Japanese company Yamaha might have to buy back some of its motorcycles in Vietnam since their engine serial numbers have been tampered with, making then ineligible for registration.
On Wednesday it recalled over 159,300 vehicles made between end-2021 and 2024 to examine their serial numbers, and will negotiate with their owner customers to buy them back if there is tampering.
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Yamaha PG-1, one of the models recalled in Vietnam due to suspected engine serial number tampering. Photo by VnExpress/Luong Dung |
The recall was issued after owners of some Yamaha Grande motorbikes complained earlier this year that they were unable to register the vehicles as authorities had found signs of the tampering.
Yamaha said its workers had on their own removed incorrectly stamped numbers and replaced them with new ones before assembling the vehicles.
After making an assessment, Yamaha then recalled more than 10 other models including Exciter, Freego and Sirius motorbikes.
Owners have been asked to bring their vehicles to Yamaha dealers for examination within 12 months beginning Tuesday.
An examination and basic maintenance will be done within 90 minutes, the company has said.
Vietnamese law prohibits tampering of engine serial numbers and authorities can seize vehicles if they see signs.
