John AdoyiGerman automobile manufacturer, Mercedes-Benz, has announced the recall of certain GLE SUV models in South Africa due to a potential defect in the high-voltage starter-alternator system, which could lead to an unexpected loss of propulsion power and increase the risk of accidents.
South Africa’s National Consumer Commission (NCC), in a notice released on Monday, confirmed that the recall involves the W167 GLE model, produced from 2022 to date.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelExplaining the technical issue, Mercedes-Benz South Africa stated: “The vehicle’s processor in the control unit of the high-voltage starter generator may experience sporadic overload. Consequently, the system’s monitoring function might incorrectly detect a faulty component in the high-voltage starter alternator.”
In such cases, the system may disable the high-voltage starter generator, potentially causing an unexpected and immediate loss of propulsion power without warning. This malfunction could place the driver and passengers at serious risk, particularly while driving at high speeds or in heavy traffic.
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NCC confirmed that 54 vehicles, priced between $83,000 and $85,000, have been identified in South Africa, with others possibly exported to neighbouring countries including Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, and Eswatini.
This recall follows a previous significant recall in June 2022, when Mercedes-Benz South Africa recalled 13,159 vehicles—specifically the ML, GL (model series 164), and R-Class (model series 251) manufactured between 2006 and 2019—due to potential brake failure concerns caused by corrosion on the housing joining points.
Mercedes stressed that owners of the affected vehicles will not be charged for replacements.
