Three of Australia’s most popular four-wheel drives and utes favoured by tradies could soon be the subject of a class-action lawsuit over alleged design flaw.
Sydney-based Chamberlains Law Firm is seeking participants in a lawsuit against Isuzu for the current generation of D-Max (2019 onwards) and MU-X (2020 onwards), as well as the current generation of Mazda BT-50 (2020 onwards).
The lawsuit centres on an alleged flaw in the front suspension design of the vehicles, which allegedly results in “bump steer”, leading to excessive and premature tyre wear.
A statement from Chamberlains’ Special Counsel Michael Lalji highlighted allegations that affected drivers face increased costs due to frequent tyre rotations and replacements, potentially impacting the vehicles’ resale value.
He told News.com.au that just days into the call out, he has been “swamped with inquiries”.
“I suspect it’s pretty widespread,” he said.
“Because of the nature of the vehicles, the tyres are actually quite expensive because they are quite large.”
In his public statement, Mr Lalji wrote: “While this problem has been apparent for several years, no permanent solution has been offered by Isuzu or Mazda.”
“Meanwhile, independent companies are providing aftermarket replacement steering knuckles, costing approximately $3000 per vehicle.”
Notably, the Mazda BT-50 shares identical design elements with the Isuzu D-Max, manufactured in the same Thai factory, following an arrangement between the two companies in 2016.
Despite being separate entities, Isuzu manufactures the BT-50 on behalf of Mazda, with both vehicles sharing front suspension components.
Isuzu Ute Australia has responded to local feedback by offering customers free wheel alignments with new geometry settings to address the alleged fault.
In severe cases, they have even replaced tyres at no cost to the owner, Drive reported.
Neither Mazda nor Isuzu responded to requests for comment from news.com.au.
The Isuzu D-Max was the third most popular new motor vehicle sold in Australia in 2023, with more than 31,000 units sold, marking a nearly 30 per cent increase year over year.
Isuzu Ute Australia claimed the 10th highest-selling brand position in the country, while Mazda secured the second spot.
According to the 2023 CarExpert report on Australia’s best-selling cars, the Mazda BT-50 emerged as the fourth best-selling ute and ranked 18th overall in new car sales.
Meanwhile, the MU-X has consistently dominated as Australia’s best-selling “Ute-based SUV”.
“The MU-X keeps eclipsing its own record, year after year,” remarked Isuzu UTE Australia Managing Director Hiroyasu Sato in early 2023.
“Not only has it worn the number one selling ‘Ute-based SUV’ crown for nine years in a row, but it has also consistently charted towards the pointy end of its respective segment and continues to outsell its previous annual total.”