Mercedes recalls cars in airbag alert
MERCEDES-BENZ is recalling more than 400,000 cars in the UK over an electrical fault that can cause airbags to go off when the steering wheel is turned.
The fault affects the top-selling A,B, C and E class models as well as the CLA, GLA and GLC coupes and sports utility vehicles built between November 2011 and July 2017.
The company said there had been around 30 incidents of airbags going off prematurely worldwide, and said there had been no fatalities or serious injuries.
The fault is centred around a clock spring in the steering column which keeps wires together. Some clock springs are failing, so that when the driver turns the wheel some wires are failing to earth properly, causing them to short circuit or create an electrical discharge which could trigger the airbag in rare circumstances.
The firm said that if the clock spring is broken, the driver airbag warning light will come on as well as a red airbag warning lamp. It said: ‘If the airbag warning light comes on customers should call Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance or contact their nearest retailer.’
It said customers will be contacted by the firm if the recall affects their car. The fix will take around one hour and be free.