(AFP) Malaysian carmaker Proton today recalled 42,000 Perdana models - its second such exercise in seven months - amid a scandal involving its Japanese partner Mitsubishi over the cover-up of defects.

Perusahaan Otomobil Nasional Bhd (Proton) in September last year recalled 6,210 Perdana cars to inspect the engine's dust cover.

Proton urged owners of another 42,000 Perdanas to bring their cars in to authorised service centres from tomorrow for inspection of the dust cover.

It said in a statement that "possible penetration of muddy water might cause rust and result in accelerated wear of the ball joint.

"Under extreme but rare conditions, the ball joint might become dislodged and could result in reduced control of the car," it said.

The company said the part will be replaced free if any irregularity is detected.

Proton's chief executive Mahaleel Ariff last year said it would cost the company about RM200 per car to replace defective dust covers, and that cost would eventually be passed back to Mitsubishi.

Defective parts

Proton's move followed the scandal in Japan faced by Mitsubishi Motors over a cover-up of defective parts that subsequently required it to launch a huge recall exercise.

Mitsubishi, which is now undergoing drastic restructuring with help from its German-US partner DaimlerChrysler AG, said in February it would spend US$147 million repairing up to 1.5 million vehicles worldwide.

The Proton Perdana, which started production in 1995, is based on the Mitsubishi Galant with the engine and transmission parts supplied by the Japanese carmaker.

Mitsubishi Motor and Mitsubishi Corp own a combined 16 percent in Proton.