Mercedes-Benz airbag recalls – how it affects you

Some A-Class, B-Class, C-Class, E-Class and CLA models are affected by Mercedes' recall, as well as the GLA and GLC SUVs...

Published16 October 2017

Mercedes-Benz is recalling 400,000 cars in the UK over fears that a fault with some cars' steering columns could cause the steering wheel airbag to be activated.

Which Mercedes-Benz models are affected?

The recall affects the following models, built between November 2011 and July 2017. Although the E-Class is mentioned below, the recall doesn't include the latest model.

What is the issue?

According to Mercedes, the risk stems from a spring in the steering column, which, if it breaks, can cause the airbag warning light to turn. In addition, if this happens and wiring components in the steering column are not earthed correctly, the airbag can deploy.

Is it safe to drive my car?

Mercedes says that the affected cars are fine to be driven under normal circumstances but warns that if the airbag warning light is activated, customers should call their breakdown cover provider or contact their nearest Mercedes dealer.

What happens now?

If you own one of the affected vehicles, you will be contacted by Mercedes-Benz in the coming days and weeks. You'll be invited to bring your car into a dealership for the fix to be carried out. The fix will be free of charge and is expected to take no longer than an hour to complete.

Looking for a used executive car?

In theory, there’s nothing like an executive car for offering the best blend of space, comfort and driving ability. After all, their remit is to provide the fast-moving executive with a dependable car that must keep them comfortable on a long motorway journey and entertained when they turn onto a back road. It’s also got to be classy enough to make the right impression when they arrive at their destination. And when you get that car home, it has to fit the role of a family car, transporting people and luggage as well as handling the weekly shop, and quite possibly coping with the annual holiday too.

Finding such a combination of talents in a car costing less than £5000 might seem an impossible task, but there are plenty of excellent choices on the used market. Take a look at our top 10 and see for yourself.

Best used executive cars for less than £5000

10. Lexus IS

Buy a Lexus IS and you’ll get a sharp-looking and beautifully made executive saloon. Not only does Lexus consistently feature at the very top of most customer satisfaction and reliability surveys, the IS is often the individual model that tops the lists too. True, it’s not the most exciting car to drive, but the interior is laden with kit and the finish is very impressive, and this second-generation car certainly looks the part.

We found 2007 IS250 SE, 73,000 miles, full service history, £5000

Read the used Lexus IS review

Find a used Lexus IS in the What Car? Classifieds

9. Citroën C5

It might seem like a bit of a left-field choice – after all, the Citroën C5 was never one of the bestselling or most popular executive cars – but that doesn’t mean this soft-riding and spacious saloon should be overlooked on the used car market. There are bargains to be had and what you’ll get for your money is an immensely comfortable and impressively refined motorway cruiser with more than enough room for the family.

We found 2010 1.6 HDI VTR+, 55,000 miles, full service history, £4995

Read the used Citroën C5 review

Find a used Citroën C5 in the What Car? Classifieds

8. Honda Accord

The thing to remember about the Honda Accord is that it’s a much better car than its looks and image would lead you to believe. It’s beautifully made, for starters, with an exemplary reliability and customer satisfaction rating. In addtion, all models have a healthy supply of standard equipment and safety kit. It’s good to drive, too, with nimble handling and a spacious interior. What’s not to like?

We found 2007 2.0 VTEC SE, 48,000 miles, full service history, £4995

Read the used Honda Accord review

Find a used Honda Accord in the What Car? Classifieds