Mercedes recalls 400,000 UK cars over fears airbags could deploy

Mercedes-Benz has announced a recall of 400,000 cars in the UK over fears airbags could deploy in error.

The carmaker said it affected "certain A, B, C, and E-Class, and CLA, GLA, and GLC" models built between November 2011 and July 2017.

The company's statement said it would be contacting the owners of the models affected shortly, but urged drivers not to use their vehicles as a precaution if the airbag warning light was lit in red on the dashboard.

Mercedes said: "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.

"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.

"Cars are safe to drive under normal operating conditions.

"If the airbag warning light comes on then customers should call Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance (00800 1777 7777), or contact their nearest retailer."

The company said the fault was not related to the scandal at Japanese airbag manufacturer, Takata, which has been linked to at least 19 deaths worldwide.

Daimler-owned Mercedes told Sky News the problem was spotted through "stringent checks" but was currently unable to say whether there had been instances of airbags deploying in error under road conditions.

It clarified that customers would be contacted by letter and a fix would be free of charge - adding the repair would take less than an hour to complete.

Mercedes is one of the biggest players in the UK car market - behind the likes of Ford, Vauxhall, BMW and Volkswagen in market share terms.

It sold 31,988 cars in the country last year.