NHTSA Adds More Than 125,000 Vehicles to List of Cars with Potentially Defective Airbags – Mercedes Benz Now Included

Think you’re safe from all the recent automobile recalls just because you drive a luxury car? Maybe not. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has just added some 126,260 Mercedes-Benz vehicles to the ever-growing list of cars, trucks, and SUVs with potential safety issues.

According to a letter from the NHTSA to Mercedes-Benz department manager Thomas Brunner, seven particular makes/models may have safety issues. The vehicles included are 2008 C300, 2009 C300, 2008 C350, 2009 C350, 2008 C63, 2009 C63, and 2010 GLK350.

The Problem that Triggered the Recall

It is believed that the air bag control units in the recalled vehicles could malfunction, causing the air bag(s) to either deploy unexpectedly or not deploy in a crash. The problem is being blamed on a “manufacturing error” that could cause the control unit of the air bags to corrode, thus causing the control unit to malfunction.

To remedy the problem, owners of the affected vehicles are to be notified of the recall and the availability of a replacement air bag control unit at no charge. Those who have questions about their particular vehicle can log onto www.safercar.gov or call Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.

Air Bag Safety Issues – An Ongoing Problem

According to a report from the New York Times, this brings the total number of recalled air bags to nearly 19 million worldwide. At least 12 different automobile manufacturers’ products have now been recalled. Recently, a large number of Takata air bags were recalled, due to what was deemed an unsafe propellant that could cause explosions during a crash.

What Can Be Done

Consumers who have not yet been harmed but who are in possession of a possibly defective automobile can get a replacement for the faulty part. For those who have been hurt by a bad product, a product liability lawsuit is a possibility. Theories of liability in such cases include failure to warn, breach of warranty, manufacturing defect, or design defect.

Successful litigants in product liability actions may be entitled to receive damages to compensate them for lost wages, medical expenses, and pain and suffering. Proving a product liability case can be difficult and time-consuming, but a sizable verdict or settlement can go a long way in helping an injured person pay off expenses related to the accident and receive the future medical care that his or her condition requires. With so many recalls being issued in recent months, it is prudent to check for possible defects if you have been involved in an automobile accident.

To Get Legal Advice About Your Car Accident Case

If you’ve been involved in a motor vehicle accident in which you believe a defective product such as a faulty air bag worsened your injuries or contributed to causing the crash, you should discuss your case with an experienced Massachusetts motor vehicle accident and product liability lawyer as soon as possible. To schedule a free consultation with the Law Offices of John C. Manoog, III, call us at 888-262-6664. We serve clients throughout the Cape Cod region, including in Hyannis and Plymouth.

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