Mercedes-Benz USA is issuing an auto defect recall for nearly 30,000 vehicles from its 2018 and 2019 model years because a correctly latched seatbelt may be erroneously identified as unfastened.
According to Consumer Reports, this issue will activate audible and visual alerts to notify the driver and passenger that a seatbelt is not properly secured. This could also lead to other systems malfunctioning in the event of a crash, causing serious injuries to vehicle occupants.
Potential for Serious Injuries
The German automaker investigated when it received complaints about the problem. Mercedes and one of its suppliers determined that the problem stems from the geometry of the seatbelt buckle.
So, a manufacturing defect may lead to a correctly latched seatbelt being mistakenly detected as not being adequately latched. Due to this problem, the seatbelt pretensioners that lock the belt in place during a crash and the Mercedes safety system may not be activated.
Subsequent investigations determined that another supplier used a tool with excessive wear to create the seatbelt buckle, which caused the problem.
The automaker has not said it knows of any crashes or injuries linked to this problem. When the recall begins on December 31, Mercedes-Benz will notify owners by mail. Dealers will inspect the front seat buckles, replacing them free of charge.
For more information, call MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. You can check to see if your vehicle has an open recall by visiting the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) website and plugging in your 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
Auto Product Liability Issues
Automakers are responsible for ensuring that the vehicles they produce are safe for consumers. Those who have suffered harm due to a defective vehicle can seek compensation by bringing a product liability lawsuit against the automaker or the maker of the defective part.
Victims can seek compensation for damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, the cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
If your loved one has died as the result of a defective auto, you could file a wrongful death claim against the automaker, seeking compensation for damages such as medical and funeral costs, lost future income, and loss of love and companionship.
An experienced auto product defect lawyer can conduct a thorough and independent investigation into your case and ensure that you are fairly compensated for all your losses.
Source: https://www.consumerreports.org/car-recalls-defects/mercedes-benz-recall-front-seat-belt-problem/
