National carmaker Proton Holdings Bhd has announced a voluntary recall of its Gen2 and Satria Neo cars made between 2004 and 2008 due to a clock spring malfunction that raises potential safety concerns.
The voluntary recall, which is part of its Global Quality Assurance programme, affects 15,911 (two per cent) of 660,000 cars produced and sold over the four-year period.
The clock spring connects switches and airbag to the radio, horn and cruise control.
“Although the number is small, the safety of our customers is paramount and we apologise for any inconvenience caused,” its Group Managing Director Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir said in a statement here today.
Routine tests identified irregularities with the clock spring such as friction noise within the steering wheel, activation of horn or car lights without warning, audio control switch malfunction, and in extreme cases, deployment of the driver side airbag.
“We hope our customers understand that this recall is necessary to ensure their continued confidence in the safety and performance of their vehicles,” he added.
Owners of the affected models can contact any authorised Proton service centre, to book an appointment for a free check-up.
All labour and parts costs related to the replacement of the clock spring will be provided at no charge at Proton’s authorised service centres nationwide.
Proton will be sending letters to affected customers notifying them of the matter.
At the same time, PROTON has set up a dedicated website, www.protonaftersales.com to help customers check the manufacture year for their vehicles.
– Bernama
