Mercedes Makes Biggest Recall Among South Korea's Imports

Seoul August 28, 2004; Bae Keun-min writhg for the Korea Times reported that Mercedes-Benz Korea has issued a voluntary recall for 2,956 vehicles of its vehicles, the largest volume ever for a foreign brand here.

The Ministry of Construction and Transportation said Friday the German motor company will recall its E, S, CLK and CL Class cars to fix their air-conditioner systems, the electronic stability program (ESP), weak trunk lid upholder and a hose for the active body control.

A total of 1,426 units of vehicles need repair work for their ESP, as the driving safety system may leak oil in certain conditions.

Mercedes-Benz' 554 vehicles have problems with a fuse connector in the air-conditioning system, which controls ventilation.

The trunk lid upholders of the remaining 689 vehicles are susceptible to a breakdown due to insufficient solidity.

An oil-pressure line hose for the active body control, the German automaker's suspension system, is being recalled in 287 units for the risk of corrosion.

Owners of the cars subject to the recall can take their vehicles in for free repair work for 18 months from Saturday at the company's service centers across the nation. For more information, call (02) 2112-2565.