HYUNDAI is notifying customers that Excel cars
built between August 1994 and March 15, 1996, may be affected by a faulty spot weld in the
sub-frame at the front of the car. "Hyundai is deeply concerned at any issue that
may affect our owners and has been investigating this issue rigorously with the
responsible authority, the Federal Office of Road Safety (FORS)," said Hyundai
general manager - public relations, Patrick Lyons.
"We believe the chances of a problem occurring are remote. In the unlikely event
that a vehicle has a problem, the condition would not result in a loss of ability by the
driver to control the vehicle.
"The steering would become progressively heavier and there would be a gradual and
noticeable deterioration in steering performance. If an owner ignored these obvious signs,
a wheel could eventually contact the inner mudguard, leading to noticeable tyre noise. In
an extreme case, this condition could eventually prevent the car being driven at
all."
"If any owner recognises the symptoms described above or is concerned that their
car may be affected, they should contact our toll-free number 1-800 701 102 or their
nearest dealer."
Operators will take calls until midnight tonight (AEST) and from 8 a.m. (AEST)
tomorrow, advising owners whether they need to take further action. Inspection of the car
and any related servicing will be conducted free of charge to owners.
"FORS stated publicly today that it has not asked us to conduct a recall because
the investigation is continuing," Mr Lyons said.
"In the meantime, we are contacting all owners of Excel cars built in that period
to give them the facts and reassure them.
"It must be stressed that cars built since March 15, 1996, are not affected by
this potential problem. Importantly, there have been no reports of accidents or injuries
due to the sub-frame issue.
Hyundai sold around 46,000 Excels during the period of mid-1994 to mid-1996. Hyundai
has repaired 46 units (one-tenth of one per cent of cars sold in this period) and made
precautionary modifications to 178 cars where vehicles were used under harsh conditions.
Only seven cases affecting RHD vehicles have been reported elsewhere in the world.
"At all times, we have co-operated with the Federal Office of Road Safety in this
matter and we are proceeding under the industry’s long-established code of
practice," Mr Lyons said.
"Hyundai has already told the Federal Office of Road Safety that we will inspect
vehicles during the next normal service or at the next visit to a Hyundai dealership. This
inspection, and any preventative action that might be required, will be carried out with
no charge to owners."
