Faulty wheel bearing leads to Savvy recall

Proton Holdings Bhd is recalling 34,000 Savvy cars due to a faulty rear wheel-bearing component. During a random check recently, the company found that water could enter the rear wheel-bearing housing, causing the component to malfunction.

The recall comes two years after the launch of the Savvy. The announcement is a blow to Proton, just as it is beginning to close the gap between itself and market leader Perodua. At the end of February, it had some 25.5 per cent of the market, compared with 31.8 per cent for Perodua.Proton did not say how much it will cost to fix the problem. However, local mechanics said a rear wheel-bearing component may cost between RM150 and RM200 each.

This is not the first time that Proton has recalled its cars. In 2005, it recalled 2,996 Waja cars, due to faulty alloy wheels.

All Savvy owners are advised to take their cars to the nearest Proton Edar or EON service branch for an inspection. Proton will make the necessary replacements at no cost to customers.