Fuji Heavy, Mitsubishi Fuso, Honda recalling vehicles

TOKYO July 19, 2008; Japan Today reported that three Japanese automakers, including Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd, notified the transport ministry Friday that they are recalling vehicles for free repairs due to defective components.

Fuji Heavy is recalling 108,071 Subaru R1, R2 and Stella minivehicles manufactured between November 2003 and July 2007. Belts transmitting engine torque to dynamos could fall off, leading to stalling.

Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corp is recalling 68,141 Fuso trucks made between November 1994 and April this year, due to insufficient strength in parts that fix shafts to truck bodies. The company warns that the shafts, which transmit power to the rear wheels, could become unattached.

Honda Motor Co is recalling 21,177 units of its Fit passenger car made between October 2007 and June this year, warning that the amount of nitrogen oxide in the exhaust could exceed legal levels because of improperly programmed engine-control computers.