Hino 700 owners with affected truck models have been urged to take their truck in for an inspection at a dealership or risk having an accident.
Owners of Hino 700 series prime mover trucks from years 2020-2022 are being strongly encouraged to make an appointment with their local dealer for an inspection following a recall notice.
A recall was issued on the 4th of May by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts after the Japanese truck maker identified a manufacturing defect that may affect the wiring harness.
The affected model variants are the FS1A, FS1E, FY1E, SS1E while the VIN numbers to check against are REC-005665.
The statement reads: “Due to a manufacturing defect, there is a possibility that the wiring harness retaining bracket on the front drive (R1) axle housing may interfere with the suspension lateral rod in certain severe operating environments. The lateral rod may sustain damage due to frequent impact with the wiring harness boss.”
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The department warns that in the worst-case scenario, this type of defect could cause the lateral rod on the trucks to fail effecting the stability of the vehicles.
With vehicle control compromised the government warns there is an increased risk of a serious accident occurring, resulting in injury or even death for vehicles occupants and other road users.
Being such a serious defect, the department has encouraged all truck owners and operators with affected models to make an appointment local Hino dealer to have the harness retaining bracket on the front drive (R1) axle housing relocated.
An inspection by a dealership may result in the lateral rod and/or R1 axle housing being inspected and replaced, depending on the damage condition.