No big deal to recall PROTON car

PROTON, no big deal to recall cars because you are not the first one.

Nowaday it is uncommon to hear "recalling car" by manufacturer. Proton followed other big players from the world, by recalling their cars, Satria Neo and Gen2 (2004 - 2008).

The problem has been identified, a clock spring malfunction. Bravo job well done by Proton, which found the fault before any untoward incident happen.

The Clock Spring connects the switches and airbag in the steering wheel to the radio, horn and cruise control.

According to Proton's MD, Datuk Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir, the actual number of cars being recalled is small - 15,911 units, or 2%, of the 660,000 cars produced during the 4-year period.

He said, "Although the number is small, the safety of our customers is paramount and we apologize for any inconvenience caused,” and asked for customers' understanding that the recall is necessary to ensure their continue confidence in the safety and performance of their cars.

Financial wise, according to OSK Research said assuming that all the cars were affected, the repairs, which would involve replacement of the driver’s side airbags, would cost RM300 to RM400 per car.

“Assuming a worse-case scenario that would affect all 15,911 cars relating to deployment of the driver’s side airbags, this could see the total costs of the recall hovering between RM4mil and RM5mil, which is 1.4% of our financial year 2011 (net profit) forecast.” Proton shareholders would be relieved to hear it.




Recent inspections by PROTON engineers have revealed irregular performance in Clock Spring components of the Proton Gen.2 1.6 A/T and Satria Neo 1.6 A/T models equipped with the auto-cruise function, manufactured between April, 2004 to June, 2008.
The irregular performance of the Clock Spring can lead to various instances:

1. Noises when turning the steering wheel.
2. Unintentional triggering of the car horn.
3. Malfunction of car audio remote button on the steering wheels.
4. Self-deployment of the air bag.
5. Unable to start car due to short circuit of the electronic components.

PROTON i-care hotline: 1300-880-888