Mercedes Benz Issues Car Recall; Air Bags Can Inflate Without Crash

Mercedes is recalling more than 126,000 cars and SUVs in the U.S. to fix a problem that can cause the air bags to inflate without a crash.

The recall covers the C-300, C-350, and C-63 models from 2008 and 2009, and the GLK-350 4-Matic from 2010.

Mercedes says the air bag control unit can corrode and malfunction due to a manufacturing error. That can make the air bags deploy without warning, or they might not inflate in a crash.

The company reported three unintended deployments in the U.S. and three in other countries. It was unclear if anyone was hurt.

Mercedes says in documents filed Wednesday with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that drivers could see a warning light if the control unit malfunctions and the air bags may not inflate in a crash. But there would be no warning to the driver of unintended deployment.

Owners will be notified by the end of 2015, but Mercedes hasn't determined when the recall will start. Dealers will inspect the control unit and replace it if needed.

It also was unclear if Mercedes would offer loaner cars to the owners until repairs can be done. A message was left Wednesday for a Mercedes spokesman.