Mercedes-AMG GLE43 Recalled For Unexpected Engine Shut Down

Mercedes-Benz is recalling certain AMG GLE43 and AMG GLE43 Coupe vehicles due to a faulty software that could cause their engines to shut down unexpectedly.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), this problem is due to the engine and transmission control unit software, which may have compatibility conflicts.

In extreme cases, the 3.0-liter biturbo V6 engine that powers both models could shut down "while the driver brakes to a stop, or accelerates, following an ECO start", say the feds, adding that "depending on the traffic situation", such an issue "could increase the risk of a crash".

"Instrument cluster warning lamps are activated upon engine shut down, with ignition 'ON', and indicate to the driver that the vehicle is not in ECO start/stop mode, and needs to be restarted manually", the NHTSA wrote in the description of the defect.

Affected are 12,322 vehicles, from the 2016-2017MY, whose owners will be notified shortly. The recall is expected to begin in September, and technicians will reprogram the engine and transmission control unit, free of charge, as part of the remedy.