Car manufacturer put drivers at risk: ACCC
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has accepted a court-enforceable undertaking from Mercedes-Benz, after the car manufacturer acknowledged it had failed to initiate a recall of certain C class and E class vehicles with faulty Takata airbags, due to spare parts availability, in accordance with the timeframe required under the Takata compulsory recall.
The ACCC alleges that, between June and November 2018, Mercedes-Benz failed to initiate vehicle recalls for all affected vehicles fitted with faulty Takata airbags, despite this being required by law.
The ACCC was concerned that this may have contravened the Australian Consumer Law and exposed consumers driving the vehicles to serious safety hazards.
The cars are fitted with dangerous Takata airbags and many of the vehicles affected should have been prioritised for urgent replacement due to their age, exposure to heat and humidity, or location of the airbag inflator.
In the undertaking accepted by the ACCC, Mercedes-Benz has acknowledged the ACCC’s concerns.
“Mercedes-Benz failed to comply with its obligations to initiate recalls under the Takata compulsory recall, potentially putting the lives of drivers and passengers at risk, and failed to inform anyone of the delay,” ACCC deputy chair Delia Rickard said.
“Industry participants must comply with their responsibilities under the Takata compulsory recall. Failure to do so may contravene the Australian Consumer Law.”
Mercedes-Benz has committed to follow a revised schedule to get affected cars off the road as soon as practicable and in the meantime, will provide free hire cars or alternative transport for owners of the highest risk vehicles.
“We are pleased that Mercedes-Benz is addressing our concerns and assisting drivers who cannot drive their affected cars by offering them hire cars,” Ms Rickard said.
Mercedes-Benz has also agreed to ensure it notifies the ACCC early of any future anticipated failure to initiate recalls, ensure its recall database correctly reflects the recall status, and keep records of consumer complaints relating to the recall.
Mercedes-Benz will also communicate directly with affected consumers, so that they are aware of the recall status of their vehicle, and their options for airbag replacement or alternative transport.
Do you own a Mercedes-Benz? Have you been notified if your car is fitted with a Takata airbag?
I saw on the news the other night that these ar manufacturers were "BUYING" bank these cars -- rather expensive one too for that grand sum of about $3000 -- FHS these cars were worth a stack more than that why the hell can't they take thee darn airbags OUT we drove without them for many decades -- it isn't the fault of the owners it is the fault of the manufacturers -these cars were very well looked after cars -- it is a disgrace!