GV80, Recalled Three Months After Launch... Dashboard and Parking Assist Software Errors

Published 15 Apr.2020 11:10(KST)

The first SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle) of Hyundai Motor Group's luxury brand Genesis, the 'GV80'. /Goyang Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Chun-hee] The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced on the 15th that it will carry out a recall due to manufacturing defects found in a total of 44,967 vehicles across 39 models produced or imported and sold by Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors, Mercedes-Benz Korea, and Toyota Motor Korea.

The GV80, released by Hyundai Motor Company, is being recalled just three months after its official launch in January. Among 3,247 GV80 units, a software error in the instrument cluster was found to potentially prevent the display of a malfunction warning message for the lane change assist function on the instrument panel when communication with the driving assistance controller is interrupted, resulting in non-compliance with automotive safety standards and triggering the recall. Since this is a non-compliance issue with automotive safety standards, the Ministry plans to proceed with the recall first and impose fines later based on the correction rate.

Among these, 757 GV80 units were found to have a software error in the Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA) system, which intermittently fails to control braking during remote parking, posing a risk of accidents. The same defect was also found in 22,415 Sonata units and 1,941 Grandeur units. Kia Motors also confirmed the same defect in 3,758 K5 units.

Both companies plan to provide free software update repairs starting from the 20th at Hyundai Motor’s direct service centers and Bluehands, or Kia Motors service centers, respectively.

In 8,163 units across 12 models including the GLK 220 CDI 4MATIC and E200 BlueEFFICIENCY Coupe imported and sold by Mercedes-Benz Korea, airbags manufactured by Takata were found to pose a risk of injury to drivers and others due to metal fragments from internal components caused by excessive explosion pressure during deployment. These vehicles can receive free replacement with improved parts at official Mercedes-Benz Korea service centers starting from the 16th.

A recall will also be conducted for 4,686 units across 23 models including the Lexus RX450h and Toyota Sienna AWD imported and sold by Toyota Motor Korea. These vehicles were found to have a defect in some fuel pump components that may cause the fuel pump to fail, potentially leading to engine shutdown while driving. Free repairs will be available at official Toyota Motor Korea service centers starting from the 29th.

Regarding this recall, the manufacturers will notify vehicle owners of the correction methods via mail and mobile text messages. If owners have repaired the defect at their own expense before the recall, they can apply for cost reimbursement from the manufacturer.