Mercedes-Benz has called back 27,000 units in the USA due to the risk that the engine control unit (ECU) software could cause the engine to stop suddenly or lead to engine overheating.
The issue involves 26,260 units of the S580, manufactured between 2021 and 2023, and 930 units of the luxurious Mercedes-Maybach S580, also produced during the same period. Both vehicles are equipped with a 4.0-liter V8 engine producing 496 hp, which works in conjunction with a 48V mild-hybrid system to enhance efficiency, and features Mercedes’ cylinder deactivation technology, which can completely shut off the combustion engine when in ‘coasting’ mode and in ECO driving mode.
The confirmation of this recall for the two Mercedes-Benz models was made by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration of the USA this Friday.
The U.S. safety agency warned that engine shutdown caused by a malfunction could increase the risk of an accident, and engine overheating could heighten the risk of fire.
Mercedes has stated that the solution is to update the engine control unit software, which unfortunately cannot be done through a remote “over-the-air” update, meaning a visit to the workshop will be necessary to resolve the issue.