Over 700,000 vehicles recalled since 2013

More than 700,000 vehicles have been recalled by the Public Authority for Consumer Protection (PACP) from 2013 to February 22, 2018, said a statement from the authority.

The authority said it has launched campaigns to provide more services to consumers and provide solutions to reduce traffic accidents and ensure the safety of consumers.

“This achievement is a demonstration of the efforts of PACP in the field of traffic safety and its keenness to carry out continuous reviews of all products and services offered in the Sultanate’s markets, in line with the rights of consumers and also the safety standards,” said a statement.

“These efforts play an important role in keeping consumers safe from potential hazards due to technical faults in their vehicles, which will reduce the rate of accidents caused by vehicle malfunctions,” it added.

“Recently, I was asked to bring my ten-year-old vehicle to the service centre for replacement of airbags. The dealer said they are replacing the bags in all vehicles made during that period,” said Shafeer Ahmed, a sales executive.

Dealers confirmed that even a minor default can prove fatal on the roads. So, it is better not to ignore them.

The Consumer Protection Law 66/2014 stipulates that “once the supplier finds that there is a defect in the product or service that would harm the consumer, he should stop the circulation of the commodity or provide the service immediately to the consumers who bought the item or received the service”.

The recall of vehicles is based on the presence of technical malfunction, which may expose users to serious damage.

“Information should be also obtained through announcements of calls in other countries that can be accessed from their local media platforms,” said the statement.