Citroen recalls 1040 C4 Picassos in Australia

CITROEN is recalling 1040 C4 Picasso people-movers in Australia because the starter motor wiring harness might wear through, potentially resulting in an electrical fault and fire.

The recall, part of a world-wide campaign, affects cars fitted with the 2.0-litre diesel engine built between 2008 and 2010.

Citroen Australia public relations manager Edward Rowe told GoAuto that the company had received no local reports of incidents relating to the issue.

A list of vehicle identification numbers (VIN) for affected cars has been published on the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) recall website www.recalls.gov.au.

The website describes the potential defect as: “On affected vehicles there may be some partial long-term wear due to rubbing of the starter motor harness. This could lead to an electrical fault, posing a potential fire hazard.”

Owners of affected vehicles are encouraged to contact their local Citroen dealer to arrange for inspection and repairs to be done.

Mr Rowe said Ateco was notifying customers affected by the recall “in the normal way required by law”.

In June, Citroen recalled 42 C3 and DS3 hatchbacks in Australia over a potential problem with the anti-lock braking and electronic stability control system that could cause reduced steering control during braking.

A small number of C3s were also recalled in August 2011 due to a possible fault with the engine’s air unit fixing bracket.

The previous-generation C4 small car was recalled twice last year over potentially faulty tailgate wiring and brake assist problems and the C5 mid-sizer was recalled four times in 2011 for various issues.

Citroen sales in Australia were up 21.8 per cent to the end of August with 1168 units leaving showrooms, of which 102 were C4 Picassos – representing a slide of 46.6 per cent.