Japanese automaker Daihatsu issues recall for more than 190,000 vehicles

Daihatsu Motor has filed a recall notice with Japan’s transport ministry for about 191,000 vehicles. The notice cites a fault that could cause breakage of suspension springs and possible tire punctures.

The recall covers six models manufactured between August 2016 and October 2018 and also supplied to other automakers.

Models affected are the Hijet, and Hijet Deck Van popularly used in Nigeria for commercial transport. Others are Move Canbus and those under the Subaru brand are the Sambar and Sambar Open Deck. The sixth model is Toyota’s Pixis Van.

Japan’s transport ministry says the coating on the springs has the potential to corrode and lead to breakage. In a worst case scenario, a broken spring could come in contact with a tire and cause a puncture.

The ministry says it has received no reports of accidents so far, but 608 cases of defects have been reported.

Daihatsu and the other companies say they will replace the parts free of charge at dealerships nationwide, starting Friday.

Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd. is a Japanese automobile manufacturer that specializes in compact cars and mini vehicles.

Founded in 1907 as a joint venture between academia and industry, Daihatsu is one of the oldest Japanese manufacturers of internal combustion engines. In 2016, Daihatsu became a subsidiary of Toyota Motor Corporation.