Mazda, BMW affected again by Takata recalls

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has announced another round of safety recalls, with models from Mazda, Holden, Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Jaguar affected.

Mazda and BMW have been caught up in the Takata airbag inflator recall yet again, with 55,087 and 21,649 total examples called back respectively.

Individually, 19,557 GH-series Mazda6s, 14,080 ER-series CX-7s and 21,450 TB-series CX-9s sold between November 15, 2006 and April 30, 2013 have been recalled by Mazda Australia.

Meanwhile, BMW Australia has called back the E70-series X5 and E71-series X6, which were on sale from January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2012.

In both cases, if continually exposed to high levels of absolute humidity, the airbag inflator housing may rupture due to built-up internal pressure.

Usually occurring when airbags are deployed during an accident, metal fragments could enter the cabin and strike occupants, possibly causing injury or, as in 18 cases worldwide, death.

The passenger-side front airbag inflator in the three Mazda models have been specifically impacted, while the two BMWs have defective driver-side units.

In other recall news, Holden Australia has recalled examples of its model year 2012-2015 Holden Commodore Sedan, Ute and Sportwagon, as well as Caprice, fitted with the LPG engine option.

Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Jaguar will contact impacted owners directly and request that they take their vehicles to a preferred dealership for a free-of-charge update, repair or replacement of any faulty parts.

If an LPG vaporizer has been serviced or replaced, there could be a loose electrical ground connection in these models manufactured between February 10, 2011 and September 9, 2015.

This can cause an electrical arc in the LPG fuel feed hose, creating the potential for it to leak or catch fire, which increases the risk of injury to vehicle occupants and other road users.

Mercedes-Benz Australia has called back 222 (combined) examples of its current-generation A-Class, B-Class, CLA, GLA and A45 models sold from October 1 to December 1 last year.

The passenger-side front airbag in these vehicles might not have been built to the correct specifications, meaning that, in the event of an accident, it may not deploy properly when triggered.

Therefore, the restraint effect of the airbag cannot be guaranteed, increasing the chance of injury for occupants.

Jaguar Australia has called back examples of its model year 2011-2012 X351-series XJ large sedan, with the model also affected by an issue with its front airbags.

If involved in a severe frontal collision, the XJ's airbags may deploy with too much force due to potentially overset parameters, which can increase injuries to occupants.

Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Jaguar will contact impacted owners directly and request that they take their vehicles to a preferred dealership for a free-of-charge update, repair or replacement of any faulty parts.

Holden customers are instead asked to ring either 1800 632 826 or their nearest dealership to organise an inspection and repair of affected vehicles.

Anyone looking for more information on these recalls – including a list of impacted Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN) – can search the ACCC's Product Safety Australia website.

Has your vehicle been affected by the latest round of safety recalls? Tell us in the comments below.