Recall wrap: Audi recalls A3s to address rear-seat safety

Audi Australia has recalled the A3 small car over a faulty backrest.

In a notification published on January 4 this year, dozens of Audi A3s were subjected to a recall to fix an incorrectly welded rear seat backrest that could result in “serious injury” to the occupant.

Audi says the fault, which concerns the possible incorrect welding of the head restraint to the outer rear-seat backrest frame, may affect the support and protection functions of the head restraint in the event of an accident.

The 55 affected Audi A3s were built between May and July 2018, covering VIN numbers WAUZZZ8V9J1085754 to WAUZZZ8V3J1094451.

Audi Australia says it is contacting owners of affected vehicles to arrange an inspection and, if necessary, replacement of the rear bench seat.

For further information, customers are encouraged to call Audi’s 24-hour toll-free contact number 1800 50 2834.

Porsche’s E-Hybrid Cayenne SUV also came under recall notification on January 3.

The functional fault affects vehicles with VIN numbers between WP1ZZZ9YZKDA45076 and WP1ZZZ9YZKDA48742, and concerns the fuel-fill tube. According to the notice, if the pump nozzle is inserted incorrectly during top-up, fuel may leak fuel into the fuel tank system, where it can be sucked into the engine intake duct during regeneration of the carbon canister.

This mishandling at refuelling time could result in the forming of an ignitable fuel/air mixture in the intake duct which could either cause engine misfiring, or even “deflagration” – which is a sudden, intense flame just short of an explosion. Porsche says a worst-case scenario could actually stall the engine and bring a potentially dangerous situation in traffic.

While Porsche is contacting affected customers by mail, contact with a nearby dealer to arrange an inspection and repair would be considered prudent.

Mercedes-Benz is also having a problem with the Audio 20 control unit in its C-Class and GLC-Class models. The system software has the potential to affect the automatic occupant detection for the front passenger seat, which could affect the deployment of the airbag in an accident.

The recall covers vehicles available for sale in Australia between September 1 and December 31, 2018, with the VIN numbers between WDC2533092F360325 and WDD2050422R421721.

Concerned customers are urged to contact a nearby Mercedes-Benz dealer to arrange a free-of-charge repair. To find a nearby Mercedes-Benz dealer, visit the car-maker’s website.

Meantime, HSV, which converts Chevrolet Camaros to right hand drive for the Australian market, is recalling 2018 model year vehicles with VIN numbers between 1G1F91R70J0135107 and 1G1F91R7XJ0176005.

The Chev muscle car was on sale from October 16 to December 20 2018 with a problem that has been discovered to have the potential of creating a fire hazard. The risk of conflagration comes from damage to fuel tanks during the manufacturing process that may create odours and lead to loss of fuel and, potentially, a fire.

HSV is contacting affected customers to advise on required action. Camaro owners are also invited to contact HSV Customer Care on 03 9265 9500 or visit an HSV dealer to arrange inspection and remedy.

The company also suggests visiting its website at hsv.com.au