Mercedes-Benz has announced a recall of over 1 million cars worldwide due to a faulty steering column component that can break and cause the driver’s airbag to deploy. The issue has reportedly affected 4 lakh cars in the UK, some 5 lakh models in the US and a few lakh units in Germany.

The models that are affected include the A-class, B-class, C-class, E-class, CLA, GLA and GLC that were built between November 2011 and July 2017.

The problem that prompted the recall is that the steering column module clock spring breaks, it can trigger an airbag warning and illuminate the airbag warning light. If some of the wires are not grounded properly, driver’s airbag to deploy from an electrostatic charge.

The German brand is keen to point out the models are safe to drive. However, should the the airbag warning light come on, drivers should contact roadside assistance or their nearest Mercedes-Benz dealer.

Mercedes claims the fix will take an hour to finish and is contacting the owners of affected cars. However, Mercedes-Benz India has yet to issue a recall for the same models in the country.