10,000 Mirage city cars recalled over gauge
Mitsubishi has announced a recall for more than 10,000 Mirage city cars sold in Thailand, to correct a failure in the vehicle
This follows 11 reported cases of electronic-fuel-gauge malfunction, including warning-light failure, leading to some drivers unwittingly running out of petrol while on the road.
According to Mitsubishi, the fuel gauge of the affected Mirages could show that there is half a tank of fuel left while in fact there is much less, or no petrol at all.
The auto-maker is advising owners for the time being to maintain the fuel level at more than half a tank, in which case the gauge will perform accurately.
Improved replacement parts, which have been quality-inspected, will be provided starting next month. Customers will be contacted again to set up an appointment for a free replacement at their dealership.
Nobuyuki Murahashi, president of Mitsubishi Motors Thailand, yesterday said there had been no reported accidents due to the failure.
“But for the safety of customers, everyone whose Mirage has been delivered will be invited to a service centre for an inspection. If a problem is found, then it can be dealt with right away,” he said.
The recall does not affect other Mirages, including those that are exported. Mitsubishi recently commenced shipments from Thailand to Japan and Brunei.
Some 12,000 Mirages have been produced in Thailand to date, with 10,300 of them already delivered to customers.
According to Mitsubishi, about 7,600 cars are suspected of carrying the fuel-gauge defect.
The Mirage is made under the government’s eco-car programme, which provides auto-makers with investment privileges and a low excise duty.
Other eco-cars are Nissan’s Almera and March, Honda’s Brio, and the Suzuki Swift. Toyota, the largest auto-maker in the country, is due to launch its eco-car next year.
Mirage owners can call the Mitsubishi hotline for more information at (02) 529 9500.
