The Collision Prevention Assist Plus system in Mercedes-Benz vehicles, particularly the GLE and S-Class models common in the UAE, can stop working due to sensor blockage, software glitches, or underlying electrical faults. The most frequent cause I see in Al Quoz workshops is radar sensor contamination from dust, sand, or improper car wash pressure, which directly blinds the system. For example, a 2021 GLE 450 owner reported the error after a desert drive near Liwa, and a simple professional sensor clean resolved it.
According to annual vehicle inspection reports from the RTA Dubai, faults in Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), including radar calibration, are a growing category for premium vehicles over 3 years old. Furthermore, data trends from MOI UAE indicate that system malfunctions often correlate with the summer months (May-September), likely due to increased dust and extreme heat affecting electronics.
For a GCC-spec Mercedes, the corrective steps are:
- Immediate Check: Verify the front radar (usually behind the star badge) and windshield camera for dirt, cracks, or misalignment.
- Professional Diagnosis: Use a STAR diagnostic tool at an authorized center like Gargash or Bin Hendi to read fault codes. A software update (often costing around 250-450 AED) fixes many bugs.
- Component Replacement: If diagnostics point to hardware, a radar sensor replacement can cost 4,000-7,000 AED including calibration, while a control unit may exceed 10,000 AED.
Ignoring the warning light is risky, especially on high-speed roads like Sheikh Zayed Road. The system's automatic braking is a key safety net during sudden stops in Dubai-Sharjah traffic. A functional CPA+ can also positively impact your comprehensive insurance premium, as noted by some UAE insurers for vehicles with intact safety systems.
