Great Wall ute recalled again
Second safety recall in six months for Chinese-made uteThe Great Wall Motors V240 ute is being recalled for the second time in six months -- this time because of a potentially faulty handbrake.
The latest recall affects 2514 vehicles, and follows the recall of about 2300 Great Wall utes in December 2009, because of a potential seatbelt retractor failure.
This latest problem was identified after the handbrake on a Great Wall ute in Tasmania disengaged and the vehicle rolled backwards into a gate. No-one was injured.
According to a spokesman for Great Wall Motors in Australia, the handbrake on the V240 ute can disengage if the handbrake is "bumped with some force" laterally.
Typically, the handbrake, located left of the driver's lower seat cushion, is pulled upwards. According to the company, the handbrake on the cheaper SA220 ute is not affected.
The handbrake problem was detected after Great Wall Motors' service and after-sales manager noticed a number of handbrake items being ordered by dealers, but it is unknown how many customers complained of a handbrake failure.
A spokesman for Great Wall Motors also said the vehicle's Owner's Handbook advises customers to also engage the car in gear while it is parked.
The replacement handbrake parts are being air-freighted to Australia from China, the local distributor said.
"We are taking every step to have the issue rectified as swiftly as possible, and with the least possible inconvenience to our customers," says Daniel Cotterill, the spokesman for Great Wall Motors in Australia.
In addition to receiving a new handbrake assembly, the owner of the V240 ute that rolled backwards into a gate had the body damage to his vehicle repaired under warranty.
Meanwhile, in other recent recall news:
- Chrysler is recalling three Dodge Calibers sold locally, for a possible sticking accelerator;
- Mazda is recalling more than 21,000 BT-50 utes because the bonnet latch may disengage on bumpy roads;
- Mitsubishi is inspecting more than 200 Evo X sedans for potential clutch fluid leaks;
- Volvo is recalling 40 of its XC90 softroaders (powered by a 3.2-litre petrol engine) for a potentially defective fuel line leak that could lead to an engine bay fire.
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