Skip advert
Advertisement

Mercedes offers patch for three million cars over emissions concerns

Voluntary fix likely to be offered to hundreds of thousands of UK motorists with post-2011 Mercs

Mercedes is to offer a voluntary fix for around three million of its diesel cars across Europe, with Euro 5 and 6 engines built since 2011 falling under the scope of the fix.

The patch has been prompted by concerns over the levels of nitrogen oxides (NOx) emitted by diesel engines. While the "service actions" are not a mandatory recall, they're intended to lower the amount of the harmful gas expelled by affected cars.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Mercedes chief Dr Dieter Zetsche explained why the action was being instituted: “The public debate about diesel engines is creating uncertainty – especially for our customers. We have therefore decided on additional measures to reassure drivers of diesel cars and to strengthen confidence in diesel technology.”

This fix follows a smaller action in March, when a number of V-Class vans and people carriers were recalled for emissions concerns.

This latest news is far more significant, however, with 3m cars affected. Roughly one million of these are said to be in Germany, with the remaining vehicles being in the hands of customers across the rest of Europe.

But Mercedes still has faith in diesel engines. Zetsche said diesels would "continue to be a fixed element" for the foreseeable future. Yesterday we reported the new Mercedes S-Class will be fitted with the most powerful diesel engine in the company's history.

The Mercedes recall is said to comprise a simple software patch, but will to cost the company £195million, and is the largest such action since the VW emissions scandal broke in 2015.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe: details and first drive of the sleek executive four-door
BMW M235 Gran Coupe front quarter
News
26 Nov 2024

New BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe: details and first drive of the sleek executive four-door

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s Black Friday offers
Carbuyer best new car deals hero
Deals
29 Nov 2024

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s Black Friday offers

2025 Toyota Yaris announced with minor upgrades
2025 Toyota Yaris front quarter
News
29 Nov 2024

2025 Toyota Yaris announced with minor upgrades

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: what does each symbol mean?
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
21 Oct 2024

Car dashboard warning lights: what does each symbol mean?

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps
Charging station
Tips and advice
23 Jul 2024

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?
PCP vs HP
Tips and advice
17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

View All
Top 10 best car interiors
Peugeot 208 hatchback
Best cars
25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors

Top 10 best electric cars 2024
Best electric cars
Best cars
16 May 2024

Top 10 best electric cars 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024
The best cheap-to-run cars 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024
Fastest hot hatchbacks hero
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024