Possibility of Injury from Automatic Doors... Recall of About 230,000 Kia Carnival and Others

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced on the 10th that a total of 229,052 vehicles across 16 models manufactured or imported and sold by Kia, Mercedes-Benz Korea, Hyundai Motor Company, GM Korea, and Stellantis Korea have been found to have manufacturing defects and will undergo voluntary corrective actions (recalls).

Kia Carnival / Photo by Kia

Kia Carnival, totaling 190,841 units (including pre-sale vehicles), was found to have a risk of injury in certain situations where a part of the body is placed between the sliding door just before it closes. These vehicles can receive free repairs (software updates) at Kia direct service centers and AutoQ starting from the 17th.

Mercedes-Benz Korea’s imported and sold 8 models, including the E 220 d, totaling 20,547 units, were found to have a risk of engine shutdown due to foreign substances generated by wear caused by insufficient robustness of parts inside the high-pressure fuel pump, which blocks the fuel supply line. Official service centers will begin free repairs (replacement with improved parts) starting from the 12th.

For Hyundai Motor Company, 2 models including the Pavis, totaling 16,099 units (including pre-sale vehicles), were found to have a battery switch design error. Foreign substances accumulate between the switch and the switch fixing structure, causing current flow, which may lead to fire. From the 22nd, free repairs (replacement with improved parts) will be available at Hyundai’s High-Tech Center and Blue Hands service centers.

Two models, including the New County child transport vehicle, totaling 65 units, were recalled due to defective assembly of the seatbelt retractor parts. It was found that the retractor locks even when the vehicle tilts less than 12 degrees left or right, which does not meet safety standards. The manufacturer will first conduct a voluntary recall, and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport plans to impose fines later considering the correction rate. Free repairs (replacement with improved parts) will be available from the 11th.

GM Korea’s imported and sold 2 models, including the Bolt EV, totaling 1,467 units (including pre-sale vehicles), were found to have a high-voltage battery defect (anode tab damage and separator displacement) that may cause fire when the battery is fully charged. Free repairs (replacement with improved parts) are available at official service centers starting today.

Stellantis Korea’s imported and sold DS4 Crossback 1.5 BlueHDi FCYHZ, totaling 33 units (including pre-sale vehicles), had missing front bumper body fixing bolts during the manufacturing process. This may cause the bumper to detach from the body while driving, leading to accidents. These vehicles have been receiving free parts repairs at Stellantis Korea official service centers since the 9th.

Regarding this recall, each manufacturer will notify vehicle owners of the corrective measures via mail and mobile text messages. If a vehicle owner has repaired the defect at their own expense, they can apply for repair cost compensation from the manufacturer. Whether a vehicle is subject to recall and detailed manufacturing defect information can be checked by entering the vehicle number or chassis number on the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport’s automobile recall center website.

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