Mitsubishi in local recalls

DESPITE earlier claims that a recall in Japan had no relevance here, Mitsubishi Australia now says several local cars have been afflicted by similar problems.

Mitsubishi Australia's managing director, Mr Tom Phillips, said yesterday the Pajero brake hose problem reported in Japan had already been the subject of a recall in Australia.

About 80 per cent of owners have already had their cars fixed since being first notified in July, 1996, and the company is still following up outstanding owners.

The Lancer/Mirage crankshaft pulley bolt problem has also previously been reported in Australia.

But it had been treated as a field service fix and of the 10,600 Australian cars, 50 per cent have already been rectified since the campaign started in December, 1997.

Mitsubishi says this will now be treated as a recall and the normal follow-up procedure implemented with the outstanding affected owners.

The company says about 2000 Galants sold in Australia will also be subject to a recall because of a possible problem with the lower suspension arm.

The normal recall procedure will be implemented and the owners of affected vehicles notified directly, according to Mitsubishi.