DVSA recall round-up: Potential brake problems forces Mercedes-Benz to recall 33,000 cars

  • More than 33,000 Mercedes-Benz ML, GL and R-Class models have been recalled over a potential problem with their braking system. 
  • Hyundai has recalled more than 44,000 ix35 and Santa Fe models over a fire risk. 
  • BMW has recalled more than 3,000 iX and 2 Series Active Tourers due to an airbag system problem. 

BMW, Hyundai and Mercedes-Benz are among the manufacturers to issue safety recalls in recent weeks.

Mercedes-Benz is recalling almost one million older vehicles globally, including 33,297 in the UK, due to a potential problem with the braking system. 

The manufacturer said that the function of the brake booster might be affected by advanced corrosion in the joint area of the housing on ML and GL series of SUVs and R-Class MPV from the production period 2004 to 2015. 

“As part of its commitment to safety, Mercedes-Benz has decided to contact the owners of potentially affected vehicles. This will involve inspecting potentially affected vehicles and, depending on the results of the inspection, replacing the parts where necessary. Until the inspection takes place, we ask our customers not to drive their vehicles," Mercedes-Benz said in a statement. 

Mercedes ML

“We have approximately 30,000 of all produced vehicles in the UK, for the relevant timeframe. The actual number of affected vehicles will be lower, as not all of these will be still be on the road. We started with the recall process immediately and are already making great progress.”

Separately, Mercedes-Benz has issued two other recalls recently. More than 600 E-Class and E-Class coupe/convertible models with a four cylinder diesel engine (built between 2016 and 2018) have been recalled due to a potential problem with individual bolts or chain links of the camshaft timing chain, and 95 GLC,  EQS,  C-Class and S-Class and models built in 2021 have a potential charging issue.  

Hyundai recalls ix35 and Santa Fe over potential fire risk 

Hyundai also has a large recall underway which involves 44,655 ix35 models built between 2013 and 2015 and Santa Fe models built between 2015 and 2018. The ABS control unit on these vehicles could experience an electrical short, according to the DVSA.

Hyundai is advising owners to  park their car in an outdoor location allowing space around it until the recall is complete.

Hyundai Ix 35

BMW, meanwhile, has recalled more than 3,000 iX and 2 Series Active Tourers, built in 2021 and 2022, due to a potential airbag issue, which requires the airbag control unit to be reprogrammed with new software. 

Recall number Make Model Problem
R/2022/149 BMW iX, 2 Series Active Tourers If a failure is detected by the control unit the airbag warning light and check control message would not be illuminated and activated
R/2022/128 Hyundai  ix35, Santa Fe  The ABS control unit within the affected VIN range could experience an electrical short
R/2022/143 Kia  Sorento A fuel leak can develop on the diesel low pressure fuel line which is mounted to the engine
R/2022/048 Mercedes-Benz GLC, EQS, C-Class, S-Class Certain Mode 2 charging cables for charging at a household power socket might not meet specifications.
R/2022/137 Mercedes-Benz ML, GL, R-Class The function of the brake booster might be affected due to advanced corrosion in the joint area of its housing
R/2022/140 Mercedes-Benz R-Class, ML, GL The function of the brake booster might be affected due to advanced corrosion in the joint area of its housing
R/2022/116 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, E-Class Coupe/Convertible with 4 cylinder diesel engine Individual bolts or chain links of the camshaft timing chain might wear

What is a vehicle recall?

DVSA safety recalls happen when a potentially dangerous issue is identified with a vehicle. 

Reasons for safety recalls can vary from small technical issues with windscreen wipers to major safety faults with airbags. In all cases, the vehicle will need to be checked by the manufacturer. This will usually take place at a local dealership.

How do I find out if my car has been recalled?

The manufacturer will get in touch with the owners of any affected vehicles, using details from the DVLA. If your car needs to be recalled you should get a letter, phone call or email. 

The correspondence will explain what the issue is, how the manufacturer plans to fix it and who to contact to arrange for any checks or work to be carried out.

If you have a second hand car the manufacturer might not be able to reach you so contact a dealership to check if there's anything outstanding for your vehicle or check on GOV.UK if you're not sure 

Do I have to pay for recall work?

No you don't have to pay for recall work. Recall fixes and checks are carried out free of charge. Although dealers may try to get you to undertake other work on your car when it's in for recall work. Only agree and pay for work that you're happy to have carried out and that you think your car requires.

Ask HJ

Should I buy a high mileage BMW 740e?

I am considering a BMW 740e, and have found one with 137,000 miles for £23,000. I usually gamble on cheaper higher mileage cars and have never been bitten too badly by them. Is this a reasonable price in the current inflated market? Other than general maintenance costs, are there any specific, expensive problems that this car is likely to face as it ages?
Sounds like a fair price, we've not had any reports of issues with the 7 Series – but that's most likely because it's relatively rare. That said, we do know of a recall that you can read about, here: https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/bmw/7-series-g11g12-2016/good I'd suggest asking a BMW forum for advice on problem areas and it's always good to buy a car with a full service history.
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Are Ford EcoBoost engines reliable?

I am planning to buy a car and getting confused between a Ford Focus 1.0 EcoBoost Zetec vs the Ford Fiesta EcoBoost 1.0 Zetec. Can you please advise as I read some mixed reviews for EcoBoost engines, are they good and reliable? I also see a normal engine Ford Fiesta 1.25 engine size without EcoBoost, will that be better ? The other brand I am looking at is Hyundai. Is the i20 better than Ford reliability-wise?
The Ford EcoBoost is brilliant from a performance perspective. The engine is high revving and has lots of low-gear acceleration, which means it rasps through the gears at an impressive rate. Ford had some problems with the EcoBoost engine in older versions of the Fiesta (built between 2013 -2017) with some cars overheating due to a problem with the degas pipe from the turbo to the coolant expansion tank. Ford recalled these EcoBoost Fiestas and replaced the pipe, which means a seller should have paperwork to show this work has been completed by a Ford dealer. The 1.25 petrol engine has been around for many years. And I'd argue it is one of the most reliable in the UK. Admittedly, it's not much fun to drive with 0-62mph taking 13 or 14 seconds, but it will return 50mpg and run like clockwork if you service it (with an oil change) every 12,000 miles or 12 months (whichever comes first). The Hyundai i20 is another good option, especially if you can find one with some of its five-year warranty still on its books. But if low running costs and reliability is key then I'd probably go with a Fiesta 1.25 petrol.
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