Daimler recalls 1.29 million U.S. vehicles over software issue

German automaker Daimler AG’s U.S. unit Mercedes-Benz USA said Saturday it is recalling 1.29 million vehicles sold since 2016 as the software may fail to communicate correct vehicle location in the event of an accident.

The recall covers some 2016-2021 model year 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, according to a filing with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The German automaker prepares to issue a software update that will be installed by dealers or over-the-air.

Mercedes-Benz USA said Saturday it is neither aware of any case of material damage nor personal injury in relation to the issue.

The automaker said a temporary collapse of the communication module’s power supply led by a crash might lead to the vehicle’s position during a possible emergency call is incorrect. Mercedes-Benz added that “other functions of the automatic and manual emergency call function remain fully operational”.

Mercedes-Benz in Europe in October 2019 started an investigation based on a report from the Mercedes-Benz eCall center of a single instance in the European market where the automatic eCall system relayed an improper vehicle position.

After a lengthy investigation reviewing a number of software combinations of the communication module, the company’s research showed more similar events where the automobile position transmitted was incorrect.