출시 석 달만에 현대차·기아 LPG 트럭 리콜..."사고 불안" / YTN

[Anchor] A critical defect has developed in a key component connected to the engine in Hyundai and Kia LPG trucks released just three months ago. Drivers are worried that their vehicles will suddenly stall while driving, leading to accidents. Hyundai and Kia have hastily implemented voluntary corrective measures and recalls. Reporter Kwon Jun-soo reports. [Reporter] Mr. Cho, who purchased a new 1-ton truck two months ago, suddenly stalled while driving. [Mr. Cho / Hyundai Porter owner: Before entering the expressway, the steering wheel wouldn't engage. The car made a noise like a metal part was falling off...] The vehicle Mr. Cho purchased was a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) truck released by Hyundai in late November of last year. The problem is that a 1-ton LPG truck released by Kia around the same time also exhibits the same defect. