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Mercedes-Benz The control unit has an internal hardware fault. The system function is restricted.

The control unit has an internal hardware fault. The system function is restricted.

DriveNot yet established by verified evidence.
ChargeNot yet established by verified evidence.
ServiceService need is recorded as unknown, but authorized Mercedes-Benz service diagnosis is appropriate because the verified evidence concerns a control-unit internal hardware fault and restricted driver-assistance-system function.
Confidence90%

Quick answer

For verified U.S. 2026–2027 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class applicability, this alert identifies an internal hardware fault in a control unit that restricts a system function. A Mercedes-Benz service communication associates it with the instrument-cluster message “Driver assistance systems function limited” and corner-radar DTC U160E97.

This page separates verified manufacturer/regulator evidence from supporting material. Unsupported causes, repairs or safety conclusions are not guessed.

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1. What does The control unit has an internal hardware fault. The system function is restricted. mean?

For verified U.S. 2026–2027 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class applicability, this alert identifies an internal hardware fault in a control unit that restricts a system function. A Mercedes-Benz service communication associates it with the instrument-cluster message “Driver assistance systems function limited” and corner-radar DTC U160E97.

2. Technical explanation

The supplied diagnostic meaning is: “The control unit has an internal hardware fault. The system function is restricted.” NHTSA-published Mercedes-Benz Manufacturer Communication 11034188 (LI54.30-P-080760, dated June 30, 2026) describes a repeated instrument-cluster message while driving: “Driving assistance system function limited.” Its evidence summary also identifies corner radar DTC U160E97 with the same internal-hardware-fault wording.

3. What system is affected?

Driver-assistance-system functionality is identified as limited by the verified service communication. The communication is filed under function group 54.30, Instrument cluster, display instruments, hazard warning device, and references a corner radar DTC. The exact failed control unit is not yet established by verified evidence.

4. How serious is this code?

The diagnostic severity is recorded as unknown. The verified evidence establishes restricted system function, but does not establish an overall vehicle safety severity.

5. Symptoms you may notice

  • Instrument-cluster message: “Driver assistance systems function limited.”
  • The message can occur repeatedly while driving.
  • System function is restricted.

6. Possible causes

  • An internal hardware fault in a control unit is identified by the diagnostic.
  • The exact component-level cause is not yet established by verified evidence.

7. Can I still drive the vehicle?

Not yet established by verified evidence.

8. Can I charge the vehicle?

Not yet established by verified evidence.

9. What you can safely do

  • Arrange diagnosis by an authorized Mercedes-Benz service provider, particularly if the driver-assistance limitation message recurs.
  • Record the exact instrument-cluster message and when it occurs for the service visit.

10. Step-by-step troubleshooting

  1. Verify whether DTC U160E97 is present using appropriate Mercedes-Benz diagnostic equipment.
  2. Review Mercedes-Benz communication LI54.30-P-080760 / NHTSA Manufacturer Communication 11034188 for applicable diagnostic guidance.

11. When to contact service

Service need is recorded as unknown, but authorized Mercedes-Benz service diagnosis is appropriate because the verified evidence concerns a control-unit internal hardware fault and restricted driver-assistance-system function.

12. What the service center may check

  • Confirm the instrument-cluster message “Driver assistance systems function limited.”
  • Check for corner radar DTC U160E97.
  • Determine applicability of Mercedes-Benz communication LI54.30-P-080760.

13. Possible repair or resolution

  • Not yet established by verified evidence.

14. Affected vehicles

15. Related TSBs / service bulletins

  • NHTSA Manufacturer Communication 11034188: Mercedes-Benz LI54.30-P-080760, version 1, dated June 30, 2026. It addresses the repeated “Driving assistance system function limited” cluster message and corner radar DTC U160E97.

16. Recall information

  • No recall information is established by the supplied verified evidence.

17. Official manufacturer information

Official source: NHTSA Manufacturer Communication 11034188, Mercedes-Benz LI54.30-P-080760: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/ffdd/tsbs/TSBS_RECEIVED_2025-2026.zip#nhtsa_id=11034188. Verified applicability supplied: U.S. 2026–2027 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class.

19. Frequently asked questions

What does this Mercedes-Benz alert mean?

It means a control unit has an internal hardware fault and the related system function is restricted.

What message may appear?

The verified Mercedes-Benz communication describes “Driver assistance systems function limited” / “Driving assistance system function limited” in the instrument cluster.

Can the message repeat while driving?

Yes. The verified service communication states that the message can occur repeatedly while driving.

Is U160E97 related?

Yes. The supplied official service communication associates corner radar DTC U160E97 with the internal-hardware-fault wording.

Is it safe to drive or charge?

Not yet established by verified evidence.

20. Sources & verification

Verified
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