A Mercedes-Benz safety probe was sought.

The Washington-based private Center for Auto Safety said it had received 24 reports of automatic transmissions on Mercedes cars suddenly and unexpectedly accelerating after being shifted out of “park.” It said the incidents had caused 15 accidents, with nine injuries and one death. The center said the reports covered 1984 through 1986 Mercedes model numbers 190E, 300E, 380SL and 500SL/SEL. The center asked the government to investigate the cars.