In a major move affecting the automotive industry, four leading car manufacturers, including both domestic and international brands, announced recalls totaling approximately 207,000 vehicles due to various manufacturing defects.
The announcement, issued by the South Korean Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport on Wednesday, highlights significant concerns over vehicle safety and manufacturer oversight.
Kia Corp, one of South Korea’s premier automotive companies, is set to recall the largest number of vehicles, totaling 140,364 units across several models. The most extensive recall involves 111,307 units of its popular models, including the Niro HEV, which has been flagged for defects in the engine power transmission control unit. An additional 21,770 units of the K9 model are being recalled due to issues with the durability of the hydraulic electronic control unit (HECU). Furthermore, Kia is also recalling 7,287 units of two models, including the Niro PHEV, which have been identified to have faulty headlights.
Hyundai Motor, another giant in the automotive industry, has announced a recall for 37,059 units of its Accent model. This recall addresses concerns regarding the poor durability of the HECU, a critical component in vehicle operation.
In the realm of international manufacturers, Mercedes-Benz Korea is recalling a total of 26,938 units across several model lines due to multiple issues. This includes 12,629 units of 12 different models, such as the GLE 450 4MATIC, which have been found to have poorly fixed battery components. Additionally, 12,797 units across 21 models, including the A 220 Sedan, are being recalled due to problems with the display of the fog lamp indicator on the dashboard. Mercedes-Benz is also addressing defects in the transmission wiring of 1,512 units across three models, including the E 300 4MATIC.
Stellantis Korea, representing the global auto group in South Korea, has also issued a recall for 2,483 units of the Jeep Cherokee to fix a design error in the vehicle’s drainage structure. This recall is critical to prevent potential water ingress issues that could affect vehicle performance and safety.
The transport ministry has emphasized the seriousness of these defects and the importance of swift action by vehicle owners to ensure their safety and the safety of others on the road. Vehicle owners affected by these recalls can visit authorized repair and service centers to have the faulty parts replaced free of charge. The manufacturers are committed to addressing these issues promptly to minimize inconvenience to customers and restore confidence in their products.
These recalls underscore the ongoing challenges in the automotive manufacturing sector in maintaining quality and safety standards. They also highlight the proactive steps taken by manufacturers and regulatory bodies to address potential safety issues before they lead to accidents or injuries.
Owners of the affected models are advised to contact their dealers immediately for more information and to arrange for necessary repairs. The manufacturers have pledged full cooperation with authorities and consumers to efficiently manage the recall process and ensure that all affected vehicles are brought to the required safety standards.
