A selection of Western Star Constellations and Mercedes-Benz Actros and Arocs trucks have been issued with recall notices by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) this month.
A total of 1067 Mercedes-Benz Actros and Arocs – model years 2014-18 – are being recalled because of concerns over the driver’s side frontal airbag inflator.
The ACCC advises that as it gets older, a combination of high temperatures and humidity can cause the airbag inflator propellant to degrade.
“If an affected vehicle is involved in a collision triggering the airbag, the metal inflator housing may explode/rupture under too much internal pressure,” said the ACCC.
“In the event that a defective airbag inflator ruptures, metal fragments may propel out through the airbag cushion towards the vehicle occupants causing serious injury or fatality.”
The ACCC says Owners with affected vehicles will be contacted by mail and advised to make arrangements with a Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicle Dealership to have the airbag fitted to their vehicle(s) replaced at their earliest convenience.
The affected airbag will be replaced with a new airbag free of charge. The replacement airbag is not a like-for-like replacement.
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Meanwhile, owners of 276 Western Star Constellations – model years 2017-19 – should be aware that the baggage and sleeper doors may separate from the vehicle door hinge.
“If the doors separate from the vehicle while it is in motion, this can increase the risk of a crash and injury or death to vehicle occupants and/or other road users,” said the ACCC.
The ACCC says affected owners should contact an authorised Western Star Truck Dealer to arrange a repair.
For further information, owners can contact Western Star Trucks on 07 3271 7777 or find their local authorised dealer at https://westernstar.com.au/dealers/.
Click here for more information and a VIN list.