Mercedes-Benz is recalling over 340,000 vehicles nationwide over backup cameras that do not work as intended. Because this issue can lead to a greater accident risk, the firm will begin to notify impacted vehicle owners in July.
According to the news outlets reporting on this recall, impacted vehicles include models from the 2019 through 2021 entry-level A-Class and the E-Class, as well as the AMG GT 4-door coupe, the CLA-Class and CLS-Class, and several SUVs such as the GLA, GLB, and GLE. At least 342,366 vehicles have the potentially glitchy backup camera.
In the impacted vehicles, the MBUX infotainment software may not boot up correctly causing the screen to remain black. It may also function for roughly 50 seconds before it goes dark. In either case, the backup camera will not display the real-time image of what is happening behind the vehicle as it is federally mandated to do so, increasing the risk of an accident.
Regulators: Mercedes-Benz Vehicles Fail To Meet Federal Safety Standards
In the official recall documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Mercedes-Benz claimed that the backup camera issue can be fixed via over-the-air software updates. However, considering that the issue poses a safety risk and that it results in a failure of federal safety regulations compliance, drivers should not ignore the dangers associated with the glitchy backup camera.
Beginning July 13, the firm will contact impacted vehicle owners to urge them to schedule a visit to a dealership if their vehicles do not have over-the-air capabilities. For vehicles that can be updated remotely, the software update should follow the notification.
Backup Cameras Can Prevent Accidents And Save Lives
With thousands of backing accidents being reported yearly across the United States, the NHTSA decided to establish rules regarding the use of backup cameras on all new vehicles.
The May 2018 rule follows the logic that since backup cameras can help avoid accidents, the technology should be seen as a piece of safety equipment, such as seat belts and airbags.
If you own one of the recalled vehicles and worry about your safety, follow this link to learn more about the Mercedes-Benz recall.
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