Mercedes-AMG, Nissan, Infiniti, Audi, Volkswagen models recalled

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has announced its latest round of safety recalls, with models from Mercedes-AMG, Nissan, Infiniti, Audi and Volkswagen affected.

Mercedes-AMG Australia has called back 1343 examples of its current-generation C63 S sportscar – including Sedan, Estate, Coupe and Cabriolet body styles – over a possible driveshaft fault.

Impacting vehicles sold from February 1, 2015 to July 31, 2016, torque peaks may occur in the vehicle drivetrain during pulling-away manoeuvres on a wet road.

This could result in a loss of propulsion, thus increasing the risk of an accident, with a software update of the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and suspension (if necessary) control units required to resolve.

Meanwhile, Nissan Australia has recalled examples of its Series 1 D23 Navara mid-size ute and R52 Pathfinder large SUV fitted with a 'Nissan genuine accessory' nudge bar, due to potential fitment issues.

Insufficient bolt torque might cause the nudge bar's roll hoop fixing bolts to become loose, leading the roll hoop to rattle and, in some cases, detach from the vehicle. As a result, the nudge bar may also detach, posing an accident risk to vehicle occupants and other road users.

Infiniti Australia has called back a combined 104 examples of its current-gen Q50 mid-size sedan and Q60 sportscar fitted with a 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 engine because of an Electronic Control Module (ECM) problem.

Functionality that indicates an automatic transmission failure was not programmed in the ECM, meaning a Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) does not illuminate when required. If the driver is unaware of the concern, emissions regulations might not be complied with. 

A mismatch of on-board diagnosis architecture between the new ECM and old Controlled Area Network (CAN) caused this. Reprogramming with an updated logic is needed to fix it.

Furthermore, Audi Australia has recalled one A3 small car and one Q2 compact SUV over a probable discrepancy in material hardness with their rear hub carriers.

Both vehicles were manufactured in August this year, with the durability of their rear hub carriers not guaranteed as bolted connections can become detached.

This could lead to the driver losing control of the vehicle, which poses an accident risk to occupants and other road users.

Volkswagen Australia has called back 62 Passat large cars, one Golf small car and one Arteon large sedan from its 2018 model year range, because of a possible rear wheel bearing housing fault from a limited production period.

This part could have been made with an insufficient case hardening, resulting in it experiencing a potential fracture that would significantly impair the road holding of the vehicle, heightening the chance of an accident.

Owners of the aforementioned vehicles will be contacted directly by their respective manufacturer – excluding Mercedes-AMG – with instructions to book a service appointment at a preferred dealership.

Depending on the issue, a  free-of-charge update, repair or replacement will take place, with Nissan waiting until part availability is confirmed before proceeding.

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

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