer even replace the SIM if you pay out of pocket?
Good luck.
It really sounds like a stupid reason for keeping your car out of the US. It's like preventing your car from entering because there is a recall on the cupholder in the rear seat armrest (that's fiction). But, welcome to bureaucracies! That's like another guy trying to import his Mercedes into the US from Canada and couldn't because the brake warning light was a different symbol or something stupid.
Will the dealer even replace the SIM if you pay out of pocket?
Good luck.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2023
Posts: 7
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E63s wagon / c43 wagon
Yes it's bureaucratic. I don't really care about the functionality of the SIM connection, it's just that until MB has officially completed the recall, and to be recognized, it must be done at an MB dealer, there is now way the US government is going to allow the car in to the US. Since MB Germany has not given instructions to the local dealer, or any dealers for that matter, there is no way to get the recall done, and no way to import the car. I'm stuck waiting on MB, as they are the controllers of their own recall fixes, and the US government will only accept what the manufacture says. It's incredibly frustrating....especially as one would think the fix would be simple, but I don't really know what the technical problem is. Perhaps it's more complex than I think. They have known about it for over 1.5 years though....
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 7,847
Likes: 3,498
From: Maryland
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
Have you talked to the US Department of Transportation, NHTSA, about a waiver? I wonder if there is a difference if the importation is "temporary" (1 year or less, plus extensions). That may give you time to get the recall completed. Here are some related links that might help:
https://www.nhtsa.gov/importing-vehicle
https://www.nhtsa.gov/search?q=impor...ort&gsc.page=1
https://www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.go...da09122017.pdf
https://www.nhtsa.gov/importing-vehi...ication-faqs-3
https://www.nhtsa.gov/importing-vehicle
https://www.nhtsa.gov/search?q=impor...ort&gsc.page=1
https://www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.go...da09122017.pdf
https://www.nhtsa.gov/importing-vehi...ication-faqs-3
