Mercedes, Peugeot, Citroen, Aston, Ram issue recalls

FOUR different models from Mercedes-Benz, two Aston Martin sportscars, multiple vehicles from Peugeot and Citroen, and the Ram 2500 and 3500 pick-up pair have all been issued recalls on the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) website.

The German manufacturer has called back examples of its A-Class and B-Class hatchbacks sold between February, 2012 and June, 2013, due to a potential fault with the braking system.

Braking power may be compromised if the connection to the brake booster vacuum hose breaks, which will require additional pedal force to bring the vehicle to a stop.

Examples of the boxy G-Class SUV, built between April, 2013 and April, 2016, have also been recalled due to a steering problem.

The bolts securing the lower steering joint may not have been torqued properly, which over time can lead to wear to the steering joint and a reduction in steering control.

In the event of a complete failure of the joint, steering control could be lost completely.

46 examples of Mercedes’ commercial EvoBus have also been recalled due to an incomplete weld seam on the steering bracket.

The incomplete seam means the steering column is not secured, which can cause some movement within the column casing.

Owners of the EvoBus are requested to contact their local Mercedes-Benz dealer to have a repair done free of charge. As for the A-Class, B-Class and G-Class, all owners will be contacted by mail where they can also contact their nearest dealer for repairs.

French manufacturer Peugeot has recalled 1053 of its 308 small car and 508 large sedan over a starter motor issue, while compatriot Citroen has called back 84 examples of its C5, DS4 and DS5 models over the same problem.

The Peugeot vehicles were available for sale between November, 2014 and March, 2017, while the Citroen/DS models were sold between May, 2015 and August, 2016.

A starter motor 12V connection lug is the cause of the fault, which may be fitted incorrectly and touch a metal component, causing a short circuit and a potential fire hazard.

All owners will be contacted by mail where they can present their vehicle to their preferred dealer for a fix free of charge.

British luxury manufacturer Aston Martin has recalled its V8 Vantage and DB11 sportscars over separate issues.

58 examples of the V12-powered DB11 sold between November 30, 2016 and June 7, 2017 have been recalled over a problem with the tyre pressure monitoring system, which have been inproperly calibrated.

The system does not set off the low pressure warning at the correct minimum activation pressure, increasing the risk of a crash.

Meanwhile, two separate faults relating to the transmission of the V8 Vantage have arisen, with 19 cars affected by each fault.

The first relates to vehicles manufactured between July, 2010 and August, 2012, and concerns a defective transmission software update that can cause the vehicle to miss a gear change and go into neutral, or for the clutch to slip and overheat, leading to abrupt gear changes.

The second fault, concerning vehicles sold between December 8, 2010 and July 25, 2013, is due to a connector in the seven-speed transmission’s hydraulic system possibly having insufficient support.

If the part fails, it can lead to a loss of clutch fluid, which can cause a clutch malfunction and potential crash.

In all cases, owners will be notified by Aston Martin, and will be urged to take their vehicle to their preferred dealer for a free-of-charge fix.

Finally, right-hand-drive conversion specialist American Special Vehicles has recalled its 2500 and 3500 range of Ram pick-ups due to the blink speed of the turn signal not changing when a globe has stopped working.

When spare parts become available, customers will be contacted where they can arrange for an inspection and repair.

Any consumers looking for additional information can do so on the ACCC’s product safety website.