Over 24,000 cars recalled in S. Korea for use of Takata air bag

Four different automakers have been ordered to recall over 24,000 cars sold in South Korea to replace front air bags that may spray metal shards in case of a crash that could cause serious damage to drivers and passengers, the transportation ministry said Thursday.

According to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, the air bag's inflator may ignite with excessive force, in some cases, causing a metal cartridge of the inflator to crack.

The resulting outcome could be fatal to occupants.

The recall affects 12,691 cars imported and sold by Honda Korea, including some 11,000 units of the Honda CR-V produced between March 2003 and December 2008.

It also affects 4,418 units of the SM3 compact passenger car from local automaker Renault-Samsung Motors Co. that were manufactured between Feb. 2 and March 2 of 2007.

Also subject to the recall are 6,322 cars imported and distributed by FCA Korea, the local importer of Chrysler vehicles, as well as 1,377 units of the Ford Mustang sold by Ford Sales Service Korea.

Unlike most other vehicle recalls, the start of free repair services for the cars may be delayed as the Takata recall has prompted a worldwide recall, causing a shortage of air bags, the ministry said.

Takata air bags have reportedly led to a recall of over 30 million cars in the United States alone.

Meanwhile, two other automakers have also been told to recall nearly 29,000 cars because of defective parts.

The ministry said an error has been found in the software of 75 units of the Jeep Cherokee, manufactured between Sept. 3, 2014, and Oct. 30, 2014, which may cause the vehicle's side air bags to deploy unnecessarily.

Brake pedals in certain model year Cadillac CTS and Cadillac ATS passenger sedans from U.S. automaker General Motors Co. may crack, possibly causing a failure of the brake system.

The recall affects 28 Cadillac cars produced between February and March of this year.

In addition to the Cadillac vehicles, General Motors is recalling some 28,000 cars produced by its local unit: GM Korea Co.

They include 27,846 units of the Chevrolet Captiva compact SUV produced between Nov. 3, 2010, and May 26, 2015, whose engine covers may come in contact with the exhaust system, possibly starting a fire.

The rest are 315 units of the Chevrolet Malibu sedan whose side air bags may fail to deploy.

Free repair services for the Jeep Cherokee cars are currently available at service centers of FCA Korea.

Repair services for cars from General Motors will be available starting Friday. (Yonhap)