Volkswagen, Mercedes to recall 32 models

By Oh Young-jin

Mercedes Benz, Audi Volkswagen and Subaru will recall nearly 17,000 vehicles here for various problems that could result in accidents.

The recall began today, affecting 16,797 vehicles of 32 models of four foreign car makers, according to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.

They include 8,548 units of 24 Mercedes Benz car models, including 2,209 E200 sedans produced from August to December 2016, for seat belt and airbag problems.

Another 6,526 vehicles of four models imported and sold by Audi Volkswagen Korea, including 3,191 Q5s produced from February 2009 to December 2012, for defects in airbag inflators, with 1,677 cars by Subaru and 46 vehicles from Daimler Trucks being recalled for the same problem.

Designated repair and service centers will replace the parts free of charge, the ministry said. People who had the defects fixed at their expense before recalls are eligible for compensation from the automakers.