Chinese watchdog makes sweeping auto recalls

Visitors try out a Toyota Vios at Chengdu auto show in Chengdu city, capital of Sichuan province, on Aug 29 2014. [Photo / IC]

The General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine announced a massive auto recall on June 25.

The recalls encompass the Sunny, Sylphy, Tiida and Venucia e30 models by Dongfeng Motor Co; Toyota's Vios, Yaris, Corolla and Corolla EX models; Nissan's Teana, Paladin and X-Trail; and Mitsubishi's Lancer Evolution and Zinger. The watchdog made the recalls based on a multitude of quality problems with the models.

More than 500,000 vehicles will be recalled.

The nation's watchdog will also launch a campaign from July 1 to Dec 31 to improve the after-sales services of auto companies. The administration will publicize strict standards on after-sales services and will offer to mediate disputes between auto companies and car owners.

From Aug 25, Dongfeng will recall 38,506 units of its Sunny, Sylphy, Tiida and Venucia e30 models manufactured between July 9, 2013, and Feb 14, 2014, due to a problem with their keyless ignition systems. The ignition button reportedly becomes stuck upon pressing it to start the engine.

Toyota's joint ventures with FAW Tianjin and Guangqi will recall 189,136 units from Sept 25. FAW Tianjin will recall 166,369 units of its Vios, Corolla and Corolla EX models manufactured between April 1, 2007, to Dec 31, 2008, due to the tendency of airbags to tear.

Dongfeng Motor Co and Zhengzhou Nissan will recall 54,713 units of the Teana, Paladin and X-Trail models from Oct 25.

Dongfeng will recall 37,722 units of the Teana manufactured between April 2, 2007, and April 18, 2008.

Zhengzhou Nissan will recall 16,652 units of the Paladin manufactured between April 1, 2007, to Dec 31, 2008.

Nissan China will recall 339 units of the imported X-Trail manufactured between April 2 and Nov 13 of 2007.

The recalls were due to the tendency of airbags to tear and potentially harm passengers. The companies will replace an airbag gas generator.

Mitsubishi China will recall 35 units of the imported Lancer Evolution manufactured between March 6 and June 16 of 2007.

Dongnan (Fujian) Auto Co will recall 327 units of the Zinger manufactured between Jan 18 and Dec 31 of 2008.

In both the Lancer and the Zinger, humid air gets into the airbag. The company will replace the airbag gas generator.