Mitsubishi, Mercedes-Benz, Mazda lead latest recalls

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has issued its latest round of safety recalls, with models from Mitsubishi, Mercedes-Benz, Mazda, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) and Lexus impacted.

Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited (MMAL) has called back 105,064 combined examples of the MY11-12 XA-series ASX, MY08-12 CJ-series Lancer, and MY08-12 ZG- and ZH-series Outlander sold from April 16, 2008 to January 23, 2013 over an engine auto tensioner flange issue.

This part may crack under high-load driving conditions, which could cause the drive-belt to fall off. If this occurs, the engine warning light will illuminate, power steering assistance will be lost, the battery will discharge, and the engine may overheat and stall.

Additionally, 70,795 combined examples of the MY13-15.5 XB-series ASX, and MY13-16 ZJ- and ZK-series Outlander sold from August 23, 2012 to May 20, 2016 have been recalled over a park brake problem.

Specifically, improper sealing of the park brake calliper may allow water entry, causing rust on the park brake shaft. This could result in the latter sticking, which may lead to the vehicle rolling away when parked.

A smaller sample of these vehicles could be affected by a secondary issue that involves a defect with the park brake automatic adjuster that may fail to compensate for brake pad wear. Similarly, vehicles could roll away when parked.

Furthermore, 53,911 examples of the MY11-15.5 XA- and XB-series ASX sold from June 22, 2010 to July 29, 2016 have been called back over a front wiper link ball joint problem.

This component may corrode if water enters between the bonnet and windshield, which would result in it separating and the wipers becoming inoperative.

Moreover, 3991 combined examples of the MY08-10 CJ-series Lancer, and MY07-10 ZG- and ZH-series Outlander sold from November 28, 2006 to July 28, 2011 have been recalled over a sunroof glass outer frame adhesive issue.

This part may become weak due to inappropriate resin material, which could lead to the sunroof glass detaching from the outer frame when driving.

Mercedes-Benz Australia/Pacific has called back 21,985 combined examples of the current-generation A-Class, B-Class, C-Class, E-Class, GLA, CLA and GLC sold from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2013 over a driver side airbag problem.

This component may be unexpectedly triggered due to electrostatic discharge if the steering column is not sufficiently grounded and its switch module is already damaged or faulty. In such situations, airbag warning messages will alert drivers via the instrument cluster.

Additionally, 941 combined examples of the current-gen C-Class, GLC, S-Class and E-Class Coupe sold from August 1, 2016 to February 27, 2017 have been recalled over an issue with their front seatbelt tensioner squibs.

These parts could have a propellant mix that does not meet specifications, which could lead to the front seatbelt tensioners not deploying when required.

Mazda Australia has called back 14,420 combined examples of the DJ-series Mazda2 hatch and DL-series Mazda2 sedan sold from April 28, 2016 to January 31, 2018 over a park brake sector gear problem.

The teeth of this component may not meet specification, which could result in engagement between the sector gear and ratchet being suddenly lost while the park brake is applied. In these scenarios, the vehicle may unexpectedly move if parked on a slope.

FCA Australia has recalled 4139 examples of the MY13 JK-series Jeep Wrangler and 3324 examples of the MY13 LX-series Chrysler 300 and 300C over a passenger airbag inflator issue related to the ongoing Takata saga.

As with all other cases, this part could rupture if the airbag goes off during an accident, which may result in metal fragments being shot into the cabin toward occupants.

Lexus Australia has called back an unspecified number of the current-gen GS F, RC F and LC500 fitted with a 5.0-litre 2UR-GSE V8 petrol engine over a problem with its two high-pressure fuel pumps.

These components could become damaged under specific driving conditions, which may lead to abnormal noise and vibration, while a fatigue crack could also develop over time. The latter may expand and result in a fuel leak that could lead to a vehicle fire.

MMAL, FCA Australia, Mazda Australia and Lexus Australia will directly contact affected owners via mail to encourage them to book a service appointment at their preferred dealership, while Mercedes-Benz Australia/Pacific has asked its customers to organise an appointment themselves.

During these appointments, vehicles will be assessed and a free-of-charge repair or replacement of any faulty parts will take place if necessary.

Anyone looking for more information on these recalls – including full lists of impacted Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN) – can search the ACCC's Product Safety Australia website.