Mercedes-Benz GLE (167) Recall Affects Zim

Nyashadzashe Ndoro- Chief Reporter

The Consumer Protection Commission of Zimbabwe has issued a consumer alert following the recall of the Mercedes-Benz GLE (167) model, citing a potential fault in the high-voltage starter-alternator processor.

The recall, initiated by Mercedes-Benz South Africa, stems from a possible sporadic overload in the processor within the control unit of the high-voltage starter generator. This malfunction may cause the system’s monitoring function to incorrectly detect a fault, potentially deactivating the generator.

According to the CPC, such deactivation could lead to a sudden and unexpected loss of propulsion power—significantly increasing the risk of an accident.

The alert comes after a notification from the COMESA Competition Commission and a media release by South Africa’s National Consumer Commission on April 7, 2025.

The NCC noted that affected vehicles were manufactured between 2022 and 2025 and may have been exported to Eswatini, Zimbabwe, and other countries in the Southern African Development Community and Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa regions.

The CPC is urging all Zimbabwean owners of the affected models to visit authorized Mercedes-Benz dealers for free inspection and repairs.

For further information, consumers can contact Mr. K. Mudereri, CPC Director for Research and Public Affairs, at +263 719 176 506, or Mr. J. Sibanda, Acting Director for Compliance and Investigations, at +263 719 176 473.