Proton has announced that it will be recalling some 94,577 vehicles in Malaysia over a faulty CFE oil cooler hose. The car maker said that once the hose has degraded to a certain point, usually around the 40,000 km mark, it has been known to burst in affected vehicles.
The models affected include CFE-powered variants of the Proton Exora (59,663 units), Preve (28,642 units) and the Suprima S (6,290 units). Proton has admitted that a mistake was made when selecting the right material for the oil cooler hose.
The issue is said to occur when the lubricant in the rubber hose turns acidic (corrosive) and the hose itself is subjected to high-temperatures. Proton is considering to replace the faulty rubber hose with a metal unit instead, and claimed that a permanent fix is expected to be ready by the end of the month.
Customers will be informed either via SMS or through mail. For owners of affected vehicles still covered by their warranty, Proton says that the fix will come at no cost to them. For owners of affected vehicles that are no longer covered by the warranty, Proton says that it will only perform the fix for free should your recommended service intervals be adhered to.
Recalls are set to begin by the end of the month, with the national car maker focusing first on vehicles nearest to the 40,000 km mark – being the ones most likely to have their hoses blown out.
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AI-generated Summary ✨
Comments reflect mixed reactions to Proton's recall of the CFE-powered models due to faulty oil cooler hoses, with many emphasizing that the fix should be free regardless of warranty status. Some criticize Proton for slow response, limited parts availability, and perceived lack of responsibility, especially past issues like power window failures and other model problems. Others appreciate Proton finally issuing a recall, viewing it as a responsible move, though some suspect it may be for publicity. Concerns are also raised about the safety implications of the faulty hoses and whether Proton's internal quality control is sufficient. The overall sentiment indicates a hope for better customer service, transparency, and genuine accountability, balanced with skepticism about Proton's motives and past reputation.