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Mid-sized range joins the growing list of vehicles having their airbags replaced Down Under.
Mercedes-Benz has added the 2012 C-Class to the ever-expanding Takata recall, with a campaign involving 11,629 vehicles.
As with all vehicles caught in the Takata recall, a combination of heat and humidity can make the airbag propellant degrade over time. If an affected vehicle is involved in a crash triggering the airbags, the metal inflator housing can rupture under pressure, sending metal fragments shooting into the cabin.
There’s a serious risk of injury or death if this happens.
A total of 11,629 vehicles are included in this latest recall – a VIN list is attached here.
Mercedes-Benz will contact owners of the affected vehicles and advise them to get in touch with their nearest dealership for a free fix.
The Takata airbag recall affects more than 100 million vehicles and nearly 20 automotive brands around the world. Among those are more than five million vehicles in Australia, the equivalent of four years of nationwide sales.
Globally, there have been 20 deaths linked to the scandal, and 230 serious injuries. One Australian motorist lost their life to a faulty Takata airbag in July 2017, one month after another Australian driver was seriously injured.
In February 2018, the recall of vehicles affected by the faulty Takata airbags was made compulsory under law, with affected manufacturers required to replace all defective airbags by the end of 2020. The ACCC earlier this year added some 1.1 million vehicles to the compulsory recall.
According to the Australian Government, the risk of a defective Takata airbag rupturing may arise between 6 and 25 years after it is installed in a vehicle. In areas of high heat and humidity, the risk of rupture may arise between 6 and 9 years.
Concerned owners can check if their vehicle needs a new inflator at www.IsMyAirbagSafe.com.au.
MORE: Mercedes-Benz C-Class news, reviews, comparisons and videos
MORE: Recalls
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