Online Reporter
Sikhulekelani Moyo, [email protected]
ZIMBABWE’S Consumer Protection Commission has issued a public warning about a recall of the Mercedes-Benz GLE (167) model. This follows safety concerns raised by South African authorities regarding a potentially hazardous fault in the vehicle’s high-voltage starter-alternator system.
According to the CPC, this follows an alert by the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (Comesa) Competition Commission (CCC) on the recall of Mercedes-Benz model GLE (167) vehicles by Mercedes-Benz South Africa.
The CPC stated that a report from the National Consumer Commission of South Africa (NCC), dated April 7, 2025, indicated the recall was due to a high-voltage starter-alternator processor load.
“The vehicle’s processor in the control unit of the high-voltage starter generator may experience sporadic overload. Consequently, the system’s monitoring function might incorrectly detect a faulty component in the high-voltage starter alternator. In this scenario, the functions of the high-voltage starter generator could be deactivated, potentially leading to an unexpected loss of propulsion power without warning. This situation could increase the risk of an accident,” the supplier said.
The statement noted that a total of 54 affected vehicles have been sold across South Africa, with others possibly exported to Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia and Swaziland.
In a statement, the CPC said South Africa’s NCC reported that the production dates of the vehicles ranged from 2022 to 2025.
“Affected consumers have been urged to make a booking with any authorised Mercedes-Benz dealer for their vehicles to be checked or repaired, at no extra cost,” reads the CPC statement.
Meanwhile, the CCC said it will continue to monitor the situation and work with relevant authorities to ensure consumers in the Comesa member states are protected. The CCC has emphasised the importance of consumer safety, urging all consumers to prioritise their safety on the roads. The commission has also reminded consumers of their rights under Comesa’s competition regulations, which include the right to safe and quality products.
The recall of the Mercedes-Benz Model GLE (167) is a reminder of the importance of vehicle safety and the need for manufacturers to ensure that their products meet the highest safety standards. Consumers have been advised to stay informed about any recalls or safety notices related to their vehicles and to take prompt action to address any issues.
As the automotive industry continues to evolve, it is essential for manufacturers to prioritise vehicle safety and stay informed about any potential issues with their vehicles. The CCC’s warning serves as a reminder of the importance of consumer vigilance and the need for manufacturers to take responsibility for ensuring the safety of their products.
