Takata Airbag recalls and Bankruptcy
#26
MBWorld Fanatic!
I am so with you on this point! I'm searching the forums now for replacement steering wheels to buy on my own. Through observation, I think that at issue were the old designs that allowed for lots of custom bag and cover shapes in the steering wheel. Look at ANY new car being sold today, and they all have a small circular, or at best, small oval or small parallelogram shaped horn/bag area that do not extend along with the steering spokes like I have on my 2011 GLK 350.
If you change the steering wheel, the airbag remains the same. We change only the airbag unit.
The issue is the lack of desiccant in the inflator fuel that can cause it to harden when moisture intrudes, and rather than a slow burn, it explodes, causing potential metal fragments from it's housing to fly out and injure occupants. This is the issue. Don't guess at it, do your research. Has nothing to do with the shape of the wheel/airbag.
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davidjohnbamber (09-06-2017)
#27
The new updated airbags aren't available for sale. If you buy one one ebay, it's still one that needs to be replaced.
If you change the steering wheel, the airbag remains the same. We change only the airbag unit.
The issue is the lack of desiccant in the inflator fuel that can cause it to harden when moisture intrudes, and rather than a slow burn, it explodes, causing potential metal fragments from it's housing to fly out and injure occupants. This is the issue. Don't guess at it, do your research. Has nothing to do with the shape of the wheel/airbag.
If you change the steering wheel, the airbag remains the same. We change only the airbag unit.
The issue is the lack of desiccant in the inflator fuel that can cause it to harden when moisture intrudes, and rather than a slow burn, it explodes, causing potential metal fragments from it's housing to fly out and injure occupants. This is the issue. Don't guess at it, do your research. Has nothing to do with the shape of the wheel/airbag.
My observation of the shape is only for recognition of probable "older" Takata based systems. Mercedes, Volvo, Porsche, BMW and others are all now using a similar sized and shaped airbag.
The differences between 2011 and any 2017/18 model from the above manufacturers is apparent. Is that a coincidence in design or a sign that there is a new manufacturer being sourced for safety and or liability?
I'm not looking to change one steering wheel for any another just because and replacing just a bag sounds hackish. Are manufacturers still selling cars with Takata's problematic airbags, or have they changed their supplier?
I'm looking to buy any new or used steering wheel that will fit and I'm assuming certain newer ones are either non-Takata or a different design from Takata. If the steering wheel is used, then there should be a way to tell what system is there based on part number.
This information does not seem to be public so, yes, research is required.
#28
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If I buy a 2017 W### or X### steering wheel on ebay, it needs to be replaced? How can you tell?
My observation of the shape is only for recognition of probable "older" Takata based systems. Mercedes, Volvo, Porsche, BMW and others are all now using a similar sized and shaped airbag.
The differences between 2011 and any 2017/18 model from the above manufacturers is apparent. Is that a coincidence in design or a sign that there is a new manufacturer being sourced for safety and or liability?
I'm not looking to change one steering wheel for any another just because and replacing just a bag sounds hackish. Are manufacturers still selling cars with Takata's problematic airbags, or have they changed their supplier?
I'm looking to buy any new or used steering wheel that will fit and I'm assuming certain newer ones are either non-Takata or a different design from Takata. If the steering wheel is used, then there should be a way to tell what system is there based on part number.
This information does not seem to be public so, yes, research is required.
My observation of the shape is only for recognition of probable "older" Takata based systems. Mercedes, Volvo, Porsche, BMW and others are all now using a similar sized and shaped airbag.
The differences between 2011 and any 2017/18 model from the above manufacturers is apparent. Is that a coincidence in design or a sign that there is a new manufacturer being sourced for safety and or liability?
I'm not looking to change one steering wheel for any another just because and replacing just a bag sounds hackish. Are manufacturers still selling cars with Takata's problematic airbags, or have they changed their supplier?
I'm looking to buy any new or used steering wheel that will fit and I'm assuming certain newer ones are either non-Takata or a different design from Takata. If the steering wheel is used, then there should be a way to tell what system is there based on part number.
