Recall wrap: 40,000 Mercedes-Benz cars with software fault

Mercedes-Benz Australia has issued a nationwide recall for 39,363 vehicles, spanning a wide range of models from the Mercedes-Benz A-Class small hatch through to the exclusive track-ready Mercedes-AMG GT R PRO.

The fault lies within software used across almost every model in the German car-maker’s range, specifically those cars built between 2018 and 2020.

Mercedes-Benz says the automatic network search of the emergency call system (eCall) communication module may be deactivated, meaning emergency calls (either automatic or manual) may not work in certain areas.

An over-the-air software update will be performed on affected models, at no cost to owners and without them needing to return their vehicle to a dealership.

The issue was flagged earlier this year when Benz recalled more than a million cars in the US due to the same issue.

In the US, it was deemed possible for the wrong location to be sent by the eCall system, potentially delaying or preventing emergency services from attending a life-threatening incident.

There have been other glitches found with the eCall system in Australia on various models, which have been the subject of separate recalls.

Recall notice – click here
VIN list: Various Mercedes-Benz models

In a separate recall for the German manufacturer, 56 examples of the new-generation W223 Mercedes-Benz S-Class are being recalled because the 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo-petrol engine in the S 450 models could experience a “sudden loss of power” while driving.

This is due to a nozzle within the suction jet pump in the fuel tank which may become detached.

Benz says the issue will be rectified free of charge for owners upon return to their local Mercedes-Benz dealership.

Recall notice – click here
VIN list: Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Elsewhere, Takata airbags are to blame for Audi’s latest recall, although not for the same deadly problem that’s affected more than 100 million cars globally.

In this recall, the car-maker says airbags fitted in the 1624 affected vehicles – spanning the Audi A4, A6, A8, TT and Cabriolet models, all built between 1999 and 2001 – may not work at all.

According to the recall notice, the propellant in the gas generator of the Takata NADI 5-AT airbag fitted to certain vehicles with three-spoke steering wheels may degrade over time.

As a result, the driver airbag may deploy with reduced force.

Recall notice – click here
VIN list: Audi A4, A6, A8, TT and Cabriolet

Meanwhile, Porsche has issued a recall for just three examples of its 2017-2021 Porsche Cayenne, due to a steering problem with the SUV.

Porsche says the steering column may not be securely connected to the steering gear and may detach.

Recall notice – click here
VIN list: Porsche Cayenne

VW has recalled 40 examples of its 2019-built Volkswagen Touareg large SUV over concerns surrounding its tailgate.

The German car-maker says that if the tailgate is opened and manually pushed too far, the pre-compressed coil springs may become detached from the boot strut with “great force”, which could in turn result in significant injuries to vehicle occupants or bystanders.

Recall notice – click here
VIN list: Volkswagen Touareg

In other news, 593 examples of the Volkswagen T-Cross small SUV are also being called back.

According to VW, T-Cross models built in 2020 and 2021 may be fitted with a faulty seat belt warning device (acoustic warning tone and visual display).

Volkswagen says the warning may not sound continuously, meaning a passenger could be unbuckled without the driver knowing.

Recall notice – click here
VIN list: Volkswagen T-Cross

A total of 6362 Volvos are also being called back, with models affected including the Volvo V70 and XC70 built between 2000 and 2008.

Volvo says the driver’s airbag inflator in affected models may rupture when deploying in the event of an accident, which could cause “metal fragments to propel out through the airbag cushion towards vehicle occupants”.

Recall notice – click here
VIN list: Volvo V70 and XC70