Mercedes Recalls Vehicles Due To Hands-Off Sensor Defect

Mercedes-Benz recently announced that it would recall 8,396 vehicles due to a hand-off sensor defect. The issue with the sensor has been linked to several accidents, and this recall is intended to ensure the safety of all drivers on the road. Did you know about the defect? Let’s take a closer look at why Mercedes recalls its vehicles and what this means for drivers and owners of these cars.

What Is Hands-off Detection Software?

Hands-off-Detection Software is used in Mercedes vehicles to detect when the driver has taken their hands off the steering wheel. This is intended to ensure that drivers are paying attention while behind the wheel, and if they take their hands off the wheel for too long, an alarm will sound and force them to retake control of the vehicle. The software uses a combination of sensors to detect when the driver’s hands are off the wheel. These systems are designed to automatically take control of braking and steering when necessary, allowing the driver to maintain control without having to intervene physically.

Functionality and Benefits 

Hands-off detection software works by monitoring the inputs from sensors in the car. These sensors track everything from wheel angle to vehicle speed to acceleration. They’re constantly looking for signs that drivers may have taken their hands off the wheel. If those signs are detected, an alarm will sound inside the car to alert the driver. Hands-off detection software is essential for self-driving cars because it prevents accidents from happening due to drivers being distracted or not paying attention to their surroundings. Some of the benefits include:

  • Safety of drivers on the road.
  • Alerts driver when hands are off the wheel.
  • Helps to prevent potential accidents from occurring. 
  • Reduces risk for all road users. 
  • Increases awareness among drivers. 

Problem with Mercedes Software 

An increasing number of cars come equipped with hands-off systems that allow drivers to keep their hands on the steering wheel while driving. This is made possible by using sensors and other technologies. The problem with hands-off sensor software in Mercedes vehicles is that it has been linked to a false reading. This particular problem disrupts the automatic detection system for the vehicle’s steering wheel and triggers it to falsely detect that a driver has their hands on the wheel, even when they don’t. This false detection could prevent drivers from being warned about an impending accident. Eventually, putting them and other road users at risk. To ensure the safety of everyone on the road, Mercedes announced a recall for all affected vehicles. 

Mercedes Recall

In order to preserve the security of all motor vehicle operators, Mercedes-Benz has issued a recall for a specific number of Mercedes-Benz cars due to an issue with their hands-off sensor software. The recall is intended to replace these faulty sensors so that drivers can benefit from the functionality and features of this technology. The cars in question are equipped with upgradeable software that allows Mercedes to fix any issues with their hands-off sensors remotely. This recall highlights the importance of using quality software in cars and other motor vehicles. 

How Many People Have Been Affected by This Issue?

Mercedes found that certain production models contain an issue with the hands-off detection system that causes it to trigger falsely or not trigger at all – both of which can be dangerous behind the wheel. However, the exact number of people affected is unknown. Owners of the affected vehicles should contact their local Mercedes dealership for details about how to get the sensors fixed and replaced. Mercedes anticipated that they would begin sending notifications to affected vehicle owners via mail. This software update is being done to provide the best possible safety features for drivers and other motorists on the road. 

About the Author
Sepehr Daghighian is a partner with CCA that is well-versed in all aspects of lemon-law litigation. A 2005 graduate of Loyola Law School, Mr. Daghighian has been practicing litigation throughout the state of California for over 13-years. In this time, Mr. Daghighian has advocated on behalf of California consumers in hundreds of lemon law cases throughout our great state. Mr. Daghighian has also successfully tried numerous such cases to verdict in both Federal and State Court.