Recall wrap: Ford Kuga pretensioner fire risk

Ford Australia has issued a recall notice for the Kuga SUV, citing a fire hazard in the event of a collision.

Insulating material inside the moulded cover for the pyrotechnic pretensioner at the base of the B pillar could catch fire when 'subjected to a concentrated heat source'. According to Ford there have been no instances of this type reported in Australia.

Ford reports that 8878 vehicles built between December 11, 2012 and June 19, 2014 are affected and owners will be contacted by mail to arrange inspection and rectification at an authorised servicing dealer.

Mercedes-Benz is recalling 3333 units of GLE, GLS and GL SUVs built between July 2015 and August 2016 and sold in Australia between October 1, 2015 and August 1, 2016. The importer advises that moisture 'may penetrate the electric power steering control unit', interfering with signal transmission and resulting in loss of steering assistance. In that event, steering would become heavy and the vehicle would be difficult to turn, increasing the chances of a crash.

Mercedes-Benz is contacting owners by mail to arrange for the defect to be corrected.

Ateco Automotive advises that 1455 units of Maserati Quattroporte, Ghibli and Levante are being recalled for a wiring harness in power-adjusted seats. According to the distributor, chafing of the wiring harness against the seat frame could cause a short circuit affecting the seat adjustment motor assembly.

Owners are being contacted by mail to arrange an inspection and rectification to be carried out by an authorised servicing dealer.