Mercedes, Subaru, Lexus, Aston, Peugeot issue recalls

SUBARU has been forced to recall nearly 9000 examples of its Impreza small car built between 2004 and 2007 due to the fitment of potentially defective Takata airbags, as part of the latest round of recalls from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).

The Japanese manufacturer has recalled 8908 examples of the Impreza due to replacement airbags being incorrectly installed in the front passenger area.

Originally replaced in 2015, the new airbags may not deploy as designed, which can increase the chance of injury for occupants.

Subaru will contact owners by mail, where they can arrange an inspection to determine whether their replacement airbags need refitting.

Mercedes-Benz has called back 16 examples of its Vito and V-Class van sold between June 1 and December 8 this year, due to incorrectly engaged wheel bearings.

The fault lies in the retaining rings of the wheel bearings on the front axle, which may not be engaged correctly and can drift.

If this were to occur, a warning display will appear on the instrument cluster, and the driver may be alerted by noises from the service brake.

If these are ignored, one of the front wheels can potentially decouple from the axle.

Customers are encouraged to contact their Mercedes-Benz Vans dealer for an inspection and fix if needed.

Luxury British manufacturer Aston Martin has issued recalls for 463 examples of its DB9, DBS, Virage and Vanquish sold between July 13, 2004 and June 20, 2016 due to a battery cable fault.

When the driver’s seat is fully extended towards the rear, it is possible that the seat runner can compress the battery supply cable, damaging the cable.

This can cause smoke in the cabin and the risk of fire if a combustible material is present.

Owners will be contacted by mail where they can arrange an inspection of the vehicle and the installation of a routing block.

Lexus has called back 92 examples of its CT200h hybrid hatch, due to a potential fuel leak.

The problem stems from the CT200h’s resin fuel tank that contains a resin fuel inlet pipe, with the resin weld between the tank and inlet pipe potentially peeling off.

If this happens, fuel leakage and odour can occur, which can also increase the risk of fire if an ignition source is present.

Lexus will contact owners to arrange an appointment with their local dealer to have the fuel tank replaced free of charge.

And Peugeot has been forced to recall 139 units of its 3008 crossover built between December 1, 2016 and July 31, 2017, over a potential fuel leak.

Friction may occur between the fuel pipe and shield, resulting in a potential leak that could also lead to a a fire if it were ignited.

Peugeot Australia will contact all known owners by mail once parts become available, where they can arrange to have a sheath fitted to the pipes, or have them replaced entirely.

Any customers looking for additional information including full vehicle identification number (VIN) lists, can do so on the ACCC’s product safety website.