Fuel Leak-Related Reinspection Rate 97.15%
Excessive Inspection Costs Burden '5 Times Higher for Regular Vehicles'
"Measures Needed Considering Public Safety and Convenience"
Despite the fact that the reinspection rate due to hydrogen leakage in Hyundai Motor Company's hydrogen vehicle Nexo has reached 97.15% over the past five years, it has been revealed that Hyundai Motor has not implemented any recall measures.
According to data submitted by the Korea Transportation Safety Authority to Rep. Jeong Jun-ho (Gwangju Buk-gu Gap) of the Democratic Party of Korea for the National Assembly inspection on the 20th, out of 9,657 Nexo vehicles that underwent regular inspections from 2020 to September this year, 1,532 vehicles (15.9%) failed the inspection, and among them, 2,277 cases (97.15%) were reinspections due to hydrogen leakage.
However, Hyundai Motor has not carried out recalls despite being aware of the hydrogen leakage issue.
The excessive inspection cost is also a significant burden. The inspection cost for the pressure vessel of the Nexo vehicle is 274,000 KRW, which is five times the regular automobile inspection cost of 56,000 KRW. As a result, hydrogen vehicle users bear a significantly higher inspection cost burden than regular vehicle owners, which not only goes against government policies promoting the spread of eco-friendly vehicles but also increases the economic burden on the public.
Vehicles that fail the inspection due to hydrogen leakage must undergo repairs at Hyundai High-Tech Center and then be reinspected, incurring a cost of 22,000 KRW per pressure vessel. Some users have reported cases where unnecessary reinspection fees were charged even after repairs were completed, indicating the need for a thorough investigation.
Additionally, the Nexo conducts pressure vessel inspections and regular inspections separately, causing owners to endure the inconvenience of multiple visits. This highlights the inefficiency of the overall inspection process and the need for a system that allows concurrent inspections.
Rep. Jeong stated, “The excessive inspection costs and lack of recalls for the hydrogen vehicle Nexo are exacerbating the economic burden and safety issues for the public,” adding, “It is necessary to strengthen the safety of hydrogen vehicles and improve inspection procedures so that the public can confidently choose eco-friendly vehicles.”
Rep. Jeong also emphasized, “Hyundai Motor must prepare practical improvement measures that prioritize public safety and convenience,” and “The government should actively provide policy support appropriate for expanding the spread of eco-friendly vehicles.”
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