Renault, Mercedes-Benz Vans issue recalls
RENAULT Australia and Mercedes-Benz Vans Australia/Pacific have each recalled examples of their respective mid-size van and people-mover after faults were found in the Trafic’s steering wheel hub while a small number of V-Classes may have been fitted with faulty head restraints.
According to the French brand, the steering wheel hub fitted to certain MY12-13 Trafics may crack or break if excessive load is applied to the steering wheel.
If this were to happen, the risk of a crash or collision would skyrocket as the driver may lose control, posing immediate danger to the vehicle occupants, bystanders and other road users.
All 409 affected examples were sold between the following periods: September 24 to November 4, 2012; December 10, 2012 to January 20, 2013; April 12 to May 26, 2013; and November 6 to December 15, 2013.
Renault Australia is currently contacting affected owners who are being encouraged to contact their preferred franchised dealership for free inspection and repair where necessary.
Mercedes-Benz Vans’ recall, meanwhile, covers 10 examples of the MY19 V-Class which may have been fitted with defective head restraints.
According to the official recall notice, the padding of the restraint may separate from the securing rods, therefore exposing the rods and posing an injury risk to vehicle occupants.
The affected vehicles were sold only between April 1 and April 30 last year, with Mercedes Vans encouraging the affected owners to contact their preferred retailer and arrange a free repair.
The Trafic is a crucial model in Renault Australia’s line-up, currently its biggest seller with 225 sold to the end of February – down 28.6 per cent drop compared to the same period last year – and accounting for 9.4 per cent of the 2.5-3.5t van segment.
Mercedes-Benz Vans had chalked up 91 V-Class sales after the first two months of trading this year, claiming the lion’s share (53.5%) of the niche $60,000+ people-mover segment with a 26 per cent sales improvement year-on-year.
