/ 11 November 2010

Mitsubishi to recall 250 000 vehicles in Japan

Japan’s fourth-largest car-maker, Mitsubishi Motors, will recall about 250 000 vehicles in Japan due to engine oil leaks, the transport ministry said on Thursday.

The recall will cover seven small models, such as the family-sized eK Wagon, as well as two models produced for the Nissan Motor brand, the Otti and Clipper.

A total of 247 663 units will be recalled, according to the ministry.

Mitsubishi said a faulty engine part could trigger an oil leakage and light up the oil pressure gauge on the dashboard.

“Continued use may cause parts inside the engine to burn and the vehicle may cease to operate,” Mitsubishi said.

The recall covers vehicles produced from November 2003 through August 2005, the company said.

Japan’s top car-makers have seen thousands of recalls in recent months, none more affected than Toyota, the world’s biggest, which has pulled about 12-million units over the past year.

Last week Toyota announced a recall of almost 136 000 compact cars in Japan and Europe to fix a steering problem, the latest in a series of issues that have tarnished its once-stellar reputation.

In October Nissan Motor said it was recalling more than 2,1-million cars globally due to a faulty engine control system, in one of its biggest ever single recalls. — AFP