DETROIT - A few days after reports that Tesla allowed drivers to play video games on the dashboard touchscreen while the vehicle was driving, Mercedes-Benz issued a recall notice in the United States for similar issues.

The German automaker stated in a document issued by the US regulator on Friday that the problem affected 227 cars and had been resolved by updating its internal computer server.

But Mercedes recalled because of concerns about distracted driving and Tesla did not recall. This fact raises questions about whether federal vehicle safety standards are equally applicable by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Philip Koopman, a professor of electrical and computer engineering at Carnegie Mellon University, said: "MB is complying with the regulatory rules it should-this is in stark contrast to what we have seen from Tesla." Mann said that if NHTSA does not take action against Tesla, the agency will develop a set of standards for Tesla and a set of standards for Mercedes and other automakers.

NHTSA did not directly address the double standards or Tesla issues, but said in a statement on Friday that the Federal Vehicle Safety Act prohibits manufacturers from selling vehicles that pose an unreasonable risk to safety. The statement said: "Every car manufacturer in the United States has the same responsibility to identify and immediately repair such safety defects in their vehicles free of charge."

The agency said it is evaluating how automakers can identify and prevent distraction hazards caused by malfunctions, misuse, or intentional use of infotainment screens. NHTSA stated that it regularly communicates concerns with automakers and reviews consumer complaints and "large amounts of data."

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