— Daimler Vans USA is recalling about 17,400 vans as part of a Takata airbag recall expansion of 3.3 million airbag inflators at risk of exploding when they deploy, even in a minor crash.
The automaker says 2013 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and 3500 and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vans are equipped with Takata airbag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal airbag modules that were used as original or replacement equipment.
The airbags are at risk of exploding due to a combination of age, moisture and the condition of the metal inflators. At least 21 people have been killed worldwide and more than 200 injured.
As of November 2017, 19 automakers had recalled about 46 million Takata inflators in about 34 million vehicles. By 2019, as many as 70 million Takata inflators will have been recalled in the U.S.
There is no schedule of when the van recall will begin, but dealers will eventually replace the front passenger airbag modules.
Sprinter owners with questions should call 877-762-8267.
Keep up with the latest airbag news by checking out the CarComplaints.com Takata consumer guide.
