Recall issued for MG HS PHEV over melting plastic parts

A recall has recently been issued for the MG HS Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) after it was discovered a loose ground inside the vehicle’s cabin could cause plastic parts to melt.

MG Motor New Zealand stated that model year 2021 to 2023 HS Plug-in Hybrid models were among those affected, involving 1765 vehicles in total.

According to the recall statement on Waka Kotahi’s Safety Recalls Database, some of the carpet underlay may have been “inadvertently positioned” between the PTC’s nut and ground stud when the ground cable in the Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning (HVAC) system was tightened.

The recalls states: “After long-term vibration, the torque attenuation at this position can lead to the loosening of the ground wire eyelet terminal.”

Due to the problem involving an electrical component, the ground could potentially heat up and melt plastic parts surrounding the specific terminal area.

However, the problem hasn’t been recorded in Australia or New Zealand, with the recall being conducted purely out of caution.

MG Motor New Zealand is carrying out the recall in two phases with the first involving an inspection at an MG dealership to determine whether the vehicle requires repair. If so, the second phase which involves correction of the problem will be conducted at no cost to the owner.

The recall has already seen MG Motor New Zealand carry out 220 inspections of the affected HS PHEV models.