Not true: Perodua Axia ‘steering lock’ viral allegations

Remember the “Perodua Axia steering lock” issue that surfaced earlier this year? Looks like the issue is still actively circulating in social networks, because Perodua has just released a statement by its managing director Datuk Dr. Zahari Husin. Below is the statement in full

It has come to our attention that there have been allegations on social media regarding a steering lock issue with our Perodua Axia.

We wish to assure our customers that the allegations on this issue are false as Perodua and several government agencies have conducted detailed investigations on the alleged cases.

We regret that some quarters are actively attacking our brand and we are working with the authorities to identify those involved and we will consider appropriate action deemed fit.

We assure our customers that all our vehicles have undergone strict safety procedures and tests set both by our own quality control mechanism as well as by government agencies such as SIRIM and the Road Transportation Department (JPJ).

Perodua has always ensured that quality and safety are integral parts of all our products, services and processes as we place great value on the wellbeing of our customers and staff.

We always welcome any feedback from our customers and have a dedicated team to solve any issues regarding our products and services, if any.

Thank you.

The original “steering lock” accident happened in Penang in June. According to the driver involved, the accident happened in the rain and when he was driving between 70 to 80 km/h on the Second Penang Bridge. The driver alleged that the steering of his car suddenly “locked” and could not be turned. He slammed on the brakes but it did not function, and the airbags did not deploy after the car hit the road barrier, he claimed. 

Perodua said then that a full diagnostic test was made on the vehicle (an Axia E MT) following the accident, and results revealed steering, braking and airbag systems that were functioning normally. The company said that it has yet to receive any complaint of this nature after selling over 200,000 units of the Axia since September 2014.

The Rawang-based carmaker also pointed out that all four tyres of the crashed Axia were bald, with three of them having just 1 mm of tread depth left. The reason the airbags did not deploy in this case could be because of the weak frontal impact or that the crash impact has been absorbed by the car’s structure.

- Source: paultan.org | 17 November 2016