Mercedes recalls CLS

MERCEDES-BENZ has issued two separate safety recall notices to fix potentially defective airbags and power steering systems in its four-door CLS coupe.

The world’s oldest car-maker last week called back a total of 42 previous-generation CLS models sold in Australia between November 1 last year and May 31 this year, to replace their front passenger airbags free of charge.

Mercedes said the first stage of airbag inflation will in all situations remain fully operational, but that in isolated cases the second stage may not deploy as designed, potentially leading to impact injuries in a collision.

In a second recall notice also issued on October 13, Mercedes-Benz Australia/Pacific recalled 23 CLS vehicles sold between November 1 and April 30, to have the model’s electric power steering system replaced as a precautionary measure.

Left: Volvo D5 diesel engine.



“The mechanical steerability of the vehicle will be maintained at all times,” said Mercedes while adding that electric power steering assistance may disengage in extreme circumstances, potentially leading to loss of steering control.

The company will write to the owners of all affected vehicles, advising them to arrange rectification work with an authorised Mercedes-Benz dealer as soon as possible.

Also last week, Volvo Car Australia recalled some 1217 examples of 2009 and 2010 model year XC60, XC70 and S80 models fitted with a 2.4-litre diesel engine to replace a potentially worn auxiliary belt tensioner, which may lead to excessive noise, immobilise the vehicle and cause loss of power steering assistance.

Volvo will write to owners of all affected vehicles, which include S80s with a vehicle identification number between 106231 and 132907, XC70s with VINs between 065139 and 093003, and XC60s with VINs between 028508 and 127483.