Mercedes Issues Recall Due to Airbag Safety Concerns

Mercedes-Benz has announced a recall affecting approximately 223,000 vehicles worldwide, primarily targeting the Viano and Vito van models produced between December 2002 and February 2006. This action was prompted by safety concerns regarding airbags manufactured by Takata.

According to information released by the Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA), around 60,245 of these vehicles are registered in Germany, raising significant safety alarms for local drivers. The recall stems from the discovery that a Takata airbag module may have been incorrectly installed during repairs. In the event of a collision, there is a risk that the gas generator within the airbag could rupture, leading to a failure in the airbag's protective function. This malfunction poses a serious risk of injury to passengers due to the potential release of metal fragments.

The KBA's recall notice, published on July 18, 2025, highlighted the dangers associated with these defective airbags, emphasizing the risk of injury from fragments that could detach during deployment.

Mercedes-Benz is proactively reaching out to affected customers through written notifications via their dealership networks. To rectify the issue, the company will conduct inspections of the airbags in the impacted vehicles, replacing them if necessary. This service will be provided at no cost to the vehicle owners, with the expected time for completion of the service estimated at approximately one hour. Customers can reference recall codes 9192111 and 9192112 for this specific action.

In addition to the current recall, there remains an ongoing recall initiated in March 2023 affecting various models, including the Sprinter, Vito, and Viano, which also involves Takata airbags. This previous recall encompasses vehicles manufactured from 2005 to 2018. Mercedes-Benz has assigned multiple codes to this recall, reflecting its expansive scope.

As part of standard operating procedure, it is recommended that potential buyers of these models verify whether the necessary recall work has been completed. The issue with Takata airbags is not unique to Mercedes-Benz; several other major automotive manufacturers, including Honda, Toyota, and Volkswagen, have faced similar challenges, leading to extensive recalls in the past. Just last month, Volkswagen advised some owners to refrain from using the passenger airbag until it could be inspected.

For users of affected vehicles, it is crucial to act promptly and ensure compliance with the recall to maintain safety standards and protect all occupants.