Daimler could be forced to call back some of its Mercedes-Benz compact models equipped with Renault-sourced diesel engines.
According to Der Spiegel, Germany’s transportation regulator (KBA) is currently investigating “suspicious software” used in some of the small diesel engines in question. Another German outlet, Handelsblatt, said that these engines were used in Mercedes A-Class and B-Class models, but not in Smart cars.
Renault is reportedly denying that their engines were in any way rigged and claim that the engine management software units it delivered to Daimler were programmed by Mercedes-Benz engineers, reports Autonews Europe.
Thus far, it’s unclear what model year cars are under investigation, and whether or not possible recalls might involve the latest-generation A-Class, which is also available with a turbocharged 1.5-liter diesel engine made by Renault.
Also read: Daimler Slapped With $1 Billion Fine In Germany Over Rigged Diesel Cars’ Emissions
The German carmaker has declined to comment on the matter, but did say that it could not rule out the possibility of further KBA recall others due to the wider emissions cheating scandal – German prosecutors have already fined Daimler almost $1 billion for using illegal diesel software.
Back in May of 2017, Daimler’s offices were raided by authorities as part of a fraud investigation which lead to Germany’s KBA motor authority uncovering some 280,000 C-Class and E-Class models fitted with illegal software. In turn, this led to a recall of around 700,000 cars in 2018, including 60,000 GLK models.
Daimler is also under investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice and is facing a class action lawsuit in New Jersey.
