16 June 2004

Aa Calls For Sensible Approach To Vehicle Recall

The AA has called for a calm and sensible approach to the latest Mitsubishi recall of Galant / Legnum vehicles. AA Technical Advice Manager, Jack Biddle, said it was clear that there was a serious safety risk associated with the vehicles and they should not be driven but he stressed that the recall only covered 343 vehicles in total throughout New Zealand.

"The 343 vehicle affected are 1996/97 Galant / Legnum's with automatic transmission and fitted with the optional 'active stability control'," Mr. Biddle said. "If owners believe that may include their vehicle they can check by going to the LTSA website, or by phoning the LTSA on 0800 699 000.
(website - www.ltsa.govt.nz/vehicle-safety/alerts/index.html .)

"The AA has spoken to Mitsubishi New Zealand this morning and has been assured that anyone who purchased their vehicle from a Mitsubishi dealer will be fully supported with both parts and labour provided free of charge, and, if necessary, a loan vehicle will be provided.

"Similarly anyone buying from a non Mitsubishi dealer should contact their dealer who we believe has an obligation to provide similar support under the Consumer Guarantee Act," he said.

"Owners who purchased their vehicles privately should contact a Mitsubishi dealer to arrange for the required repairs to be carried out, however in these cases owners will not be covered by the Consumer Guarantee Act. Mitsubishi New Zealand will provide the parts only for these vehicles at no cost to owners."

Mr. Biddle said this recall was a result of Mitsubishi Motors in Japan not declaring these problems earlier. "Normally recalls take place in a much shorter time frame and in these cases vehicles imported into New Zealand would already have countermeasure parts fitted.

"This issue does raise serious questions of how to identify second hand imported vehicles in future which have been subjected to a recall campaign overseas. Second-hand imports make up two-thirds of first-time vehicle sales in New Zealand, but are not covered in the same way as new vehicles. New Vehicle importers have a voluntary system in place that protects consumers in the event of a recall. We would strongly urge the Government to consider ways to implement a similar system for used imports.

ENDS

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