I just read about a major problem with this safety feature on a Hyundai Tucson forum.
You should change the battery that operates the eCall feature every three years, according to some guidebook (don't ask me which one). I haven't looked through my Owners Handbook or service manual to see if this is mentioned, and I surely am not aware of it.
Apparently it impacts European (that's us!) cars, and there's a rumour that US models might be unaffected. So, let's not assume that it's just a US problem. Even worse, it has been said that when the tiny battery dies, it can cause a number of safety measures in the automobile to stop working.
If the three-year battery replacement requirement is accurate, as several commenters have claimed, owners may be in a state of panic because access to the battery is complicated and requires removing the entire dashboard and center console.
If this turns out to be true, it will probably impact owners of the Sportage and maybe other models as well. It was mentioned that Hyundai Bayon had the same battery replaced. There isn't much information available yet, so I'll wait for more details before making a decision. If the eCall feature is the only one that stops functioning due to a defective battery and nothing else is damaged, then it wouldn't be catastrophic.
The topic in question isn't one I frequent, but it seems much livelier than the UK one, where I am a regular reader, so for the time being I'm going with the idea that someone is just trying to cause trouble.
It came to my notice that 'PhilHornby,' a former contributor to these pages, has been using his scanner to check the Tucson's systems because the red warning light next to his eCall button has been intermittently lighting up. B2992:15 eCall backup battery error was the result of the scanner's investigation. In his opinion, the battery won't need changing anytime soon, he said.
The subject has never been brought up on this forum, and I am simply passing this along in a "information only" capacity. Naturally, any information would be greatly appreciated.