Voluntary recall of Reva G-Wiz: customer Q&A.
The following information is provided to assist customer understanding of the voluntary manufacturer recall.
What is the recall for?
An electronic component (thermister) in the charger unit of a G-Wiz overheated causing it to catch fire.
How many vehicles has this happened to?
One. Even though there is just a single confirmed instance of thermistor failure, RECC has decided as a precautionary measure to voluntarily recall all G-Wiz fitted with this thermistor. This is an excellent response from the manufacturer and a sign of RECC's strong desire to protect its customers and its exemplary safety record.
Which G-Wiz are affected?
All G-Wiz dc drive and early G-Wiz ac drive vehicles. All vehicles currently for sale are unaffected.
How many vehicles are affected?
629 vehicles out of the fleet of over 900 sold between 2004 and 2007.
What action is being taken?
All relevant customers on the GoinGreen database have been contacted by email to arrange for the inspection and remedial work to take place (the hotline number is 0845 22 50 620 Monday to Friday 0830 to 1730). On telephoning, customers will be asked to agree a date, time and place from which to have their G-Wiz collected. It is important that vehicles are available for collection at the agreed date, time and place. If for any reason a vehicle is not available at the agreed date, time and place, then it will be the customer's responsibility to bring the vehicle to the GoinGreen Service Centre in Southall for the work to be carried out.
What exactly is going to happen?
A team of engineers from Reva Electric Car Company will undertake the work required at GoinGreen's Service Centre in Southall. Two additional levels of safety will be introduced. The charger unit will be inspected and the existing thermistor replaced, a second thermal cut-out fuse will be fitted and a new fire retardant thermal safety cover fitted to the charger unit.
How long will the work take?
The service action takes about one and a half hours. The G-Wiz will be returned the same day or the following day. The recall activity is expected to be completed within eight weeks of notification.
How much will the work cost?
There is no charge to customers for the recall work or the collection and return of G-Wiz.
Are G-Wiz safe to drive?
There is no risk of the thermistor failing when driving. Thermistor failure could only occur when charging. With just one confirmed incidence the risk of a repeat occurrence is extremely low.
Has the G-Wiz been recalled before?
This is the first recall and is being undertaken as a precautionary measure only.
Do voluntary recalls happen frequently?
Voluntary safety recalls of this nature are common practice within the automotive industry and recalls affect all automotive manufacturers. For example the Toyota Prius has been subject to two recalls, Ford recently recalled 3.6 million vehicles and there have been over 250,000 vehicles recalled in the UK in 2007. Even the £225,000 Bentley Armitage has recently been subject to a safety recall in the UK.
What if I have any further technical questions relating to this recall?
Please email Reva Electric Car Company at cce@reva-ev.com
