The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has recently announced that at least two major brands have launched auto recalls associated with injury and death risks.
The first recall impacts 136,361 vehicles nationwide. And it was launched by Daimler Vans USA.
According to the NHTSA, the recalled vehicles include the 2007 through 2014 Dodge, Freightliner, and Mercedes Benz Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The units impacted by this recall were produced between July 1, 2006 and July 31, 2014. Since these vehicles were fitted with driver’s frontal air bags that were fitted with inflators that could rupture mid-deployment, occupants could be impacted. As a result, injuries or even death may ensue.
The company has announced that it will be contacting Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner owners impacted by the recall while Fiat Chrysler will contact impacted Chrysler vehicle owners.
Impacted vehicles will be fitted with safe air bag systems. Entirely for free. You may read more about this recall by following this link.
The second recall impacts Volkswagen vehicles.
The recalled units include the 2011 through 2015 Touareg Hybrid vehicles that were manufactured between March 20, 2010 and April 11, 2015. Since these vehicles come with battery trays that may be exposed to excess water, an electrical short may occur, increasing the risk of a possible fire. According to the NHTSA, the electrical short risk is much harsher when it impacts a high voltage battery like the vehicle’s hybrid battery.
Consumers with the recalled vehicles will have their vehicles inspected and a fitted drain valve will be installed, which will ensure that the water is drained sufficiently.
The companies will be contacting impacted vehicle owners toward the end of February, but if you have one of the recalled vehicles, contact the manufacturer for more instructions on how to have your hybrid car fixed promptly.
Stay on top of recalls like this, especially if they are launched over issues that cause crashes or injuries.
With the major Takata air bag issue that impacted millions of vehicles nationwide, automakers are having a hard time finding replacement parts for the recalled air bag inflators. Hopefully, all vehicles are fixed promptly so deadly crashes are avoided.