This information does not seem to be public so, yes, research is required.
No need to "recognize shape", read the listing on the takata recall site, it tells you what vehicles are affected.
You're confusing cosmetics with function. How it looks has nothing to do with anything. The inflator looks like a roll-of-quarters sized metal can buried inside the airbag unit. Design looks the same because people are stupid and once they like one shape, everybody copies it.
"replacing just a bag sounds hackish"... what does that mean? The 80 million cars that need airbags, also need a new steering wheel? For what reason? You unbolt/unclip the airbag and remove it to gain access to the center bolt of the steering wheel, one has nothing to do with the other.
Just wait until replacement parts are available. Takata is making them, but the priority is on cars which have had actual failures (MB has had none to date), and older vehicles first due to the failure methods (humidity/moisture intrusion)
#29
The airbag is a separate unit, the steering wheel and it's part # has nothing to do with it. They are still putting old design inflators in brand new cars, they will be replaced in the coming years.
No need to "recognize shape", read the listing on the takata recall site, it tells you what vehicles are affected.
You're confusing cosmetics with function. How it looks has nothing to do with anything. The inflator looks like a roll-of-quarters sized metal can buried inside the airbag unit. Design looks the same because people are stupid and once they like one shape, everybody copies it.
"replacing just a bag sounds hackish"... what does that mean? The 80 million cars that need airbags, also need a new steering wheel? For what reason? You unbolt/unclip the airbag and remove it to gain access to the center bolt of the steering wheel, one has nothing to do with the other.
Just wait until replacement parts are available. Takata is making them, but the priority is on cars which have had actual failures (MB has had none to date), and older vehicles first due to the failure methods (humidity/moisture intrusion)
No need to "recognize shape", read the listing on the takata recall site, it tells you what vehicles are affected.
You're confusing cosmetics with function. How it looks has nothing to do with anything. The inflator looks like a roll-of-quarters sized metal can buried inside the airbag unit. Design looks the same because people are stupid and once they like one shape, everybody copies it.
"replacing just a bag sounds hackish"... what does that mean? The 80 million cars that need airbags, also need a new steering wheel? For what reason? You unbolt/unclip the airbag and remove it to gain access to the center bolt of the steering wheel, one has nothing to do with the other.
Just wait until replacement parts are available. Takata is making them, but the priority is on cars which have had actual failures (MB has had none to date), and older vehicles first due to the failure methods (humidity/moisture intrusion)
Mercedes is still shipping it's cars with the defective Takata inflator.
If they will have to have them replaced later, that is truly Technical Debt that has to be paid.
When I looked on the NHTSA site, 2016/2017 C Class and the GLC were not listed but the 2017 E Class coupe' is. I was hoping that an absence meant the new C class, at least, was OK.
As you yourself state, consumers can't just buy the replacement parts at this point , so I had hoped that if the new steering wheels fit, for me, I would go to the expense of buying the entire assembly, and not concern myself with any fitment issues that car makers claimed would be the case with alternate manufactures.
FWIW, Honda is using alternate manufacturers and stopped using Takata altogether by the end of 2016 for replacements and new cars. FCA is also not using Takata. It was estimated that 68% of replacements would come from alternate sources Autoliv, Daicel and TRW based on disclosures two years ago.
#30
I just found out about this open recall because I was looking at buying a preowned mercedes and I am not sure why everyone has such a lax stance on this (both consumers and sellers). Did I miss something or is the recall due to faulty airbags that can potentially kill you and your passenger due to exploding followed by metal shrapnel flying at both the driver and passenger. Driving out here is dangerous enough without being killed by your airbag. I talked to two dealerships that were selling these cars and said there's nothing we can do about it Mercedes won't fix it. Is Mercedes now selling grenades? Why no class action lawsuit for this it seems more important then the many others they've had.
