Subaru, Mercedes-Benz, Hyundai, Ford, Mazda, Toyota models recalled

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has announced its latest round of safety recalls, with models from Subaru, Mercedes-Benz, Hyundai, Mazda, Toyota and Ford affected.

Subaru Australia has called back 4017 examples of its 2015 model year WRX and WRX STI small cars fitted with a Harman Kardon subwoofer that could overheat and cause a fire.

This can be caused by an electrical short circuit that may eventuate if cargo makes contact with the subwoofer's underside that protrudes into the boot area.

Mercedes-Benz Australia has recalled 306 (combined) examples of its C-Class, S-Class and GLC models because the propellant mixing ratio of particular passenger seatbelt tensioner squibs might not meet specification.

On sale from September 30, 2016 to January 30, 2017, the front-passenger seatbelt tensioner in these vehicles may not activate, which would increase the risk of injury if an accident were to occur.

Additionally, the German carmaker has called back 931 examples of its GLE large SUV over an engine issue, where it could turn off when braking at a low speed or accelerating slowly under a high load after a stop-start cycle.

Sold between June 30, 2015 and June 29, 2017, these vehicles will not restart automatically if these problems occur, with owners having to manually restart them instead, increasing the risk of crashing.

Toyota Australia has called back nine and 23 examples of LandCruiser 100 Series and 200 Series SUVs respectively.

Hyundai Australia has recalled 894 examples of its 2015 model year Sonata mid-size sedan over a park brake switch defect that could fail to alert drivers when the system is still engaged.

On sale from May 6, 2014 to March 2, 2015, these vehicles have a higher risk of being involved in an accident if the park brake is unknowingly active when driving.

Furthermore, the South Korean brand has called back 148 and 298 examples of its 2011-2012 ix35 and 2012 Sante Fe SUVs respectively, with a potentially defective fuel feed hose assembly prompting the safety notice.

Sold between August 31, 2011 and November 1, 2011, this part in these vehicles could leak fuel, which may start a fire in the engine compartment.

Ford Australia has recalled 1206 (combined) examples of its Ranger utility and Everest SUV over a potentially incorrect chemical mixture inside their side airbag module initiators.

On sale from October 29, 2016 to January 27, 2017 (Everest) and February 24, 2017 (Ranger), the airbag inflator in these vehicles may not activate their side airbag during an accident, increasing the risk of occupant injury. However, there have been no reported incidents in Australia.

Mazda Australia has recalled 277 examples of its BT-50 pick-up over the same issue as its twin under the skin, the Ford Ranger.

Sold between December 29, 2016 and April 4, 2017, the side airbag in these vehicles may not deploy during an accident if the airbag inflator does not initiate due to the incorrect chemical mixture. There have been no reported cases of such incidents in Australia.

Toyota Australia has called back nine and 23 examples of LandCruiser 100 Series and 200 Series SUVs respectively, with a potentially incorrect specification airbag assembly leading to the safety notice, which would increase the risk of occupant injury during a crash.

Owners of the aforementioned models are encouraged to contact their preferred local dealership to arrange a free-of-charge repair or replacement of any faulty parts.

Anyone looking for more information on these recalls – including a full 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.