Volkswagen, Suzuki, GM Korea, BMW to recall 7,000 cars and motorcycles

By Jhoo Dong-chan

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport has ordered foreign auto brands ― FMK, Audi-Volkswagen Korea, Suzuki CMC, GM Korea and BMW Korea ― to recall a total of 7,105 cars and motorcycles.

Two FMK models, including the Italian luxury Maserati Quattroporte, were found to have a defect in the driver’s seat mat. If the mat is accidentally pushed underneath the accelerator it can cause involuntary acceleration.

A total of 2,403 Maserati’s Quattroporte and Ghibli cars made between March 15, 2013, and Dec. 16, 2015, have been cited for such safety-related malfunctions. FMK offers free repairs at its service centers.

Volkswagen’s sedan Passat 1.8-liter TSI model made between Nov. 18, 2014, and June 24, 2015, has been reported to have safety-related malfunctions, under which its engine and brakes may not perform properly in certain circumstances.

The ministry said 1,146 cars were affected, and that free repairs would be provided at Volkswagen service centers from April 5.

Suzuki CMC’s two imported motorcycle models, including the AN650ZA, were also found to have a safety-related tappet defect, which may cause engine failure. A total of 84 motorcycle models of AN650ZA and DL650A made between Dec. 25, 2012, and Jan. 22, 2014, were reportedly affected.

The company’s another three models including the DL1000AL5 made between March 31, 2014, and June 4, 2015, have been reported to have a flaw in the ignition switch connector, under which the engine may fail or not jump-start. The ministry said 62 motorcycles were affected.

The ministry also found GM Korea’s imported Saab cars made between Oct. 24, 2007, and Feb. 18, 2008, have a safety-related defect in their seat belt retractor, under which it may not be properly activated and cause severe injury to drivers in an accident.

A total of 32 cars were reportedly affected. GM Korea provides free repairs at its service centers.

Two models of BMW’s luxury Mini Coopers ― the Mini Cooper and the Mini Cooper S ― have been found to have a defect in the power steering pump, which could affect steering. A total of 82 cars made between Dec. 23, 2004, and Feb 14, 2005, are expected to be recalled.

The company’s other 21 models, including its flagship mid-size sedan 320i, have been cited for an airbag defect. Their Japanese Takata airbag system has a defective inflator and propellant devices that may deploy improperly in an accident, shooting metal fragments into the driver.

The ministry said 3,296 cars made between Jan. 4, 2002, and Jan. 31, 2006 were affected.

A BMW official said the company was experiencing difficulties supplying related parts because of global recalls, so it has yet to announce a repair service for affected cars.

For detailed information, phone the ministry’s recall division at 080-357-2550, or visit www.car.go.kr.