Defective Cruise Control of Mercedes-Benz M-Class Vehicles Endangers New York Drivers
Mercedes-Benz USA announced the recall of 136,751 M-Class and M-Class AMG vehicles due to a faulty cruise control system that may not automatically disengage during braking. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the recall is expected to begin during September of this year.
Mercedes-Benz will be recalling certain model year 2000-2002 M-Class and model year 2000-2004 M-class AMG vehicles because the determinedly defective cruise control system increases the risk of a New York City car crash. The cruise control system in the affected vehicles can be disengaged in the following ways:
- Tapping or pumping the brake pedal;
- Using the cruise control stalk; or
- Braking enough to reach a specific deceleration rate.
However, under certain circumstances, use of the brake pedal may not automatically deactivate the cruise control, thus maintaining a high and unsafe vehicle speed. Driving at excessive speeds for current road conditions increases the risk of a car accident, especially a rear-end collision. Although the other methods to disengage the cruise control are fully functional, a driver may not have time to try a means other than the brake before a crash. New York Mercedes-Benz M-Class vehicle owners will be able to take their car to a dealer to repair this problem free of charge; they may also contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.
It is the responsibility of auto manufacturers and distributors to ensure that they are producing and selling safe, dependable vehicles. When a defective auto product or component threatens the stability of the vehicle and causes a New York injury accident, the manufacturing company and/or distributing company may be held liable for a victim’s financial and noneconomic losses.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a New York auto accident caused by an automotive defect, you may be entitled to compensation. The knowledgeable Manhattan auto product liability attorneys at Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro, LLP, can help you understand your legal rights and options. Call us today at 1-212-222-4336 for a free consultation.
