Over 7,700 Imported Cars Including Ford Explorer Have Manufacturing Defects... "Recall Implemented"

Recall of 7,469 Explorer Vehicles... Possible Driver Injuries
Toyota Prius and Camry Hybrid Also Recalled

Ford Sales Service Korea imported and sold the Explorer (Photo by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport)

[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Jiwon] The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced on the 16th that it will conduct a recall after manufacturing defects were found in 7,773 imported vehicles across 9 models, including the Ford Explorer and BMW M5.

According to the Ministry on the same day, manufacturing defects were discovered in a total of 7,773 vehicles across 9 models imported and sold by Ford Sales Service Korea, BMW Korea, Toyota Motor Korea, MAN Truck & Bus Korea, and MotoRossa.

First, 7,469 Ford Explorers imported and sold were found to have sharp edges on the electric seat frame, which could cause injury if a hand is inserted between the front seat and the console.

These vehicles were manufactured between May 2016 and October 2017, and free repairs have been underway at official Ford service centers since the 10th.

BMW M5 (Photo by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport)

For BMW, 171 vehicles across 2 models including the M5 were found to have poor installation and fixation of the transmission connection wiring. The Ministry explained that the wiring could melt due to heat generated by the transmission, causing a short circuit that may prevent driving.

These vehicles have been receiving free repairs at official BMW service centers since the 10th.

For Toyota Motor Korea, 38 imported Prius vehicles were found to have defects in the circuit board inside the instrument panel, which could cause the speedometer and odometer not to display properly.

Additionally, 28 vehicles across 2 models including the Camry Hybrid were found to have defects in the retractor locking device of the rear seat belts, which could prevent the seat belt from tightening quickly in the event of an accident, potentially causing injury to occupants. Since this also violates automotive safety standards, a recall will be conducted along with plans to impose fines. These vehicles can receive free repairs at official Toyota service centers nationwide starting from the 23rd.

MAN Truck & Bus Korea TGX Tractor (Photo by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport)

For MAN Truck & Bus Korea, 60 vehicles across 2 models including the TGX tractor were found to have crankshafts with reduced strength installed during the engine manufacturing process. This could cause the crankshaft to break during operation, leading to engine stalling while driving.

These vehicles can receive free repairs at official MAN Truck & Bus Korea service centers nationwide starting from the 31st.

For MotoRossa, 7 imported Ducati MTS1260 motorcycles were found to have welding defects in the 'side stand,' a device used to park the vehicle, which could cause the welded part to break while parked, potentially injuring the rider.

These vehicles can receive free repairs at MotoRossa service centers nationwide starting from the 27th.

Regarding this Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport action, the manufacturers involved will notify vehicle owners of the correction methods via postal mail and mobile text messages. If vehicle owners have repaired the defects at their own expense before the recall, they can apply for reimbursement of the repair costs from the manufacturer.