#31
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2014 E350 4M Diamond Silver
I just found out about this open recall because I was looking at buying a preowned mercedes and I am not sure why everyone has such a lax stance on this (both consumers and sellers). Did I miss something or is the recall due to faulty airbags that can potentially kill you and your passenger due to exploding followed by metal shrapnel flying at both the driver and passenger. Driving out here is dangerous enough without being killed by your airbag. I talked to two dealerships that were selling these cars and said there's nothing we can do about it Mercedes won't fix it. Is Mercedes now selling grenades? Why no class action lawsuit for this it seems more important then the many others they've had.
#32
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2016 E350 Sport
Here is where you veirfy, right?
https://www.mbusa.com/mercedes/recall
Knock on wood, my car is not in the recall list, as of now.
https://www.mbusa.com/mercedes/recall
Knock on wood, my car is not in the recall list, as of now.
In fact, I've used this checker in the past (periodically since 2001), and never got a recall hit. Either MBs are perfect and are never recalled, or MBUSA Legal is drawing a fine line on the term "Safety" Recall...or MBUSA is just lying,
Last edited by DFWdude; 07-23-2018 at 07:58 AM.
#33
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'71 Pinto
Need to have dealer periodically check VMI not classified as recall but rather service campaign see attachments.
#34
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2010 E350 Luxury Sedan, Engine 272 (V6)
I just found out about this open recall because I was looking at buying a preowned mercedes and I am not sure why everyone has such a lax stance on this (both consumers and sellers). Did I miss something or is the recall due to faulty airbags that can potentially kill you and your passenger due to exploding followed by metal shrapnel flying at both the driver and passenger. Driving out here is dangerous enough without being killed by your airbag. I talked to two dealerships that were selling these cars and said there's nothing we can do about it Mercedes won't fix it. Is Mercedes now selling grenades? Why no class action lawsuit for this it seems more important then the many others they've had.
What is your solution? Tell people they cannot sell their cars? Tell dealerships they cannot accept most M-B's in trade or sell them if they do? Tell people to park their cars until fixed-months or years? As I said this would apply to most cars sold in US manufactured during the relevant period. Not saying it is not a safety issue.
#35
Member
I don't think it's worth risking even one life even though nothing has happen to an MB. There's no guarantee that it won't happen. It's been almost a year since this came to light and this long of a wait is disgusting and lazy execution wise from Mercedes.
Is there proof that no MB has had an event with these airbags even if not tragic?
Is there proof that no MB has had an event with these airbags even if not tragic?
You risk your life every time you get behind the wheel. The least of your worries should be a one in a zillion chance your airbag will kill you. If you really feel the MB management are a bunch of "disgusting and lazy" employees you should buy another car.
#36
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1922 Ford Model T / no OBD
For the record - in famous Firestone tires case close to 20 years ago - it took 271 recorded deaths before company admitted they have a problem.
#37
MBWorld Fanatic!
In that case, there were issues with more than just the tires. Ford was somewhat to blame also. Need to consider all the info before people jump on MB, this is a huge voluntary recall, MB is the leader in safety technology, if they were worried about it they would do something. We have new recalls every day for stupid things that could be a "safety risk" at some point.
#38
My 2010 is supposedly in the recall range, but has never shown up on any list. Surprised you are just finding out about this as it has been in all news media for years. If effects almost all makes of cars sold in USA, not just M-B.
What is your solution? Tell people they cannot sell their cars? Tell dealerships they cannot accept most M-B's in trade or sell them if they do? Tell people to park their cars until fixed-months or years? As I said this would apply to most cars sold in US manufactured during the relevant period. Not saying it is not a safety issue.
What is your solution? Tell people they cannot sell their cars? Tell dealerships they cannot accept most M-B's in trade or sell them if they do? Tell people to park their cars until fixed-months or years? As I said this would apply to most cars sold in US manufactured during the relevant period. Not saying it is not a safety issue.
#39
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2014 E550-sold 😩
^well that was an earful that made absolutely no sense.
