— Mercedes-Benz is recalling more than 12,300 model year 2016-2017 AMG GLE43 Coupe and 2017 AMG GLE43 vehicles with engines that can shut down while driving.
Mercedes recalled vehicles in 2016 to update the engine control unit software because of unintended engine shutdowns. However, customers who had the updates kept complaining about their engines shutting down, so the automaker opened an investigation.
Mercedes believed the problem was related to the start/stop system but the investigation didn't confirm the cause of the problem. Vehicles that had suffered engine shutdowns were collected and tested that indicated issues between the engine and transmission control unit software to be the root cause.
The problem will occur during rapid and consecutive transmission downshifts during braking when the engine speed can drop below the required threshold due to the interaction between the engine and transmission control unit.
Mercedes says the engine will also shutdown because the programmed idle regulator deactivates after a slight tap of the accelerator pedal after a combination of an "ECO-start and a simultaneous high engine load."
A driver will notice warning lights when the engine shuts down with the ignition switch turned on, leaving the driver no choice but to restart the vehicle manually.
Mercedes-Benz modified the software for the engine control units, so vehicles manufactured since May 2, 2017, do not have the defects.
Owners will be contacted in September 2017 and dealers will reprogram the engine and transmission control unit software.
If you own a 2016-2017 AMG GLE43 Coupe or 2017 AMG GLE43 and have questions, please call Mercedes at 877-496-3691.