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Hyundai, Kia, BMW Recall 107,000 Vehicles Over Fire Risk Defects

Hyundai, Kia, and BMW are voluntarily recalling over 107,000 vehicles in South Korea due to defects that could lead to fires. The issues involve battery management system software in Hyundai and Kia electric vehicles and faulty starter motor components in various BMW models. This action follows a previous major recall by the same automakers for similar software-related safety defects. Separately, Kia celebrated a production milestone of 5 million vehicles at its plant in Georgia, USA.

Key Points: Major Recall: Hyundai, Kia, BMW Vehicles for Fire Risks

  • 107,158 vehicles recalled
  • Battery software & starter motor defects
  • 37 models affected
  • Follows earlier recall of 179,880 vehicles
2 min read

Hyundai, Kia, BMW to recall over 107,000 vehicles over fire risks

Hyundai, Kia, and BMW recall over 107,000 vehicles in South Korea due to software and component defects posing fire hazards.

"manufacturing defects that could pose fire risks - Transport Ministry"

Seoul, Feb 25

Hyundai Motor, Kia and BMW Korea will voluntarily recall 107,158 vehicles across 37 models due to manufacturing defects that could pose fire risks, the transport ministry said on Wednesday.

According to the ministry, 37,690 units of four Hyundai models, including the Kona Electric, are subject to corrective measures over a battery management system (BMS) software issue, which could prevent early detection of fire risks.

Kia will recall 1,590 units of the Niro electric vehicle (EV) over the same BMS software issue, reports Yonhap news agency.

Separately, BMW Korea will recall 67,878 vehicles across 32 models, including the 520i and 320i, over defective starter motor components that could lead to possible fires.

Earlier, Hyundai Motor, Kia and BMW Korea voluntarily recalled a combined 179,880 vehicles across 51 models due to software-related manufacturing defects, the transport ministry said.

According to the ministry, Hyundai Motor recalled 36,603 units of the Porter II Electric due to a software error that could affect braking performance.

Kia also recalled 25,078 units of the Bongo III electric vehicle (EV) over a software issue that could reduce braking performance. In addition, 69,137 Kia vehicles across 16 other models were recalled starting Tuesday over a similar issue.

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

Meanwhile, Kia's production plant in the US state of Georgia has achieved over 5 million units in cumulative production, the automaker said on Wednesday.

A rollout ceremony for the 5 millionth unit at the West Point plant was held Tuesday (U.S. time), with the unit, a Telluride sport utility vehicle (SUV), also marking the first-ever hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) to be assembled in Georgia, as well as Kia's first U.S.-assembled HEV, according to the company.

The South Korean carmaker began producing the Telluride exclusively in Georgia in 2019.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Over 1 lakh vehicles! That's a massive number. Safety should be the top priority, no compromise. My cousin has a BMW 320i, I've forwarded this article to him immediately. Hope the companies provide a smooth and quick recall process for all affected owners. 🙏
R
Rohit P
First braking issues, now fire risks? This is a pattern with these recent software-focused cars. Maybe we were better off with simpler, more reliable mechanical parts. My 10-year-old Honda City has never given such tension. Sometimes new tech brings new problems.
S
Sarah B
While the recall is the right step, the article mentions this is a *voluntary* recall after a previous one. Makes me wonder if regulatory bodies here in India are as proactive. We need strong checks for imported cars too, not just rely on foreign actions.
V
Vikram M
The push for EVs is great, but quality control has to keep up. A fire risk in an EV battery is a nightmare scenario, especially in crowded Indian cities and parking lots. Companies must invest more in rigorous testing before launch. Jaldi kaam accha nahi hota.
K
Karthik V
On a positive note, at least they are being transparent and taking responsibility. That's better than hiding the defect. Hope the service centers in India are prepared to handle the software updates efficiently for affected models sold here.

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