Over 220,000 Mercedes-Benz Vans Are Being Recalled Because Of Faulty Airbags

Mercedes-Benz has issued a global recall for approximately 223,000 vans due to potentially faulty airbags, according to a notice published in Germany’s Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) database. The recall affects Viano and Vito models manufactured between December 2002 and February 2006. In Germany alone, 60,245 vehicles are potentially affected.

A Mercedes-Benz spokeswoman stated that during past airbag replacements, some vehicles may have been fitted with modules from Takata, a manufacturer linked to widespread airbag failures worldwide.

In the event of a crash, the gas generator in those airbags could rupture, preventing proper deployment and posing a risk of injury from flying metal fragments. The KBA warning also cited the risk of “detached metal fragments” that could injure vehicle occupants.

Affected vehicle owners will be notified in writing through the company’s distributor network, the spokeswoman said. Mercedes-Benz will inspect and, if necessary, replace the airbags free of charge.

• Also See: Mercedes-Benz Sold 453,700 Cars In Q2, Top-End Deliveries Driven By Mercedes-AMGs And G-Class