Mercedes-Benz recalls around 223,000 vans worldwide over airbags

FRANKFURT: Mercedes-Benz has issued a global recall for around 223,000 vans due to potentially defective driver airbags, according to a notice published in Germany's Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) database.

The recall affects Viano and Vito models produced between December 2002 and February 2006.

In Germany alone, 60,245 vehicles are potentially impacted.

A Mercedes-Benz spokeswoman said that during past airbag replacements, some vehicles may have been fitted with modules from Takata, the manufacturer linked to widespread airbag defects around the world.

In the event of a crash, the gas generator in these airbags could rupture, preventing proper deployment and posing a risk of injury from flying metal fragments.

The KBA warning, published on Friday, also cited the danger of "metal fragments detaching," which could harm vehicle occupants.

Affected vehicle owners will be notified in writing through the company's dealer network, the spokeswoman said.

Mercedes-Benz will inspect and, if necessary, replace the airbags free of charge.