Recall wrap: VW expands Takata program for Skoda

Volkswagen Australia has added more Skoda vehicles to its hit list for Takata airbag replacement.

The selection of vehicles now involved comprises Fabia II, Fabia III, Roomster, Rapid, Yeti, Octavia III, Superb II, Superb III and Kodiaq. In all cases, the airbags to be replaced are on the driver's side.

According to the importer, 17,622 vehicles in total are now affected, as follows:
Fabia II (502 vehicles),
Fabia III (2155 vehicles),
Roomster MY2014 (two vehicles),
Rapid for years MY2014-2018 (1607 vehicles),
Yeti MY2014-2017 (2255 vehicles),
Octavia III MY2014-2018 (8532 vehicles),
Superb II MY2014-2015 (457 vehicles),
Superb III MY2016-2018 (1668 vehicles),
Kodiaq MY2017-2018 (444 vehicles).

Vehicle owners are asked to contact the nearest servicing Skoda dealership for inspection and rectification. Skoda's telephone hotline number is 1800 504 076, operating between 8:30 am and 8:00pm during the week. Owners can also check the vehicle identification number at a Skoda website.

Volkswagen is also recalling Polo and Transporter models for the years 2007 to 2015, also to have driver-side airbags replaced.

Ford is recalling 1075 units of the Kuga SUV, built between December 13, 2014 and September 25, 2015. The company advises that engine overheating could result in an oil leak. Ford will write to all owners, who are requested to contact the nearest authorised servicing dealer for the vehicle to be inspected and repaired.

Mercedes-Benz Vans has also issued a recall for the Takata airbags fitted to 1298 Vito, Viano and Valente Vans sold between January 2, 2006 and December 31, 2014. The importer recommends owners contact a Mercedes-Benz servicing dealer for airbag replacement. To establish whether a vehicle is subject to the recall, Mercedes-Benz offers customers the use of a VIN lookup tool or a telephone hotline number, 1300 659 307, between the hours of 08:30am and 5pm.

Mercedes-Benz is recalling AMG passenger cars for potentially defective laser welds for the front seat backrest member and backrest fitting. According to the importer, the fitting may detach from the backrest, causing injury to the driver or front-seat passenger. The 77 vehicles affected are C 43, C 63 and E 63 models. Owners should contact the nearest authorised servicing dealer for an inspection and repair of the seats.