In a recent development, Mercedes-Benz has announced a recall of 7,558 vehicles in the United States, including various 2022-2023 models of the Mercedes EQS and S-Class. The recall is prompted by a flaw in the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) software, which has the potential to cause the speedometer to display 0 mph regardless of the vehicle’s actual speed. This software issue poses a safety concern, necessitating the recall.
The affected vehicles comprise the 2022 Mercedes EQS 450 and EQS 580, as well as the 2023 Mercedes S 580e, and the 2023 Mercedes-Maybach S580 and S680. The problem initially came to Mercedes’ attention in January 2022 when they received a single field report indicating a loss of dynamic control systems. Subsequently, critical functionalities such as acceleration slip regulation, electronic brake force distribution, and even the anti-lock braking system were compromised.
Upon discovering the issue, Mercedes promptly commenced an investigation. However, identifying the root cause proved to be a challenging task. It wasn’t until July that the automaker was able to pinpoint the problem after extensive simulations of real-world driving conditions.
Although the specific driving conditions that can trigger the error have not been disclosed, Mercedes acknowledges 96 reports potentially associated with this issue. Thankfully, no accidents or injuries have been reported as a result of this malfunction thus far.
The failure of the ESP system can hamper the performance of related technologies such as the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Acceleration Slip Regulation (ASR), and Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD). Additionally, the speedometer may display 0 mph while the vehicle is in motion. These combined issues pose significant challenges to drivers and increase the risk of accidents.
Mercedes has taken swift action to rectify the situation by developing a software upgrade aimed at resolving the problem. Starting from July 18, the company will contact affected vehicle owners and request them to visit authorized Mercedes dealerships. There, skilled technicians will install the software update to address the ESP system flaw.
By implementing this recall and providing the necessary remedy, Mercedes is demonstrating its commitment to ensuring the safety and satisfaction of its customers. Owners of the affected vehicles are encouraged to respond promptly to the recall and have the software update installed, thereby mitigating the potential risks associated with the ESP software issue.
