Mercedes-Benz, Land Rover, Bentley and 2 Other Companies Recall Over 50,000 Vehicles Due to Manufacturing Defects

Apply for Compensation Only If You Have Already Paid for Repairs Out of Pocket

The Mercedes-Benz Korea 'E 250' has been recalled due to non-compliance with safety standards.

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced on the 27th that a total of 42 vehicle models, 47,173 units, manufactured or imported and sold by Mercedes-Benz Korea, Jaguar Land Rover Korea, Kia, Volkswagen Group Korea, and Pylain Motors have been found to have manufacturing defects and will be voluntarily recalled (corrective action).

First, among the 25 models including the ①E 250 imported and sold by Mercedes-Benz Korea, totaling 30,991 units, a software error in the steering wheel hands-off detection system was identified, resulting in non-compliance with safety standards as the warning function does not operate when the advanced driver assistance system is in use and the driver does not hold the steering wheel.

②Among 5 models including the C 500 4MATIC, 13 units were found to have a software error in the overhead control panel, which may cause the emergency communication system (eCall) to fail to operate in low voltage situations.

③For 6 models including the E 450 4MATIC, 7 units (including pre-sale vehicles) were found to have a software error in the headlamp control device, causing the low beam to not function properly, which is a safety standard non-compliance issue. Voluntary corrective action (recall) will be carried out, and fines will be imposed later considering the correction rate for the safety standard non-compliance.

These vehicles can receive free repairs (software updates) at official Mercedes-Benz Korea service centers starting from April 29.

For 2 models including the Discovery Sport 2.0D imported and sold by Jaguar Land Rover Korea, totaling 12,128 units, it was confirmed that increased engine oil contamination causes friction and damage between parts inside the engine oil pump, which may cause the engine to stall. These vehicles can receive free repairs (replacement with improved parts) at official Jaguar Land Rover Korea service centers starting from May 2.

Kia’s K9, totaling 3,942 units manufactured and sold, was found to have a possibility of fire due to an internal short circuit in the hydraulic electronic control unit (HECU). These vehicles can receive free repairs (installation of improved fuses) at official Kia service centers starting from May 3.

Among 5 units of the Bentley New Flying Spur imported and sold by Volkswagen Group Korea, a defect in some parts of the front passenger seatbelt was found, which may cause improper fixation of child safety seats installed on the front passenger seat, potentially injuring the child occupant in case of an accident. These vehicles can receive free repairs (inspection and parts replacement) at official Volkswagen Group Korea service centers starting from May 2.

Regarding electric buses imported and sold by Pylain Motors, the Korea Transportation Safety Authority’s Automotive Safety Research Institute’s self-certification conformity investigation found safety standard non-compliance issues: ①For 2 models including the Hypers 11L electric bus, 87 units lacked high-voltage electrical device warning indicators, and ②For 82 units of the Hypers 11L electric bus, emergency exit devices were not installed. These vehicles can receive free repairs (parts repair, etc.) at Pylain Motors service centers starting from May 2.

Regarding this defect correction, each manufacturer will notify vehicle owners of the correction methods via mail and mobile text messages. If vehicle owners repair the defects at their own expense before the recall, they can apply for compensation of the repair costs from the manufacturer.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport operates the Vehicle Recall Center, which collects and analyzes manufacturing defect information of automobiles. By entering the vehicle number and chassis number on the website, owners can check at any time whether their vehicle is subject to recall and the specific manufacturing defect details.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.