Many defective cars reported to CAP

MotorVehicle Consumer Group

Other Defective Motor Vehicles

FOR about two decades now, CAP has been receiving complaints from disgruntled purchasers about their brand-new but defective cars. These include:

Five cases of new cars with self-shattering windscreens. The cars were being driven at a steady speed when it happened (in one case at about 10 miles per hour). In one instance, the car was not even moving! (1978 and 1981 cases).
The Toyota Starlet which burst into flames. The fire had originated from under the dashboard (1982 case).
The Mercedes Benz whose brakes "suddenly stopped working" as the car was coming down the steep Cameron Highlands road. The car landed in a ditch a total wreck. The occupants miraculously escaped unhurt (1987 case).
The many complaints from owners of the Nissan Bluebird 1.8 SE and 2.01 regarding the uncontrollable brakes; the lack of stability and difficulty in controlling the car ("It bounces even on flat roads. The car skids whenever I reach a bend or a roundabout") strong vibrations; noise from the engine and dashboard; lack of power signs of rusting, etc (1990 cases).
Brand-new Daihatsu Hijet 1300 with defective meters, rear windscreen defrost system and sliding door. Van also leaked in various places (1992 case).
The one-week-old BMW 520i(M) which wouldn't start. Other defects include "explosions followed by copious white smoke" when starting; backfiring; jerking and vibrations ( 1993 case).
The BMW 318i(A) which started "making a lot of noise" just three days after purchase. A few months later, the aircond resistor became defective. The brakes were also noisy. Condition of car did not improve despite repairs and replacements (1994 case).
The owner of a BMW 520i who was asked to fork out RM4,000 to replace the trimmings. on the four doors which were jutting out. The upholstery on the doors also became loose (1994 case).
Volvo 860 GL with irreparable left drift and Volvo Turbo 740 with a myriad of mechanical problems (the steering wheel wobbled and emitted a knocking sound, the brake master pump became defective, the horn could not work at certain angles humming noise from front wheels, propeller drive shaft rattled at low speed etc). Both cases were reported to CAP in 1994.
The Mitsubishi Pajero with "terrible rattling sound when turning", noisy air-cond which leaked humming sound from engine, seats and other parts which became rusty or squeaked (1994 case).
Another supposedly brand-new Mitsubishi Pajero with very poor quality paintwork that was not only flaking off but had paint drips, dust particulates and bubbles on the surface of the bodywork. Leaking aircond blower fan and front gear box (1993 case).
Proton Wira 1 6XL which had to have its defective parts (including the compressor assembly the gear and link assembly and the magnetic clutch) replaced at a cost of over RM3,000 after just 16 months ( 1995 case).
Six-month-old Proton Wira with self-shattering windscreen (1995 case).
Proton Iswaras with defective air-cond, rattling sound in the back seat unbearable engine noise sluggish pick-up defective tachometer, noisy shock absorbers and air-cond (cases reported in August 1995 UK).
Perodua Rusa 1.3GX with steering problems since Day One. Problem persisted despite several visits to the Perodua Service Centre. Van was badly damaged when it zigzagged dangerously along the road, spun round suddenly and landed in an irrigation canal. The owner having lost faith in the Perodua Rusa, returned his van for a full refund of the deposit (1997 case).
Another so-called brand-new Perodua Rusa van broke down while the proud new owner was driving home after taking delivery of it. After the mechanic opened up the engine, it was obvious the engine wasn't new (interior was black as soot and water was splashing into the engine). Van was also leaking back screen wiper was malfunctioning, the rubber (door) lining was ill-fitting and the paintwork had come out (1997 case).
The left rear wheel of a new Isuzu lorry came off, causing the driver to lose control. The driver was injured and the lorry badly damaged ( 1997 case).

This website is sponsored by the MotorVehicle Consumer Group

Source: Consumers' Association of Penang, Malaysia
April 1998 Vol 28 No.6

To find out more about automobile news, check out Deja News

This website is designed and maintained by the MotorVehicle Consumer Group.

Disclaimer: All the information printed on this website are to be used for your personal entertainment viewing only. Most of the information gathered here are compilation from the Consumer Association of Penang publication. We are not affiliated with Volvo and Consumer Association of Penang or with any other automobile manufacturers.