Mercedes recalls vans again

MERCEDES-BENZ has recalled a number of its Vito vans and Viano people-movers due to a potential problem with the internal A-pillar trims.

This is the seventh recall in less than three years for the Vito and Viano twins, which were significantly revamped early last year.

Last year, Mercedes-Benz was forced to recall 3689 of the vans built in a 40-month period and equipped with four-cylinder turbo-diesel engines to check the alternator wiring harness.

The latest recall only affects Vito and Viano vans produced between February and July 2011. It is understood to affect about 600 vehicles.

According to a recall notice posted by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) on Monday, the trim could dislodge from their mountings if the window airbags deploy during an accident, with the potential to injure the occupants.

Letters have been sent to affected owners advising them to contact an authorised Mercedes-Benz dealer to have the trims replaced free of charge.