Warning on Vehicle Rust Inhibitors

The Office of Fair Trading is warning the motor industry of certain types of electronic rust inhibitors which may still be found in vehicles across the State, despite being previously recalled.

A voluntary recall of the rust inhibitors occurred nationwide in June 2012 for products that were sold between 30 September 2008 and 31 December 2010. Details are available from the Recalls Australia website. Despite the recall, it is believed there are still thousands of vehicles with unsafe rust inhibitors in them, many of which are in Queensland.The recall was undertaken because the inhibitors didn’t have a fuse fitted. Under some circumstances, this can cause the electrical wiring to overheat and catch fire. This missing external fuse would provide an additional fail-safe should a short circuit occur.The warning comes after a Queensland consumer’s motor vehicle caught fire, with one of the recalled rust inhibitors thought to be the cause. The car was not running at the time, and fortunately the fire was quickly extinguished before it could spread and cause further damage. The inhibitor devices run off the battery, so they pose a danger even when a vehicle is not running.

Having purchased the car second-hand, the consumer was unaware a recalled rust inhibitor was fitted to it. Products that were included in the recall were sold under the following brand names:

• Motor One Ruststopper

• Computerised Corrosion Inhibitor

• Defense Pak Electronic Corrosion Inhibitor

• Six Star Computerised Electronic Corrosion Inhibitor.

The OFT urges both motor dealers and consumers who had their cars fitted with electronic rust inhibitors between 2008 and 2010 to confirm they do not have one of the recalled products.If a rust inhibitor is present, it is recommended you contact the supplier to arrange a repair under the recall. You can contact the recall hotline on 1800 909 577 (10am to 6pm AEST Monday to Friday) for further instructions.Any products suspected of being unsafe can be reported to OFT at www.qld.gov.au/fairtrading or by calling 13 QGOV (13 74 68).