Mercedes-Benz has recalled around 400,000 vehicles in the UK, part of a wider million vehicles globally, due to an inadvertent airbag deployment fault.

400,000 Mercedes-Benz recalled in the UK

The company has stated that certain A, B, C, E-Class, CLA, GLA, and GLC, built between November 2011 and July 2017 are affected.

Mercedes has stated that, “in rare circumstances, if the clock spring is broken and the wiring components are not sufficiently earthed this could lead to an electrostatic discharge which could inadvertently deploy the driver’s airbag.”

However, if the steering column module clock spring is broken, the driver airbag warning light will be displayed in the instrument cluster, as well as a red airbag warning lamp and drivers should call Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance (00800 1777 7777), or contact their nearest retailer.

Mercedes stressed that “cars are safe to drive under normal operating conditions.” and that the recall is not related to any Takata recall – in reference to a scandal in January that saw the Japanese parts maker pay out $1 billion for concealing dangerous defects in its airbags. No fatalities have been linked to the fault, according to the manufacturer.

Customers will be contacted by Mercedes-Benz should their car be one of those affected by the recall. The fix takes around one hour to complete and the work will be undertaken free of charge.