Renault to recall 1,411 Koleos SUV in China over power steering fault

French auto maker Renault SA will recall 1,411 cars in China due to problems with power steering units, the country's quality watchdog yesterday said.

Renault will recall 1,411 Koleos sports utility vehicles (SUV) that were manufactured between 14 October 2010 and 18 January 2011 and imported into China, the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ) said.

In extreme situations, steering could be difficult after long term use, posing a safety hazard, AQSIQ said in a statement on its website.

Renault's Beijing unit has submitted a report to the AQSIQ, and said that a faulty electronic control unit in the steering system of the affected vehicles may disconnect after long-term use and make steering difficult in extreme situations.

Renault will notify customers of the recall from 26 December and will replace defective electronic controls free of charge.