Recalls

2011-14 Mercedes-Benz SLS added to Takata recall

James Wong

Journalist
121 supercars could be fitted with potentially faulty driver airbags.
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Mercedes-Benz Australia has expanded its Takata driver-side airbag recall to include the 2011-14 model-year SLS AMG supercar.

Joining older-generation A-Class, GL, ML and SLK model lines, the notice involves driver airbags that wear the less-serious ‘beta’ rating.

A total of 121 SLS vehicles are affected by this recall – you can access the VIN list here.

While beta inflators are fairly low-risk compared to alpha-labelled ones, the potential fault remains the same as per other Takata-related recalls.

Over time, a combination of high temperatures and humidity can see the airbag inflator propellant degrade, which can cause the metal inflator housing to explode or rupture if the vehicle is involved in a collision that triggers the airbag.

If the condition occurs, metal fragments will shoot through the airbag cushion into the cabin, posing a risk of serious injury, even death, to the vehicle’s occupants.

Mercedes-Benz adviese affected owners to get in contact with their preferred dealer to arrange the replacement of their driver’s airbag, free of charge.

For more information, contact 1300 659 307 (between 8:30am and 5pm) or use the company’s online VIN look-up tool. You can also access the original recall notice here.

The Takata airbag recall affects more than 100 million vehicles and nearly 20 automotive brands around the world. 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 added some 1.1 million vehicles to the compulsory recall last year. 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.
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