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Manufacturers including BMW, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), Peugeot and Citroen have issued recalls via the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) for various models over issues ranging from defective airbags to failing windscreen wiper motors.
FCA Australia has recalled 9563 Jeep Grand Cherokees built between 2012 and 2014, and the Chrysler 300 built between 2011 and 2014, over a problem with the alternator.
The fault comes from diode thermal fatigue due to cyclical loads induced by the electro-hydraulic power steering.
If a failure occurs, it can lead to the vehicle stalling unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash.
Alternatively, failed diodes can develop a short circuit leading to heat, smoke or fire from within the alternator.
The fault stems from moisture intrusion to the gas generator of the airbag, which can rupture in the event of a deployment.
FCA Australia has also recalled 9897 Dodge Journeys and Fiat Freemonts built between 2011 and 2015, over a defective steering wheel wire harness.
The harness might become trapped between a tab on the steering wheel plastic back cover and edge of the horn plate, which can cause the edge of the horn plate to rub through the wire insulation.
This can create an electrical short circuit causing the driver airbag to deploy, increasing the risk of a crash and injury.
BMW has called back 21,649 X5 and X6 large SUV built between 2007 and 2012 over a defective Takata-branded airbag.
The German manufacturer issued an identical recall for the same vehicles in late July, however this recall concerns the front passenger airbag, as opposed to the driver airbag in the previous recall.
As with defective Takata airbags, the fault stems from moisture intrusion to the gas generator of the airbag, which can rupture in the event of a deployment.
This can lead to metal shrapnel being propelled into the cabin, increasing the risk of injury to passengers.
The recall concerns a mix of alpha and beta bags, after an initial recall was announced in June 2015.
Also caught up in the Takata scandal is Mazda, who has issued a secondary round of recalls for its Mazda6 mid-sizer, RX-8 sportscar and BT-50 pick-up sold between August 22, 2002 and June 28, 2011.
Two types of defective Takata bags exist: ‘alpha’ airbags, which were not produced to design standards, and ‘beta’ airbags, which are to design standards but prone to future degradation.
The recall concerns a mix of alpha and beta bags, after an initial recall was announced in June 2015. The current recall is a follow up to the 2015 episode.
Peugeot and Citroen have issued identical recalls for 2241 Peugeot 4008s and 252 Citroen C4 Air Cross small SUVs over a defective windscreen wiper motor venting device.
Concerning C4 Air Crosses sold between June 2012 and November 2013 and 4008s from June 2012 to January 2014, the fault can allow water intrusion into the wiper motor, causing corrosion and motor failure.
This can lead to decreased visibility and increased risk of an accident.
In all cases, known owners will be contacted by the respective manufacturers, where they can arrange an inspection and repair at their preferred dealership.
Those looking for additional information can do so on the ACCC’s Product Safety website.
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