Proton makes third recall

Proton makes third recall

KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): Malaysia's Perusahaan Otomobil Nasional Bhd (Proton) recalled on Friday all 42,000 units of its Perdana cars for inspections of the lateral lower arm assembly, the carmaker's third recall in seven months.

Proton is recalling all Perdana cars produced since the model was introduced in 1995 following a massive recall by Japan's Mitsubishi Motor Corp, the main supplier of engines and component to Malaysia's No. 1 carmaker.

The inspection of Perdana cars, Proton's most expensive model, involves a component of the lateral lower arm assembly.

"Possible penetration of muddy water may cause rust and result in the accelerated wear of the ball joint," the company said.

"Under extreme but rare condition, the ball joint may become dislodged and could result in reduced control of the car."

The component will be replaced at no charge, the company said.

The retail price of a ball joint is about 600 ringgit ($158).

The move marks the third time in seven months the national carmaker has asked customers to send their vehicles back for inspections.