MG Motor Australia has announced a nationwide safety recall for plug-in hybrid versions of the MG HS mid-size SUV, more than 5000 examples of which are at risk of an internal vehicle fire.
The recall affects a total of 5168 examples of both PHEV and Plus EV versions of the MG HS, which will be facelifted this year, built between February 1, 2021 and March 21, 2023.
The MG HS PHEV was rebadged and sold as the HS Plus EV (+EV) when the Chinese car-maker re-jigged its medium SUV line-up and launched a more affordable variant of the electrified SUV in 2022.
According to parent company SAIC Motor Corporation, a manufacturing fault is to blame for the recall, which involves only those plug-in hybrid vehicles; petrol-only versions of the MG HS are unaffected.
“Due to a manufacturing defect, the carpet underlay may be positioned between the nut and the electrical ground stud,” said the recall notice.
“If the nut detaches over time due to vibrations whilst driving, it could cause the wiring beneath the floor to overheat and it may result in a fire inside the vehicle.
“A vehicle fire could increase the risk of injury or death to vehicle occupants, other road users or bystanders.”
MG says it has already started to contact affected owners, who are being asked to arrange a free inspection and, where necessary, rectification of their vehicle at an MG dealership.
Go to the Product Safety Australia website here to view the recall notice or check the list of affected VINs.