A widely reported recall of 240,000 Peugeot 307 model cars is specific to Scandinavian markets and an extension, by model year, of a previously announced campaign, a Peugeot UK spokesman told just-auto on Thursday.
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An Associated Press (AP) report earlier in today said Peugeot would be recalling the cars in northern Europe in September because of possible problems with the antilock brake and electronic stability systems.
Peugeot spokeswoman Martine Faucon told AP that a defect found in waterproofing could lead to short-circuiting in the antilock brake system and electronic stability programme.
“It is a water ingress-related problem,” Peugeot UK spokesman Kevin Jones confirmed. “We have had no reports of this problem but are continuing to monitor it.”
AP noted this was the third such recall in three years for the 307, all linked to short-circuit risks.
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By GlobalDataJones said the problem had previously been identified in Scandanavian markets and been the subject of an earlier recall programme. The latest recall effectively extended the model years affected, he said.
“It’s a pre-emptive measure. There are no short-term problems with the car,” Faucon told the Associated Press. She said the cars would be recalled in September to allow the company time to ship new parts to the countries affected.
According to the news agency, Peugeot said 80,000 of the cars to be recalled are in Germany and other countries affected include Denmark and other Scandinavian nations, though not France.
Peugeot could not provide a figure for the expected costs of the recall, AP added.
The Associated Press said Peugeot a year ago recalled 10,500 French-made 307s in Denmark because of a possible fault in part of the electronic stability programme, which automatically adjusts braking for each individual wheel to improve control in dangerous conditions.
That recall followed the discovery of short circuits in two vehicles that could pose a fire risk. Peugeot at the time was reported to have linked the problem to humid conditions and sprinkling of salt on Danish roads to prevent ice.
In 2005, Peugeot blamed Scandinavian weather and road-salting when it recalled 60,000 307s after nine cars burst into flames, AP added.
Here in the UK, the 307, first launched here in 2001, is known for numerous problems and electrical gremlins, particularly earlier models.
The car buyers guide website honestjohn.co.uk says the 307 was a “shocking” fourth from bottom of 100 models for reliability in consumer magazine Auto Express’ 2002 survey. It was also third from bottom out of 137 models in the 2003 Top Gear magazine survey and third bottom model in the 2004 JD Power customer satisfaction survey.
Reported problems have included total power failures, total (multiplex) electrical failures, trip computer failures, service indicator failures, poor starting, brake pedals falling off, steering column stalk malfunctions, splits in seat covers, rattles, screen leaks and cracked windscreens, the website says.
