Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Audi, and Others Recall 64,754 Vehicles Due to Manufacturing Defects

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Min-young] The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced on the 19th that a total of 64,754 vehicles across 48 models manufactured or imported and sold by Hyundai Motor Company, Kia, Mercedes-Benz Korea, Porsche Korea, Volkswagen Group Korea, and Ford Sales Service Korea have been found to have manufacturing defects and will undergo voluntary corrective actions (recalls).

A total of 58,397 vehicles across 5 models, including the Ioniq 5, manufactured and sold by Hyundai Motor Company and Kia, were found to have an electronic shift control software error that can cause the parking mode (P gear) to disengage while parked on an incline, potentially causing the vehicle to roll and result in an accident. These vehicles can receive a free software update starting today at Hyundai Motor Company’s direct service centers and Blue Hands, as well as Kia service centers.

A total of 2,043 vehicles across 21 models, including the ML 280 CDI 4MATIC, imported and sold by Mercedes-Benz Korea, were found to have defective sealing at the brake vacuum pump cover joint, allowing moisture ingress which causes corrosion at the joint. This corrosion leads to vacuum pressure leakage, resulting in braking performance below the standard.

A total of 1,058 vehicles across 2 models, including the GLE 300d 4MATIC, were found to have a safety standard non-compliance issue due to an assembly defect in the circuit board inside the rear electric signal control unit, causing the left rear reversing light to remain illuminated even when shifting from reverse to drive. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport plans to impose fines later, considering the correction rate and other factors.

Additionally, 1,196 vehicles across 9 models, including the GLE 450 4MATIC, were found to have a defective fastening of the 48V battery grounding connection bolt, which can cause the temperature at the grounding connection to rise and potentially lead to a fire when high current flows.

A total of 28 vehicles across 7 models, including the GLC 300 e 4MATIC Coupe, were found to have a defect where the moisture-blocking cap on the headlight connector was not properly installed, allowing moisture ingress. This can damage the connector and cause the headlights to malfunction. Voluntary corrective action (recall) has been initiated, with free repairs available starting from the 20th.

A total of 981 vehicles, including pre-sale units, of the Taycan imported and sold by Porsche Korea were found to have a wiring layout defect under the front seat, causing friction with the seat drive shaft. This can damage the wiring and potentially impair seat adjustment and side airbag operation, posing a safety risk. These vehicles will be inspected and repaired free of charge at Porsche Korea’s official service centers starting from the 25th.

A total of 820 vehicles, including pre-sale units, across 2 models including the A6 45 TFSI imported and sold by Volkswagen Group Korea were found to have a safety standard non-compliance issue due to a software setting error in the advanced driver assistance system. This error causes the rear camera off function to be enabled when the gear is in the reverse position. The importer will first conduct voluntary corrective actions (recalls), and fines will be imposed later considering the correction rate and other factors. These vehicles can receive a free software update at Volkswagen Group Korea’s official service centers starting from the 20th.

A total of 231 vehicles of the Ranger imported and sold by Ford Sales Service Korea were found to have a safety standard non-compliance issue due to an instrument cluster software error. This error causes the warning sound for rear seatbelt non-use during driving to not meet the required activation time. Similarly, the importer will first conduct voluntary corrective actions (recalls), and fines will be imposed later considering the correction rate and other factors. These vehicles can receive a free software update at Ford Sales Service Korea’s official service centers starting from the 20th.

The issues identified this time will be notified to vehicle owners by each manufacturer via postal mail and mobile text messages regarding the correction methods. If vehicle owners repair the defects at their own expense before the recall, they can apply for reimbursement of repair costs from the manufacturer.

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