Recall Wrap: Seatbelt problems for 3000-plus Benzes

A total 3115 Mercedes-Benz vehicles have been recalled to fix potentially defective – and deadly – seatbelts.

Mercedes-Benz C-Class, CLS-Class and E-Class cars and the GLC-Class SUV sold between August 1, 2018 and March 29, 2019 could be affected by defective front seat belt buckle housings.

In the worst-case scenario, Mercedes-Benz’s safety recall notice states “…the front seat belts do not operate properly”, potentially resulting in “serious injury or death to vehicle occupants in the event of an accident.”

Owners are advised to get their vehicles inspected at an authorised Mercedes dealership or service centre, free of charge, to determine if a fix is necessary. They will be notified by Mercedes-Benz or can call their closest dealership.

The second recent Mercedes-Benz recall affects 45 of the brand’s GLE-Class large SUVs sold between November 1, 2019 and March 31, 2020, which may have faulty rear bumper cross-members.

“In the event of a vehicle breakdown, if the rear towing eye is used for winching a vehicle onto a tow truck, cracks might occur in the weld seams and the rear cross member may detach from the vehicle, increasing the risk of an accident and serious injury or death of vehicle occupants and other road users,” reads the ACCC recall notice.

The third Mercedes-Benz recall in the past week involves the AMG G 63, including 361 vehicles sold between September 1, 2018 and December 31, 2019.

According to the recall notice, the lock symbol on the operating lever for the child safety lock may show the locking status incorrectly.

This could lead to the opening of the rear doors from the inside – or vice-versa from the outside – via the misinterpretation of the locking mechanism which could “…result in a risk of injury and/or an increased risk of injury for the occupants in the rear seats”.

Finally, 108 examples of the forgettable SsangYong Chairman sedan sold between November 1, 2001 and August 30, 2007 have been recalled due to a steering wheel issue.

“A crack developing in the steering lock housing can cause the steering wheel to lock into the straight ahead position when the key is turned,” reads the recall notice.

“The steering may not be able to be operated leading to a lack of steerability, increasing the risk of an accident or serious injury or death of vehicle occupants and other road users.”

Owners can contact SsangYong Australia on 03 8513 2050.