‘Another one bites the dust’ – Mercedes-Benz joins the ranks of automakers troubled by airbag malfunctions
According to a report from the automaker posted this week on 
the website of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Mercedes-Benz has issued a recall affecting more than 126,000 cars and SUVs – including the C-300, C-350, and C-63 models from 2008 and 2009, and the GLK-350 4-Matic from 2010 – due to an issue that can cause its air bags to inflate without a crash.
In documents filed with the NHTSA Mercedes-Benz says “a control unit in the airbag could malfunction in one of two ways: The airbags might not deploy in a crash, or they might deploy without being in a crash.” Regardless, in the event of unintended deployment, drivers will have no warning. Dealerships will replace defective units.
Although no injuries have yet been reported in the United States relating to faulty airbags in Mercedes-Benz models, faulty airbags – in other cases – have resulted in serious personal injuries.
Recently, Fiat Chrysler recalled about 316,000 vehicles because the airbags might deploy without being in a crash. Honda has also recalled about 300,000 vehicles because the airbags might deploy while the key is in the ignition if a door is “forcefully slammed.”
The story which is receiving national attention is just another remainder that automobile manufacturers’ need to take greater measures to protect the public.
