Over 810,000 Vehicles Remain Unrepaired After Recall, 44% Due to Brake Defects

More than 810,000 vehicles have not been repaired despite a recall initiated 18 months ago.

According to data submitted by the Korea Transportation Safety Authority to Moon Jeong-bok, a member of the National Assembly's Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee, out of approximately 5.14 million vehicles subject to a recall in 2024, 810,000 have not been repaired even after the minimum correction period of 18 months has passed.

Among the unrepaired vehicles, 359,817 (44%) had brake defects, making it the most common issue. This was followed by electrical system defects in 231,027 vehicles (28%) and interior safety device defects in 51,951 vehicles (6%). Vehicles with brake and electrical system defects accounted for 72% of all unrepaired vehicles.

Given that the brake system is a critical safety component directly affecting a vehicle's ability to slow down and stop, there are concerns that unrepaired vehicles could lead to accidents if they remain on the road.

Under current regulations, manufacturers must notify vehicle owners of a recall within 30 days of identifying a defect, using methods such as text messages and mail. However, the authority does not verify whether owners receive or respond to these notifications, instead managing the repair rate based on quarterly reports from manufacturers.

To improve the management of recall repair rates, the authority plans to develop an analytical model by 2027 and establish a management system by 2030. Until this system is in place, the management of recall compliance will rely on manufacturers' reports on repair status.

Moon Jeong-bok stated, "The purpose of a recall is only achieved when defective vehicles are actually repaired. The fact that 810,000 vehicles remain unrepaired after a year and a half, with nearly half of them being brake defect vehicles, indicates that the current notification and encouragement methods need to be reviewed."

He further emphasized that the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and the Korea Transportation Safety Authority should strengthen re-notification and encouragement for vehicles with safety-related defects, such as brake issues, and consider expediting the establishment of a repair rate prediction system.