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