#40
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raja777m (11-05-2018)
#45
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2008 E350 4Matic, 2011 E350 4matic
It made no sense because the manufacturer is responsible for replacing the part for no charge if there's a recall. Also there were about 50 million airbags that were affected across 37 million cars (some cars have multiple air bags like MB). It's not that easy to just order up an extra airbag from some other manufacturer. It's a safety device so it's not easy to just design your own like you can a set of wheels. Plus Takata had 20% of the market and just to put it into perspective, the US sells somewhere between 15-17 million new cars a year. It takes a while to ramp up production to cover that many airbags and there's a limited number of manufacturers. That's why the post made no sense, there's really nothing much the consumer can really do beside wait for a new one or just not buy or drive one that has a defective one. Or just take their chances and hope they don't get into an accident where the air bag deploys and kills them.
#46
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2010 W212 E550 4matic
I can't figure out if my car is on the list or not. If I use the VIN on NHTSA's site it gives me an error and intructs me to go on MB's site. On mbusa, once I input my VIN I'm told there's no recall, but if I use the alternative method on the same page (the one where you input the state you live in, year and model of your car) I'm told I need the driver's side airbag replaced but parts won't be available until July 2019.
I have not received the recall letter from NHTSA or MBUSA.
I did however get one for 04 Ford, had the replacement done, it now presumably has gotten rid of the Claymore style inflators.
#47
MBWorld Fanatic!
Did you ever get the NHTSA letter regarding the airbag recall?
I can't figure out if my car is on the list or not. If I use the VIN on NHTSA's site it gives me an error and intructs me to go on MB's site. On mbusa, once I input my VIN I'm told there's no recall, but if I use the alternative method on the same page (the one where you input the state you live in, year and model of your car) I'm told I need the driver's side airbag replaced but parts won't be available until July 2019.
I have not received the recall letter from NHTSA or MBUSA.
I did however get one for 04 Ford, had the replacement done, it now presumably has gotten rid of the Claymore style inflators.
I can't figure out if my car is on the list or not. If I use the VIN on NHTSA's site it gives me an error and intructs me to go on MB's site. On mbusa, once I input my VIN I'm told there's no recall, but if I use the alternative method on the same page (the one where you input the state you live in, year and model of your car) I'm told I need the driver's side airbag replaced but parts won't be available until July 2019.
I have not received the recall letter from NHTSA or MBUSA.
I did however get one for 04 Ford, had the replacement done, it now presumably has gotten rid of the Claymore style inflators.
#48
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2010 e550 p2
Did you ever get the NHTSA letter regarding the airbag recall?
I can't figure out if my car is on the list or not. If I use the VIN on NHTSA's site it gives me an error and intructs me to go on MB's site. On mbusa, once I input my VIN I'm told there's no recall, but if I use the alternative method on the same page (the one where you input the state you live in, year and model of your car) I'm told I need the driver's side airbag replaced but parts won't be available until July 2019.
I have not received the recall letter from NHTSA or MBUSA.
I did however get one for 04 Ford, had the replacement done, it now presumably has gotten rid of the Claymore style inflators.
I can't figure out if my car is on the list or not. If I use the VIN on NHTSA's site it gives me an error and intructs me to go on MB's site. On mbusa, once I input my VIN I'm told there's no recall, but if I use the alternative method on the same page (the one where you input the state you live in, year and model of your car) I'm told I need the driver's side airbag replaced but parts won't be available until July 2019.
I have not received the recall letter from NHTSA or MBUSA.
I did however get one for 04 Ford, had the replacement done, it now presumably has gotten rid of the Claymore style inflators.
finally. Just like i said before , my moms 07 crv got this recall done within 6 months after it has been announced.
...........and about 2 years+ for my benzo ))
#49
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2008 E350 4Matic, 2011 E350 4matic
you might be right lol , and i might have overlooked , it might of been from NHTSA. But it doesnt change anything though.
finally. Just like i said before , my moms 07 crv got this recall done within 6 months after it has been announced.
...........and about 2 years+ for my benzo ))
finally. Just like i said before , my moms 07 crv got this recall done within 6 months after it has been announced.
...........and about 2 years+ for my benzo ))
#50
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2010 W212 E550 4matic
It does make me wonder how Belarus who has the same MY as me needs new airbags and I don't. It doesn't make sense to me that the same model vehicle, same year, will have different airbag inflators fitted.