Mazda, Tesla, Mitsubishi, Peugeot, Citroen models recalled

The Australasian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has announced another set of national safety recalls, with models from Mazda, Tesla, Mitsubishi, Peugeot and Citroen impacted.

Mazda Australia has called back two of its models, with 391 current-generation Mazda2 light cars – 185 hatches and 206 sedans – and 314 CX-3 small SUVs affected, all of which were on sale from June 13, 2016 to May 26, 2017.

Both vehicles are impacted by the same problem, as the surface finish on the brake hose clips could have been damaged during installation. Therefore, they may rust and break, possibly causing brake fluid to leak – which would decrease braking performance.

Meanwhile, Tesla Australia has recalled 469 units of its 2017 model year Model X all-electric SUV – sold between January 20 and June 9 this year – over an issue with the passenger front airbag.

Right-hand drive versions of the car use a restraint control module (RCM) to operate airbag deployment, with an occupant required to be sensed for the passenger front airbag to engage in an accident. 

However, affected vehicles have an issue with the sensor communicating occupancy correctly to the RCM, which could lead to this particular airbag not being deployed during a crash – heightening the chance of injury.

Mitsubishi Australia has called back 46,263 (combined) examples of its ZG- and ZH-series Outlander mid-size SUV – on sale from November 28, 2006 to February 28, 2013 – with 2007-2012 model year versions potentially impacted by a windscreen wiper issue.

Water may enter between the bonnet and windscreen in these cars, leading to possible corrosion of the front wiper link ball joint. As a result, the wipers could cease to function if the link separates, which would decrease visibility.

Furthermore, Peugeot Australia has recalled 275 examples of its latest-gen 308 small car – sold between January 2-31, 2015 – for a problem with the front wishbone bolts potentially breaking due to not being manufactured correctly.

In such a situation, the wheels may tilt and result in reduced steering control, posing a possible hazard to the driver and other road users.

Citroen Australia has called back eight C4 Cactus small SUVs – on sale from September 1 to October 31 last year – with the existing model affected by a potential issue with its front bumper bar lower trim finisher having not been secured properly.

If it were to loosen, the front lower trim finisher could fall off, which would then become a danger for other road users.

Impacted Mazda, Mitsubishi, Peugeot and Citroen owners will be contacted directly via mail and advised to go to a preferred dealership for a repair or replacement of the affected part – whichever is necessary – at no charge.

Alternatively, Tesla customers are asked to await an over-the-air firmware update for their cars that will adjust the RCM's behaviour to correct the airbag issue. Drivers are encouraged to install this immediately, rather than delaying it for a later time.

Any interested parties looking for more information on these safety notices – including a full list of impacted Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN) – can search the ACCC's Product Safety Australia website.

Has your vehicle been affected by this round of safety recalls? Tell us in the comments below.