Fire risks in vehicles appear to be a growing phenomenon. Several manufacturers have voluntarily recalled vehicles for fire risks recently, and it’s not a thing to be dismissed lightly.
Imagine a vehicle cruising at 70mph on the motorway when it suddenly sets on fire. It’s a clear recipe for disaster and could endanger many lives, including your own.
In recent news, Maserati, Mercedes-Benz and BMW have all recalled vehicles for reported risks of fire…
Maserati
Maserati is recalling around 39,381 Quattroporte, Levante and Ghibli vehicles (model years 2014 to 2017) after they discovered two defects that could lead to fires. The recall was investigated by Maserati and their seat manufacturer in December 2015.
According to documents filed with regulators, adjusting the front seats could cause the seat wiring harness to rub against metal points, which could lead the seats to malfunction. The risk comes where the malfunction could trigger an electrical short-circuit which could then lead to a fire.
Maserati started the recall to address and rectify the issue, which began on 21st March 2017.
In addition to the approximate 40,000 vehicles they’re recalling, the automaker has recalled 10,879 (2014 and 2015 model year) Quattroporte and Ghibli vehicles for fuel-line leaks. It’s clear that leaks of this nature present a deadly fire hazard. This recall began on 28th February 2017.
According to the automakers, there have been no reports of any injuries or deaths related to both of the reported defects.
Maserati doesn’t seem to be strangers to recalling vehicles though. In May, the automaker recalled almost 20,000 Quattroporte and Ghibli models produced between 2013 and 2015 due to an issue that could impact the rear wheels.
Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz are recalling approximately one million vehicles globally as a result of a fire risk involving a starter part. Affected vehicles include 2015 to 2017 model year C-Class, E-Class, CLA, GLA and GLC vehicles. According to the automaker, the fire risk is due to a current limiter or fuse that can overheat and melt other parts after repeated attempts to start the vehicle.
Mercedes-Benz hasn’t been as lucky as Maserati; there has been 51 fires reported worldwide.
BMW
BMW is also in the pipelines for a recall. Reportedly, 42 parked BMWs have burst into flames!
The automaker has yet to uncover the root of the problem and labels the fire to be an ongoing mystery. In one case, the fire was so intense that it melted plastic fencing and destroyed any clues as to why the vehicle burst into fire.
A fire department spokesperson said:
“…we’re finding out that more and more of these cars are catching fire for no reason.”
Worrying times…
Risk and recalls
The risk for all vehicle owners is obviously huge. Even if the actual risk in terms of whether or not a fire could happen is deemed as low, the fact that a vehicle catching fire can be so destructive and life-threatening is a major concern.
If a fire started in a garage, it could burn down a house and kill a whole family…
Maserati, Mercedes-Benz and BMW are calling all owners to bring their vehicles to a nearby dealer who will rectify the issues free of charge.
First published by Admin on August 02, 2017
Posted in the following categories: Automotive and tagged with recalls