Mitsubishi recalls eight NZ models

By JASON COLLIE transport reporter

At least 13,000 New Zealand cars will be caught up in Mitsubishi's worldwide recall.

The Japanese company's New Zealand arm yesterday issued a list of eight models it is recalling to check and repair 10 faults, two of which are safety related.

Mitsubishi New Zealand managing director John Leighton said steering could be significantly affected if rubber dust covers were faulty on thousands of Galants. Brake hoses on Pajeros were also prone to breaking.

Many of the other faults would stop the vehicle running, but were not considered a safety hazard, he said.

Owners are being traced by the company and the Independent Motor Vehicle Dealers' Association.

Mitsubishi has set up a free-call number for consumers (0800 666-669, during work hours).

It is estimated 6554 New Zealand-new cars and at least as many Japanese imports will be involved in one of the biggest and most complex vehicle recalls in the country's history.

It follows the recall of more than 500,000 vehicles in Japan after the Transport Ministry there found Mitsubishi had failed to report 10,000 customer complaints to officials.

Mr Leighton said it was a huge recall and repairs could be delayed because of the worldwide demand for parts.

He could not say whether motorists would lose the use of their vehicles for long periods.

"We will be using our best endeavours to ensure that does not happen, but I can't give any categorical undertakings," Mr Leighton said.

"The thing that is unique this time is having 10 [faults] at one time."

Many vehicles would not need repairs. Mitsubishi would pay for inspections and new parts.

The association is tracing the owners of Japanese imports.

Chairman John Nicholls said he did not know how long it would take.

Mitsubishi was the fourth-largest brand of used vehicles imported last year, with more than 11,000.

"There is no imminent danger, from what we see, to anybody," said Mr Nicholls. "We have never handled anything as complex and covering so many models simultaneously."

Mr Leighton said the New Zealand division had received the first information about affected models only yesterday.

Some truck models might be recalled when more information was available, but it was unlikely to affect New Zealand-new models.