Major auto recall: 1.07 lakh+ Hyundai, Kia and BMW vehicles flagged for manufacturing flaws

Seoul: Hyundai Motor, Kia and BMW Korea have announced a voluntary recall of 1,07,158 vehicles across 37 models due to manufacturing defects that could pose potential fire risks, South Korea’s transport ministry said on Wednesday.

Hyundai, Kia recall over BMS Software issue

According to the ministry, 37,690 units of four Hyundai models, including the Kona Electric, are being recalled due to a battery management system (BMS) software defect. The issue could prevent early detection of fire risks linked to the vehicle’s battery system.

Kia will also recall 1,590 units of the Niro electric vehicle (EV) over the same BMS software concern.

BMW recall over starter motor defect

Separately, BMW Korea is recalling 67,878 vehicles across 32 models, including the 520i and 320i, due to defective starter motor components that may increase the risk of fire.

The transport ministry said the corrective measures will address safety concerns through inspections and necessary replacements or software updates.

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Earlier recall of 1,79,880 vehicles

The latest recall follows an earlier voluntary recall by Hyundai Motor, Kia and BMW Korea involving 1,79,880 vehicles across 51 models due to software-related manufacturing defects.

Hyundai Motor had recalled 36,603 units of the Porter II Electric over a software error affecting braking performance.

Kia recalled 25,078 units of the Bongo III electric vehicle due to a similar braking-related software issue. In addition, 69,137 Kia vehicles across 16 other models were recalled over comparable defects.

BMW Korea also recalled 9,914 vehicles across 13 models, including the i5 eDrive40, due to a software defect in the air-conditioning compressor control unit.

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Kia Georgia plant crosses 5 million units

In a separate development, Kia said its production facility in Georgia, United States, has surpassed 5 million units in cumulative production.

The milestone was marked by the rollout of a Telluride sport utility vehicle (SUV), which also became the first hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) assembled at the Georgia plant and Kia’s first US-assembled HEV.

Kia has been producing the Telluride exclusively at its Georgia facility since 2019.

IANS