Recall wrap: Airbag problem for latest Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Mercedes-Benz has issued a second product safety recall notice for its latest-generation Mercedes-Benz C-Class, this time involving 1541 examples of the premium mid-size sedan in which a manufacturing defect could impede the deployment of the front passenger airbag.

It goes without saying that the potentially faulty airbag poses a serious risk to the front passenger in the event of a crash, which is why the luxury German brand is urging all affected owners to present their vehicles for a free inspection and repair as soon as possible at their preferred dealer or authorised service centre.

See the Department of Transport’s Vehicle Recalls website for the official recall notice as well as the VIN list of affected vehicles.

Also in place at the moment is a recall for 401 examples of the new Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 produced between 2022 and 2023, due to a potentially defective footwell cover that could “cause interference with accelerator pedal”.

The exact nature of the manufacturing defect isn’t specified in the recall notice, but Mercedes is predictably keen to amend the fault before any serious injuries (or deaths) occur for affected vehicle occupants and/or other road users.

“Owners of affected vehicles can contact their most convenient Mercedes-Benz dealership to have the footwell cover repaired, free of charge,” says the recall notice.

See the Department of Transport’s Vehicle Recalls website for the official recall notice as well as the VIN list of affected vehicles.

Further upmarket, Ferrari Australia is urging the owners of 69 examples of the Ferrari 296 – GTB and GTS – to stop driving their vehicles “immediately” due to a potential manufacturing fault that could result in a vehicle fire.

According to the recall notice, “the hose connecting fuel tank may become damaged and corroded due to contact against the high voltage battery cover” and spring a leak “in the presence of an external ignition source”.

High-octane fuel and a spark of any sort could be disastrous for vehicle occupants and so affected owners are being urged to make an appointment with their preferred authorised Ferrari dealership to have the fault rectified.

See the Department of Transport’s Vehicle Recalls website for the official recall notice as well as the VIN list of affected vehicles.

Meantime Jeep Australia has issued the local recall notice affecting more than 2000 examples of the latest Jeep Grand Cherokee due to a rear suspension issue, as reported by carsales on June 14.

See the Department of Transport’s Vehicle Recalls website for the official recall notice as well as the VIN list of affected vehicles.

Finally this week, all versions of the Jaguar I-PACE electric SUV sold between 2017 and 2023 (368 in total) have been recalled due to a software issue that may need to a thermal overload.

"If this occurs, vehicle occupants may identify smoke or fire emanating from underneath the vehicle," said Jaguar Land Rover Australia's recall notice. "A vehicle fire may increase the risk of serious injury or death to vehicle occupants, other road users, bystanders, and/or damage to property.

"Owners of affected vehicles should contact their preferred Jaguar dealer for inspections. During the visit, Jaguar retailer will provide an update to the Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) software that will monitor the High Voltage battery operational status. This will provide indication in the event the High Voltage battery exhibits conditions which may lead to thermal overload condition.

"This software provides an enhanced level of driver warnings in relation to High Voltage battery condition and in the event the software determines a risk exists, the High Voltage battery charging capacity is temporarily limited to 75%. The warning message and associated Owner Guide instruction directs the driver to take their vehicle to a Jaguar retailer for diagnosis, your retailer will then inspect, and if necessary, repair or replace the affected High Voltage battery module/assembly, free of charge."

Related: See recent car recalls