√Isuzu D-Max and MU-X structural failures, faulty diesel filters in legal spotlight

Isuzu Ute Australia could face a class-action lawsuit for historical faults – such as cracked underbody structures and faulty diesel filters – on vehicles sold five years ago.

Approximately 90,000 examples of the Isuzu D-Max ute and MU-X four-wheel drive wagon sold in Australia from 2017 to 2019 are the focus of a potential class-action lawsuit, following reports of structural underbody cracks and faulty diesel filters.

Legal firm Bannister Law is canvassing current owners – and former owners – of the previous generation Isuzu MU-X and D-Max, whose vehicles may have developed structural cracks in the engine bay.

Drive understands more than 100 Isuzu vehicles were known to have developed cracks in the engine compartment and required costly repairs. The law firm says it also wants to hear from Isuzu owners who have experienced clogged diesel particulate filters.

According to the law firm, cracks in structural areas of the engine bay were often associated with the fitment of bull bars, on vehicles driven on corrugated roads.

A statement from Bannister Law says: “The cracking issue might be recurring after the crack has been fixed once. Cracks may show up within an engine bay (on the) inner guards such as near the VIN plate or suspension towers.”

The second concern is related to Isuzu diesel particulate filters (DPF), which are part of the exhaust system.

“DPF issues can be seen in several vehicle makes and models of diesel cars. We have also received reports that the DPF in certain Isuzu D-Max vehicles were not working properly and (the DPF) needed to be replaced, and that the replacement of the DPF cost $ 8770,” the law firm said.

Bannister Law is appealing to owners of affected Isuzu vehicles who may be experiencing these faults, to register their details with the legal firm – and share information about their ownership experience.

Charles Bannister – Principal at Bannister law – told Drive defective particulate filters are a concern for owners and the environment.

“Consumers have statutory guarantees that products should be fit for their purpose, of merchantable quality (free from major defects) and safe,” said Mr Bannister.

“Diesel particulate filters (DPFs) that aren’t working correctly can cause other components to fail prematurely and have the potential to increase fuel consumption and engine damage.”

Bannister Law has previously initiated class action court cases against Toyota, Ford and Volkswagen.

Most recently, Bannister Law initiated a class action against Toyota that culminated in an unprecedented approximate $2 billion payout for 250,000 owners. The case is currently being disputed by the car giant.

Bannister Law acted and filed a Class Action against Ford, regarding PowerShift dual-clutch transmissions. The matter is now being run by other solicitors.

The law firm also acted and run until settlement class actions against Volkswagen and Audi vehicles, regarding emissions defeat device allegations.

Drive has contacted Isuzu Ute Australia for comment and will update this story with its response.

The post Isuzu D-Max and MU-X structural failures, faulty diesel filters in legal spotlight appeared first on Drive.

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