Daihatsu recalls Rocky e-Smart Hybrid over ECU issue

KUALA LUMPUR: Daihatsu Rocky e-Smart Hybrid is recalled over an issue with the control unit for a petrol-electric hybrid’s engine.

As per Daihatsu, the fault in the ECU may cause improper power generation. So, the internal combustion mill might stop while the vehicle is still driven, leading the check engine light on the instrument panel and acceleration to drop. Under such circumstances, if the driver continues to run the car, it might stop as soon as the battery charge runs out.

If you are not aware, the Rocky e-Smart Hybrid powertrain is essentially a range extender wherein it acts as a generator for the electric drive motor.

What does Daihatsu plan to do?

The Japanese automaker will notify the owners of the affected vehicles via mail and other channels and reprogram the ECU.

How many cars are affected by the problem?

As per Daihatsu, a total of 3,421 units of the Rocky e-Smart Hybrid are affected by the ECU issue. These units are manufactured between 1st Nov 2021 and 3rd Dec 2021 and cover chassis numbers ranging from A202S-0000061 to A202S-0004018.

In Malaysia, Daihatsu Rocky is offered under the brand name Perodua Ativa with the electrified version seen testing even before the debut of the Rocky e-Smart Hybrid. As for Ativa’s e-version, Perodua has revealed that it is conducting a market study. Details about it will be revealed when the time is right, said Perodua’s CEO, Datuk Zainal Abidin Ahmad.

Also Read: Perodua missed the 200k sales target set for 2021