Mercedes-Benz recalling cars over airbag issue

Mercedes-Benz is reportedly recalling thousands of its cars over a potential problem with its airbags.

The problem affects certain A, B, C, and E-Class models, together with CLA, GLA and GLC vehicles, built between November 2011 and July 2017.

The recall is affecting 400,000 cars in the UK. A spokesman for the Irish operation confirmed that models sold in Ireland will be affected. He said: "The Mercedes-Benz organisation in Ireland confirms that the matter - which relates to the functioning of the driver's airbag - was notified to them, since when the process of gathering the necessary information required prior to initiating a recall here has been underway."

According to reports, if the steering column module 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.

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A spokesman said the Irish distributor was working closely with colleagues in Germany to determine the precise number and details of vehicles affected in each model category, together with contact details for the owners involved.

“When this information is compiled - along with other detail concerning modification procedure and component availability, if required - contact will be made with owners to inform them of the situation and have the modification work carried out. Work to rectify the matter will be performed free of charge and will only take approximately one hour to complete,” he said.

“Meanwhile, owners are assured that affected vehicles are safe to drive under normal operating conditions. However, should the driver’s airbag warning light illuminate, customers are advised to contact their nearest dealer or call roadside assistance.”

It's the latest recall for the German premium brand, which in July announced a voluntary recall of more than 3 million of its diesel vehicles in Europe in an atempt to head off a growing crisis over potential emissions cheating. It affected nearly every modern Mercedes diesl on the road.

In March it recalled over one million cars worldwide - including cars in Ireland - over a potential risk of fire, linked to an issue with some starter components in cars made between 2015 and 2017.