Mercedes-Benz, one of the world's most prestigious and respected car brands, is facing a major crisis after recalling almost 1 million older vehicles worldwide over a potential brake failure caused by a software glitch. The recall affects certain models of C-Class, E-Class, CLA, GLA, and GLC vehicles produced between 2018 and 2020. The carmaker said that a faulty communication module could prevent the emergency call system (eCall) from sending the correct vehicle location in case of a crash.
This is not the first time that Mercedes has faced problems with its eCall system. Last year, the company recalled over 1 million cars because of a defect that could send a wrong location to emergency services in case of an accident. A wireless software update mostly fixed the problem, but it raised questions about the reliability and safety of Mercedes' technology.
The latest recall, however, is more serious and potentially more costly for Mercedes. The company said that the brake booster, which helps increase the braking force when the driver presses the pedal, could be damaged by corrosion in some of the affected vehicles. In extreme cases, this could result in reduced braking performance or even failure, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Mercedes said it would start contacting the owners of the affected vehicles immediately and would inspect and replace the parts where necessary. The company also advised customers to wait to drive their cars until a dealership checks and repairs them. The recall involves removing a rubber sleeve, checking the brake booster housing, and replacing it if needed.
The recall affects nearly one million cars worldwide, including more than 292,000 in the US, 70,000 in Germany, and 50,000 in the UK. It covers a range of popular models from Mercedes' lineup, such as the C-Class sedan, E-Class coupe, CLA compact four-door coupe, GLA crossover SUV, and GLC midsize SUV.
The recall is a major blow to Mercedes' reputation and image as a leader in luxury and innovation. The company has been investing heavily in developing electric vehicles (EVs) and autonomous driving systems to compete with rivals such as Tesla, BMW, and Audi. Mercedes has also been promoting its eCall system as a key feature that enhances safety and convenience for its customers.
However, the recall could undermine customers' trust and confidence in Mercedes' products and technology. It could also hurt sales and profits for the company, which is already facing challenges from the global chip shortage, supply chain disruptions, and environmental regulations. Mercedes reported a 16% drop in revenue and a 60% plunge in operating profit for 2020 due to the impact of the pandemic.
Mercedes is not alone in facing recalls over faulty brakes. In May 2021, Tesla recalled about 6,000 vehicles in the US over concerns that their brake caliper bolts could loosen and cause damage to the tire or wheel. In April 2021, Hyundai recalled more than 390,000 vehicles in the US and Canada over a fire risk caused by leaking brake fluid.
These recalls highlight the importance of ensuring quality and safety standards for car manufacturers, especially as they adopt more advanced and complex technologies for their vehicles. Customers expect high performance and reliability from their cars, especially from premium brands like Mercedes. Any compromise on these aspects could damage their loyalty and satisfaction.