NHTSA Complaint #11635508 — 2024 MERCEDES-BENZ CLE 300

The rise in the use of cell phones (texting,etc) while driving has been responsible for thousands of accidents all over the country. They create distractions for drivers but that is the sole responsibility of the driver. The problem with my car is one that is programed by Mercedes and involves the Sirius radio they installed in my car. The radio allows you to identify your favorite channels for easy access. However, the programming they have installed requires the driver to push 2 separate buttons to change a channel rather than a single button. This may seem petty on the surface, however, when you are traveling at 40-60 mph on a highway or busy local street with traffic lights looking for that second button on a touch screen with about 20 buttons, it does divert the driver’s attention for at least 3-4 seconds. No different than texting except that this is what Mercedes has programmed into the car. Very dangerous as I have already experienced. My car is one month old and this problem is a new feature. I know this because I also have another 2024 Mercedes that is 3 months old and is not programmed the same way. It requires only a single touch button to change the channel. Much safer. I am not aware of any other car on the road (ever built) that requires the pushing of 2 buttons to change the channel. I have brought this to the attention of my dealership and Mercedes directly. I was blown off by both as nothing is being planned by Mercedes to correct this. To me it seems to be a simple reprogramming of the radio system to what they had before. The danger should not be underestimated. To answer the questions posed on this site: my car is available for inspection; already explained the safety risk to myself and others; problem has been confirmed by the dealer and Mercedes directly; there are no warning lights for this problem until there is a collision due to driver distraction. Then I am sure all sorts of lights will come on. Problem needs to be corrected.