Bolt EV, SM3 and 17 Other Models Recalling 160,000 Vehicles

Bolt EV (Provided by Korea GM)

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Chun-hee] The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced on the 25th that a total of 163,843 vehicles across 19 models manufactured or imported and sold by Korea GM (GM), Renault Samsung Motors, Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors, Mercedes-Benz Korea, and Daejeon Machinery Industry have been found to have manufacturing defects and will undergo corrective actions (recalls).

A total of 15,078 All-New Malibu vehicles manufactured or imported and sold by Korea GM were found to have a possibility of the engine shutting off intermittently when the accelerator pedal is lightly pressed and released at low speed or while reversing due to an error in the Engine Control Unit (ECU) software. Additionally, 850 units of two models, the Trailblazer and The New Malibu, were found to have a defect in the motor status detection sensor inside the electronic hydraulic brake booster, which could cause an increased braking distance during brake operation, leading to recalls for each model. The All-New Malibu can receive free repairs (software updates or replacement with improved parts) at Korea GM official service centers starting from the 30th, while the Trailblazer and The New Malibu can receive these services from the 26th.

Separately, a temporary recall will be conducted for 9,476 Bolt EVs. This recall targets 2017-2019 Bolt EV models equipped with LG Chem’s high-voltage batteries produced in Ochang, Korea. Due to the current risk of fire in battery-related devices when the high-voltage battery is fully charged, a measure to limit the charge to 90% will be implemented. From the 26th, owners can receive a temporary recall via software updates at Korea GM official service centers. The company plans to continue investigations and provide a final solution to resolve the 90% charge limit software.

A total of 81,417 SM3 Ph2 (New SM3 mid-cycle model) vehicles manufactured and sold by Renault Samsung were found to have a possibility of the engine shutting off during low-speed driving with the air conditioner on or when repeatedly driving uphill and downhill due to insufficient effective engine torque, prompting a recall. Renault Samsung will conduct free software updates at direct service centers and partner repair shops starting from the 4th of next month.

A total of 51,583 vehicles of two models, Tucson (TL) and Stinger (CK), manufactured and sold by Hyundai and Kia Motors were found to have a risk of fire caused by an internal short circuit in the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU). The HECU integrates vehicle control functions such as ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and ESC (Electronic Stability Control). Both companies have been conducting free repairs (replacement with improved parts and software updates) at Hyundai Motor Company’s direct service centers and Blue Hands, as well as Kia Motors service centers, since the 24th.

A total of 5,245 vehicles of eight models including the GLE 450 4MATIC imported and sold by Mercedes-Benz Korea were found to have a defect where the rear seat center seatbelt buckle can slip into the gap of the seat, making it impossible to wear the seatbelt properly, which could fail to protect occupants in the event of a collision. Additionally, 119 units of the GLA 220 were found to have a fuse box in the engine compartment that is not properly secured, which could cause fuse damage due to vehicle vibrations and result in malfunction of the engine control unit and vehicle posture control system, leading to a recall. Mercedes-Benz Korea has been conducting free repairs at official service centers since the 20th.

A total of 75 motorcycles of three models including the Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX SE imported and sold by Daejeon Machinery Industry were found to have a software error in the Engine Control Unit (ECU) that fails to properly control shocks to the transmission gear, causing gear damage and potential engine shutdown. These vehicles can receive free software updates at official dealerships of Daejeon Machinery Industry starting from the 27th.

Regarding this recall, the respective companies will notify vehicle owners of the corrective measures via mail and mobile text messages. If vehicle owners have repaired the defect at their own expense before the recall, they can apply for compensation of the repair costs from the manufacturer. For further inquiries, contacting each company will provide detailed information.

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport operates the Vehicle Recall Center to collect and analyze information on manufacturing defects to ensure public safety from vehicle defects. By entering the vehicle number and chassis number on the center’s website, owners can check at any time whether their vehicle is subject to recall and view detailed manufacturing defect information.