Mercedes-Benz recalls over 136,000 SUVs in US

Daimler AG is recalling more than 136,000 Mercedes-Benz M-class SUVs in the United States over complaints that the cruise control doesn't immediately disengage when drivers tap the brake pedal, according to a Tuesday report on the website of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

NHTSA said that the recall covers 2000-2002 Mercedes-Benz M- class and 2000-2004 M-class AMG vehicles. Several consumer complaints had been made to NHTSA, prompting the recall.

The cruise control systems in the affected vehicles allow the driver to disengage the system in various ways, and the systems are supposed to immediately shut off the moment the driver uses either way.

NHTSA noted that "Mercedes-Benz has determined that under certain circumstances use of the brake pedal may not automatically disengage cruise control as expected by the driver."

If the driver pumps the brakes, the cruise control system can require an "unusually high" amount of force, according to NHTSA.

NHTSA also warned that difficulty or delay in disengaging cruise control can increase the risk of a crash, and the safety recall is expected to start during September this year, dealers will repair the fault free of charge.