Hyundai Motor, BMW and five other auto and bike names will recall about 550,000 vehicles from 126 models in South Korea.

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport said the recall was issued by seven companies, including Hyundai Motor, Kia Motors, BMW Korea, Mercedes-Benz Korea, Audi-Volkswagen Korea, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V. (FCA) and Bike Korea.

Hyundai Motor and its affiliate Kia Motors will recall 294,622 cars from three models.

Hyundai’s Santa Fe CM was found to have problems in the anti-lock brake system and electronic stability control module of several aged vehicles as they were prone to catch fire from internal short circuits. Some 757 vehicles of Kia’s Grand Carnival VQ were also discovered to be fire-prone due to faulty fuel pipes. The luxury brand Genesis Coupe BK will recall 55 cars because of airbag defects.

BMW Korea would recall 241,921 units of 79 models, including the 520d, after reports of cracks in some of the exhaust gas recirculation coolers. Airbag problems were identified in 50 units of the 740d xDrive, with the side airbag either popping up with explosive force or not inflating properly.

Mercedes-Benz Korea found defective sunroof glass panels in 11,480 units of 36 models, including the E 280. AMG GT 63 4MATIC+ and two other models were found to have center consoles that failed to meet safety standards. The company would be subject to punitive fines depending on the actual rate of repairs.

FCA Korea discovered wiper problems in 557 units of the Jeep Compass MP. Audi-Volkswagen Korea found faults in the tire pressure warning system of 306 units of the A3 40 TFSI. Both automakers are also charged with safety violations and would have to pay fines depending on the recall results.

Bike Korea will recall 180 Kymco Racing S150 bikes as the USB charging device poses a risk of overheating and catching fire.

By Kim Hyo-jin

[ⓒ Pulse by Maeil Business Newspaper & mk.co.kr, All rights reserved]