Hyundai’s sedans leak after change at factory

Korea’s consumer protection agency said yesterday it ordered Hyundai Motor Co. to fix a problem with radiator coolant that may affect hundreds of thousands of two of the carmaker’s most popular models.
After receiving complaints about “contaminants” leaking out of the radiators on Hyundai NF Sonata mid-size sedans and Grandeur TG sedans, the state-run Korea Consumer Agency studied the coolant on 15 Sonatas and eight Grandeurs.
About 83 percent of them, or 19 vehicles, showed either white foreign substances or the liquid color shifting to a yellow color.
The problem occurred because a Hyundai Motor plant in Asan, 42 kilometers south of Seoul, used waste water in the the radiator coolant solution, according to the consumer agency statement.
After May 22, following guidelines from the consumer agency, Hyundai began using clean water when making the solution.
“Although no damage or malfunctions stemming from the substances have been found yet, cars that have been operating for a long time without having the coolant changed will have to be carefully watched,” said the release.
The models affected include 275,000 NF Sonata models produced between August 2004 and May 2007 and 173,000 Grandeur TGs produced between May 2005 and May 2007. Owners of the two models will be offered free repair services by Hyundai Motor at any time over the next 12 months.

By Seo Ji-eun Staff Writer [spring@joongang.co.kr]