BMW Korea to recall 12,000 vehicles over engine defects

BMW Korea, the local unit of German automaker BMW, will recall almost 12,000 cars sold in Korea due to defects in engine components.

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport said Friday that 19 BMW models including X3 xDrive30d, X5 xDrive30d and X6 XDrive30d were found to have defects in the engine timing belt, which controls the tension of the engine valves. The defects can cause the engine to abruptly shut off while on the road.

The ministry said that it is the first time that BMW has recalled vehicles over this defect.

The affected vehicles were produced between March 22, 2010 and Dec. 11, 2013.

The ministry also found ruptures in some of the BMW’s fuel lines, which can lead to leakage, and in the worst cases the engine can shut down or even catch fire.

Fourteen models, including the 118d, 120d, 320d and 420d Coupe manufactured between April 11, 2014 and Feb. 23, 2015 will be recalled.

BMW will also recall 15 models with faulty airbag sensors. The ministry said the airbag sensors which are installed in the center of the car didn’t work properly in models such as Gran Turismo 530d, 730d, 520d and the Rolls-Royce Ghost. Also, the seatbelt function, which holds passengers tight to the seat in a crash, was faulty in the same models.

Models manufactured between Dec. 1, 2008 and June 29, 2012 were affected.

Kia Motors, Audi Volkswagen Korea, Nissan Korea and Daimler Truck Korea also are recalling some of their vehicles.

Kia will recall the old version of its compact sports-utility vehicle Sportage manufactured between Aug. 9, 2007 and May 22, 2009 because of defects in the components of its electronic stability control, which could short-circuit and lead to a fire.

Audi Volkswagen Korea is recalling five models, including the Golf A7 2.0 GTI model, because of defects found in the pump installed inside the fuel tank. The defect can lead to fuel leakage, which can cause a fire. The problematic models were manufactured between May 28, 2014 and March 19, 2016.

Nissan Korea will recall the Q30 sedan due to seatbelt defects and Daimler Truck Korea is recalling the Arocs and Actros due to an ill-functioning bracket installed in the high-pressure fuel pump.

BY JIN EUN-SOO [jin.eunsoo@joongang.co.kr]