Benz to Recall 1,135 E-Class Sedans for Powertrain Control Defect

An error in the model’s powertrain software may fail to transmit engine power to the automatic transmission, causing a possible accident while driving. (image: Pixabay)

SEJONG, June 2 (Korea Bizwire) – Mercedes-Benz Korea, the local unit of the German luxury car brand, will recall 1,135 units of E-class sedans for problems with their powertrain control system, the transportation ministry here said Thursday. 

An error in the model’s powertrain software may fail to transmit engine power to the automatic transmission, causing a possible accident while driving, according to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. 

The problem has been detected in 1,135 E-Class sedans produced between Dec. 8, 2015, and May 10, 2016. 

However, the ministry said all cars subject to the recall plan have not yet hit South Korean showrooms, so the company will update the software and resume the sale of the models after Friday.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Sedan (image: Yonhap)

Meanwhile, the ministry said Honda Korea Co., the local unit of Japanese Honda Motor Co., has confirmed the repair service plan for its Civic and Legend sedans, which have been on the government’s recall list for defects in their air bags, which are produced by Japan’s Takata Corp. 

The company said in March that it would recall a combined 7,659 vehicles, including the Civic and Legend sedans, for problems with their air bags as part of the company’s worldwide recall plan but did not announce detailed schedules for free replacements due to a shortage in the supply of the auto parts. 

The recall was subject to Civic, Legend, Insight and CR-Z passenger cars produced between March 22, 2006, and Jan. 31, 2012. 

Free replacement services will be available starting on June 7 for owners of the Civic, Insight and CR-Z cars, and on Aug. 16 for Legend owners at the company’s service centers throughout the country, the ministry added. 

Takata air bags have forced global carmakers, including Toyota Motor Corp., BMW and Honda, to recall millions of their vehicles around the world as the air bags’ inflator may be defective during crashes and cause metal fragments to hit vehicle occupants. 

(Yonhap)