Defective airbags or automatic clutch units at fault
More than 7,000 Hino 300 Series vehicles are being recalled over airbag or clutch issues.
Up to 6,963 have been issued notices as part of the wider Takata airbag recall, in which a combination of high temperatures and humidity can cause an ageing airbag inflator propellant to degrade.
If an affected vehicle is involved in a collision, triggering the airbag, the metal inflator housing may explode or rupture under too much internal pressure, possibly propelling metal fragments through the cushion and at occupants, which can be fatal.
Hino was involved in a round of Takata-related recalls last year. Read more here
A further 353 vehicles are being recalled with automatic clutch unit (ACU) issues.
“The ACU has two motors that operate the clutch. The ACU motor may not operate correctly if wear occurs on the internal brush. If one motor fails, the other can compensate for this and continue to operate the clutch system,” the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) says.
“In this situation the ACU may not function correctly, due to the ACU control software being unable to account for changes to the ACU motors operating characteristics.
“If the ACU is unable to operate, a warning light in the vehicle may appear and the vehicle may not operate. This poses an accident risk and serious injury to occupants of the vehicle and other road users.”
Owners of affected vehicles are advised to visit their local Hino dealership.
A list of VINs for the airbags can be found here, and the ACUs here.