Mercedes E-Class and CLE - Emergency Braking System Deactivation

Mercedes-Benz AG (MBAG) recently identified a software issue affecting certain 2024 E-Class (214 platform) and CLE (236 platform) vehicles. Specifically, the MBUX multimedia system software does not meet current production standards, prompting MBAG to recall several models, including:

The issue stems from a software development deviation that affects the synchronization between the MBUX multimedia system and the parking control unit. This problem impacts the functionality of certain vehicle assistance systems, particularly the cross-traffic alert system, a critical safety feature that helps prevent collisions when reversing out of parking spaces by automatically applying the brakes when an oncoming vehicle or object is detected.

Due to the software error, the cross-traffic alert system may be deactivated without the driver’s knowledge, increasing the risk of low-speed accidents. Mercedes-Benz became aware of the issue in November 2023 during routine system tests, where certain parking assistance systems were found to be deactivated without prior warning to the driver, leading to a full investigation.

The investigation revealed that the synchronization problem between the MBUX multimedia system and the parking control unit could cause several assistance systems, including the cross-traffic alert, to turn off without notice. This poses a significant safety hazard as drivers may not receive any indication that the system has malfunctioned, leaving them vulnerable in situations where they rely on automatic braking.

Further analysis showed that the cross-traffic alert system may not work as intended at speeds below 6 mph, particularly during maneuvers like reversing or pulling out of parking spots. Without the automatic braking intervention, drivers would have to rely solely on visual or acoustic signals, potentially leading to slower reaction times and a higher likelihood of accidents.

One of the most concerning aspects of this issue is that the system can be disabled without alerting the driver through the dashboard, making the malfunction harder to detect. Typically, modern vehicles notify drivers when safety systems are offline, but in this case, no such warning occurs, heightening the danger.

Given the severity of the risk, MBAG analyzed the potential consequences and determined that the lack of automatic braking could significantly increase the chance of collisions in scenarios where the cross-traffic alert system is expected to intervene. As a result, Mercedes-Benz concluded that a recall was necessary.

Owners of affected vehicles will be notified of the issue and the required software update to restore synchronization between the MBUX multimedia system and the parking control unit. The recall notifications will begin on November 12, 2024. These letters will explain the issue, detail the recall process, and guide owners on scheduling the software update. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has assigned this recall the campaign number 24V-688.