South Korea’s transport ministry has ordered Hyundai Motor Co. and its affiliate Kia Motors Corp. to recall 238,000 vehicles after concluding their 12 models have defects including faulty canisters and loose wheel nuts.

It is the first mandatory recall order made by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport after Hyundai Motor and Kia Motors had raised an objection to the government recall order issued last month. The ministry held a hearing session on May 8 but rejected their objection. A total of five defects were confirmed in 12 models made by the two automakers.

According to the transport ministry, Hyundai’s Genesis and Equus sedans were found to have a problem with their canisters that could lead to power loss when a car is slowing to a stop. Kia’s Mohave was found to have loose wheel nuts that could cause a wheel or tire to separate from the vehicle.

It also uncovered defective vacuum pipes in Avante MD sedan and i3 hatchback, damaged R-engine fuel hose in Sorento XM, Tucson LM, Santa Fe CM, Sportage SL sport utility vehicles and the Carnival VQ minivan, and parking brake light problem in Sonata LF, Sonata Hybrid, and Genesis DH sedans.

The ministry claimed defective vacuum pipes could undermine brake performance, and faulty fuel lines of the R-engine could cause fuel to leak and make the vehicle prone to fire. Defective warning light for parking brake could cause a driver to accelerate without releasing the brake.

Hyundai previously argued the possible dangers associated with the defects were overstated and the problems could be fixed with a free repair. But the transport ministry has taken a firm stance and has asked prosecutors in Seoul investigate, citing there is a suspicion that the automakers allegedly covered up the flaws.

By Kim Gyu-sik

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