Mercedes-Benz recalls 400,000 UK cars
Airbag fault affects several models built between November 2011 and July 2017
Mercedes-Benz has announced a recall of hundreds of thousands of cars in the UK.
An airbag fault has been discovered across seven model lines built by the German manufacturer between November 2011 and July 2017.
Models affected include A, B, C and E-Class cars, plus CLA, GLA and GLC examples — with 400,000 vehicles being recalled in the UK, and more worldwide.
Owners of the Mercedes vehicles have been advised to call Mercedes-Benz roadside assistance or their nearest dealer should the airbag warning light come on.
A Mercedes-Benz spokesperson explained: “Cars are safe to drive under normal operating conditions.
“If the steering column module clock spring is broken, the driver airbag warning light will be displayed in the instrument cluster, as well as a red airbag warning lamp. In rare circumstances, if the clock spring is broken and the wiring components are not sufficiently earthed, this could lead to an electrostatic discharge which could inadvertently deploy the driver’s airbag.
“Customers will be contacted by Mercedes-Benz should their car be one of those affected by the recall. The fix takes around one hour and the work will be performed free of charge.”
Mercedes have said the recall is nothing to do with the long-running scandal involving the Japanese airbag manufacturer Takata. Defective airbags made by the Japanese car parts maker have been linked to several deaths around the world with millions of cars recalled and the company having filed for bankruptcy protection.
