Recalls: Mercedes coupes for airbags, Maseratis for tire sensors
Side curtain airbags on certain E-Class coupes may deflate too quickly, while a malfunctioning computer in some Maseratis may not send tire-pressure alerts.
Mercedes is recalling 499 E-Class coupes for side curtain airbags that may deflate too quickly, according to filings with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.The passenger side curtain airbag on some 2012 models has faulty stitching in its seam, which could open during the bag's high-pressure inflation when under high ambient temperatures. As a result, the curtain -- which is supposed to remain inflated for a much longer time than the front airbags -- may not provide enough head protection.
Only E-Class coupes built between April 2 and June 29 are affected. Mercedes says the driver's side curtain airbag inflates in a different manner that does not stress the seam. Dealers will replace the passenger side curtain airbag starting in November, and affected owners can contact Mercedes at 1-800-367-6372.
Maserati is recalling 485 cars over its entire lineup to replace a tire-pressure monitoring system that can malfunction and fail to inform the driver of a leaking tire. The 2012 Quattroporte sedan and all 2012 GranTurismo models (shown at right) are included. Dealers will replace the system in November, and affected owners can contact Maserati at 1-201-816-2600.[Source: NHTSA 1, 2]
I own 5 vehicles without TPMS - and I am VERY happy about that. So does that mean my cars are all unsafe and should be recalled? Sometimes these recalls are meaningless, money-wasting, and useless.
How long has mankind made it without the car telling you your tire pressure differential is more than 2-3psi? This Maserati recall is ridiculously stupid. It should be a TSB, NOT a recall.
TPMS is inaccurate and nothing more than a nuisance at best. Unless you're an idiot, (roughly 90% of the population), you will know when your tires aren't properly inflated when you look at your tires with your eyes - you know, those things we USED to use to drive with? And if you have a blow-out on the road, I think you may notice it without the computer telling you. But then again, I guess if you have the money to buy a Maserati, you're probably inept of any mechanical issues, so if the computer didn't tell you that you just had a blow-out, you'd probably drive the car on the rim for 20+ miles before realizing there's something wrong.
Unless the driver is useless, TPMS is useless.
EXPLORE NEW CARS
MORE ON MSN AUTOS
Chrysler relents, recalls 2.7M JeepsAutomaker recalls 2 Jeep models for fire hazards, but says they’re safe.
ABOUT EXHAUST NOTES
Cars are cool, and here at MSN Autos we love everything about them, but we also know they're more than simply speed and style: a car is an essential tool, a much-needed accessory to help you get through your day-to-day life. What you drive is also one of the most important investments you can make, so we'll help you navigate your way through the car buying and ownership experiences. We strive to be your daily destination for news, notes, tips and tricks from across the automotive world. So whether it's through original content from our world-class journalists or the latest buzz from the far corners of the Web, Exhaust Notes helps you make sense of your automotive world.
Have a story idea? Tip us off at exhaustnotes@live.com.
