Cheating Emissions Software Leads To Mercedes-Benz GLK Recall In Germany

The Volkswagen Group opened the Pandora’s Box in 2015 when they admitted that certain vehicles were using cheating emissions software. Since then, regulators all over the world have looked into several automakers over similar suspicions, and while some came out clean, others have been caught using the same, illegal, practice.

The most recent incident concerns Mercedes-Benz, who was forced to recall several diesel-powered vehicles in Germany. According to AutoNews, quoting the Transportation Ministry, the safety campaign covers GLK 220 models made from 2012 until 2015.

The premium compact SUV is believed to have been fitted with software that provides false data during emissions tests, after preliminary investigation found that it only meets the required standards when a specific function is activated.

Also Read: Daimler, BMW And The VW Group Charged With Emissions Collusion By EU Regulators

A couple of months ago, BildAmSonntag brought the information to the public’s attention. The German paper said that the alleged function was actually removed by Daimler during a software update. The automaker denied all accusations, but stated that they will collaborate with the country’s local authorities to fix the cars.

Since Volkswagen came clean nearly four years ago, Daimler has recalled around 3 million vehicles to fix their excessive emissions. All of them were powered by diesel engines, like the GLK 220, which uses a 2,143 cc unit rated at 170 PS (168 hp / 125 kW) and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque.

Discontinued in 2015, the GLK was replaced by the GLC and is Merc’s rival to the likes of the BMW X3 and Audi Q5. Both the GLC and GLC Coupe are also offered in the 220d versions, powered by the same engine as their predecessor, which has an identical output, although no recall has been issued for them.