Car companies recall vehicles over faulty parts

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Car companies recall vehicles over faulty parts

Automakers are recalling more than 9,000 imported vehicles and motorcycles over issues with airbags, rusted parts and software malfunctions, the transportation ministry said Thursday.

The recalls affect vehicles from Japan’s Honda, Germany’s Mercedes-Benz and America’s Ford models.

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced that 7,659 Hondas, including the Civic, Legend, Insight and CR-Z that were manufactured between March 22, 2006 and Jan. 31, 2012, would be recalled, citing problems with the automobile’s airbags. The faulty airbags, manufactured by Takata, had metal scraps that could seriously injure passengers if they exploded. Owners of Civic, Insight and CR-Z models will be able to exchange the airbags at Honda Korea’s service centers beginning June 7 while Legend owners will be able to exchange airbags beginning Aug. 16.

“As the faulty airbag actually resulted in death in accidents that occurred overseas we hope that the owners of these cars will immediately get their airbags exchanged when they receive the recall notice,” said a ministry official.

Mercedes-Benz’s popular model E-Class had faults on its software related to the powertrain control unit. This defect caused problems for drivers as the automatic transmission failed to properly deliver engine power.

The cars in question are 1,135 units that were manufactured between Dec. 8, 2015 and May 10, 2016. Luckily, none of the cars have hit showrooms. The company will upgrade the software in those unsold vehicles starting today.

Ford recalled its Lincoln MKX over rusting automotive parts. The fuel tank rusted on deicing agents that caused cracks, increasing the possibility of fire from fuel leakage. The 222 Lincoln MKX models that were manufactured between Sept. 22, 2008 and July 12, 2010 are eligible for free part swaps at the company’s service centers.

Cars weren’t the only products recalled.

Some 14 units of motorcycles by Austrian motorcycle manufacturer 1290 Super Adventure that were imported by Sports Motorcycle Korea (SMK) are also subjected to recalls due to software problems. According to the government, defects on the motorcycle’s rear shock absorber control unit could lead to oil leaks, which could damage proper suspension action. The instability could lead to fatal crashes.

The motorcycles that will be recalled were manufactured between July 25 and Dec. 17, 2014.

Manufacturers will notify owners of the vehicles subjected to recalls via mail. Owners who have already repaired problems raised by the government can be compensated by the manufacturers for any expenses incurred.


BY LEE HO-JEONG [lee.hojeong@joongang.co.kr]






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