Hyundai Motor, Kia, and BMW Korea have announced a voluntary recall of 107,158 vehicles spanning 37 models due to potential manufacturing defects that could result in fire hazards. The recall involves 37,690 units of four Hyundai models, including the Kona Electric, which require corrective actions due to a battery management system (BMS) software issue affecting early fire risk detection. Kia will also recall 1,590 units of the Niro electric vehicle (EV) for the same BMS software concern, as reported by Yonhap news agency.
In a separate recall, BMW Korea will be recalling 67,878 vehicles from 32 models, such as the 520i and 320i, due to faulty starter motor components that may pose fire risks. This follows an earlier combined recall of 179,880 vehicles across 51 models by Hyundai Motor, Kia, and BMW Korea due to software-related manufacturing defects, as stated by the transport ministry.
Hyundai Motor’s recall includes 36,603 units of the Porter II Electric due to a software error impacting braking performance. Kia’s recall involves 25,078 units of the Bongo III electric vehicle (EV) due to a software issue affecting braking performance, along with 69,137 Kia vehicles across 16 other models recalled for a similar reason. BMW Korea, on the other hand, 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 facility in Georgia, USA, has achieved a milestone of over 5 million units in cumulative production. The automaker celebrated the production of the 5 millionth unit, a Telluride sport utility vehicle (SUV), at the West Point plant, marking the first hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) assembled in Georgia and Kia’s inaugural U.S.-assembled HEV, according to the company. The Telluride has been exclusively produced in Georgia since 2019.
