AIR WAVES

I’ve just installed roof racks on my 2016 Renault Megane Hatch to carry my paddleboard. The roof-top antenna gets in the way of the board — is it worth buying a shark fin antenna? Are there any added benefits from a shark fin? Chelsea Slapar, email It is a long old antenna on your Megane. Check an auto store or online for a universal fit stubby antenna, which should solve the problem. An aftermarket shark fin will prove more of a fitment hassle and the only real benefits are aesthetic and aerodynamic — these are irrelevant with racks and board on your roof.

ROUND THE HOUSES

I own a 2015 Isuzu MU-X with standard Clarion Naviextras head unit. I recently updated the navigation maps — they are still inaccurate but the routing has got worse! I contacted Isuzu and was sent to Naviextras, Mapcreator, Navteq and back to Isuzu with no luck. Can you help?

Neil Weston, email

I’ve spoken with Isuzu Ute Australia. Your specific problem is the first they’ve heard about and it’s been referred to head office in Japan. It appears you’ve already tried but I’ve sent you Isuzu’s detailed map data update instructions to try to remedy it. As I’ve advised owners of other car brands where third party map providers are proving troublesome, you can have an audio specialist retrofit a totally new unit if you can afford it. This could include built-in up-to-date navigation and even desirable Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.

GOOD EYESIGHT

Re “Sweet spot for safety”. It said the EyeSight safety tech is standard on Subaru Foresters. It’s not, only on the more expensive models.

Ian, email

The model year 2019 Foresters, launched in September, have EyeSight drive assist as standard across the range, unlike the MY18 cars.

RUDELY UNSEATED TOO

Re Richard Hall’s Mazda6 seat collapse. I never received a recall notification either. My dealer told me I had to contact Mazda Australia, which advised recall notices were outsourced to a third party. I think Mazda has failed in its duty of care and has a moral issue to follow up. I’ll see what the ACCC has to say. Mike Mudford, email

I had the same failure in my 2008 Mazda6 wagon. I had no idea about Mazda’s seat recall, so when my seat came off the rails I found the push nut had failed and performed a fix myself. This failure could be just as serious as any faulty airbag in my opinion. Should I take it back to Mazda after my own repair? Daniel Bando, email Our previous attempts to get a response from Mazda were met only with “we can’t comment on individual cases” on this serious seat failure issue and the recall for Mazda6, Mazda2 and Mazda3s built between 09/2007 and 03/2012. The fact your car and others were not recalled is of huge concern. You and owners of other such Mazdas should urgently book into a dealer for the free fix. Hopefully they’ll appreciate your handiwork while being very apologetic.

TOW THE LINE?

Re your suggestion to consider a used Subaru Outback to tow a medium caravan, Subaru used to limit speed when towing to 80km/h. Is this still the case? Emil Civil, via email

Subaru spokesman David Rowley confirms the owner’s manual says you shouldn’t exceed 80km/h or the legal towing limit, whichever is lower. But he adds: “It is intended as an advisory and doesn’t mean Subarus can’t be driven over 80km/h at legal speed limits based on driver experience and capability.” The misconception can come from some European countries putting a limit of 80km/h on towing vehicles.

OUT OF LUCK

My Kia Sportage Platinum was bought new six years ago and has travelled 147,000km. It broke down. Kia told me a new engine was required and, as it is out of warranty (it had a five-year warranty when purchased), Kia won’t assist with costs. The same model was recalled in the US in 2017 for similar engine problems. I think Kia should take responsibility even though my car is out of warranty. Rodrigo Munoz, email

Sorry to hear of such an expensive failure but it would require a Kia goodwill repair with you being out of warranty. Responding to the US recall, Kia Australia says engines are made and assembled at different plants for different markets and, according to head office in Korea, Australian cars did not have the issue of the series engine in the US. You have a complete service record but the majority were performed outside the Kia dealer network, which won’t help goodwill claims. If you feel your Kia has failed to meet its consumer guarantee, the ACCC is your next option.