ACCC issues defective tow-bar recall
A recall safety alert has been issued over potential cracking of PIAK brand aftermarket tow-bars fitted to Mitsubishi QE Pajero Sport models.
Owners of Mitsubishi QE Pajero Sport models built between May 2016 and November 2019 and equipped with aftermarket tow-bars have been urged to check the details of the tow-bars due to a potential cracking issue.
The ACCC issued the recall alert via its Product Safety Australia website advising that PIAK brand tow-bars suitable for the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and sold by Bapcor retail outlets trading as Opposite Lock Stores, Autobarn and online were potentially defective.
The alert advises that the left and right tow-bar attachment bracket may crack causing the tow-bar to detach from the vehicle.
The ACCC said if this were to happen while the vehicle was towing, there would be a loss of vehicle and trailer control which could result in the injury or death of vehicle occupants and other road users.
The affected PIAK brand tow-bars are designed to suit Mitsubishi QE Pajero Sport models built between May 2016 and November 2019.
The tow-bars were sold by Bapcor Retail outlets between 1 October 2019 and 31 May 2022 and can be identified by their parts numbers, which are located on the underside of the tow-bar on the driver’s side.
The affected parts numbers are:
- PK210NOCMPS16
- PK210NMBCMPS16
- PK210MBCMPS16
- PK210OCMPS16
- PK211MBCMPS16
- PK211OCMPS16
The ACCC said consumers should immediately stop using the tow-bar and contact the store where they first purchased and/or had the tow-bar fitted to arrange for it to be removed from their vehicle and for a full refund.
RACQ Principal Technical Researcher John Ewing said the Pajero Sport was a popular model for towing and many RACQ members used their vehicles for that purpose.
“Like any safety recall this recall action shouldn’t be ignored,” Mr Ewing said.
“It’s vital that owners of affected vehicles equipped with these faulty tow-bars act immediately in accordance with the recall advice.
"Continued use of the tow-bar could pose a major safety risk to you and other road users.
“If you think your vehicle may be equipped with one of these towbars but aren’t sure, then play it safe and seek advice from the supplier. Be safe rather than sorry.”
For further information consumers should contact Opposite Lock Customer Service by phone on 1300 168 616 (Monday-Friday 8am-5pm), by email at oppositelock-warranty@anaustralia.com.au or via the website.
More articles
Related topics
-
The information in this article has been prepared for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal advice or specific advice to any particular person. Any advice contained in the document is general advice, not intended as legal advice or professional advice and does not take into account any person’s particular circumstances. Before acting on anything based on this advice you should consider its appropriateness to you, having regard to your objectives and needs.
Insurance products (excluding Travel Insurance) are issued by RACQ Insurance Limited ABN 50 009 704 152 (RACQ). Conditions, limits and exclusions apply. This is general advice only and may not be right for you. This information does not take your personal objectives, circumstances or needs into account. Read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and any applicable Supplementary PDS before making a purchase decision on this product. You can also access our Target Market Determinations on this website.
Banking and loan products issued by Members Banking Group Limited ABN 83 087 651 054 AFSL/Australian credit licence 241195 trading as RACQ Bank. Terms, conditions, fees, charges and lending policies apply. This is general advice only and may not be right for you. This information does not take your personal objectives, circumstances or needs into account. Read the disclosure documents for your selected product or service, including the Financial Services Guide and the Terms and Conditions, and consider if appropriate for you before deciding.
Except for RACQ Bank, any RACQ entity referred to on this page is not an authorised deposit-taking institution for the purposes of the Banking Act 1959 (Cth). That entity’s obligations do not represent deposits or other liabilities of RACQ Bank. RACQ Bank does not guarantee or otherwise provide assurance in respect of the obligations of that entity, unless noted otherwise.
RACQ Operations Pty Ltd (ABN 80 009 663 414 AR 000234978) and Members Travel Group Pty Ltd (ABN 45 144 538 803 AR 000432492) are acting as an Authorised Representative of the issuer of the insurance, Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd. (ABN 80 000 438 291 AFSL 246 548). Any advice set out above is general in nature only, and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before purchasing any travel products, please consider the RACQ Travel Insurance Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and the Target Market Determinations (TMDs) that apply to these products. Whilst the PDS outlines the Terms and Conditions of these products, the TMDs outline the intended class of customers that comprise the target market for these travel products. This will allow you to consider which products best suit your objectives, financial situation and needs and consider the products appropriateness to your personal circumstances. TMDs also outline matters involving the distribution and the review of these products. The PDS, Supplementary PDS and TMDs for each travel product can be found here.