Popular Mitsubishi ute recalled

A strong-selling utility that has found favour with Kiwi families as well as the workforce is being recalled for a potential suspension fault.

Every Mitsubishi Triton built between October 2006 and January 2009 - thought to be around 3000 vehicles in New Zealand - is affected by the action.

The focus is on the possibility of a loose bolt that could lead to suspension failure. The potential for this occurring is thought to be minor.

Daniel Cook, product spokesman for Porirua-based Mitsubishi Motors New Zealand (MMNZ), says there had been no reported instances of the issue here.

The Triton was Mitsubishi's second-biggest seller in New Zealand.

Mitsubishi said the affected Tritons may not have had their bolts attaching the ball joints to the upper suspension arms tightened well enough.

The official recall notice claims: "Bolts may become loose in service resulting in excessive suspension noise (knocking) and in the worst case the ball joint may become detached from the suspension arm resulting in the vehicle being unable to be driven".

Mr Cook said MMNZ was working to establish full ownership details from the transport registry. It would then contact owners and ask that they see a Mitsubishi dealer for the repairs, for which there would be no charge.

"Basically, they will check that the bolt is tight and, if it is not, it will be tightened. It's a precautionary measure," Mr Cook said.

It is the third vehicle recall here in recent weeks, following actions involving a handful of Lexus LS limousines (for a steering issue) and 138 examples of the latest Subaru Legacy and Outback 2.0-litre petrol models with a continuously variable transmission. Subaru identified potential for a transmission oil leak.

Ford New Zealand was spared a recall announced in Australia of its Territory SUV, due to a fault eerily reminiscent of the jammed accelerator issue that has caused Toyota grief. Ford's issue has been traced to a floormat that is not supplied here.

- NZPA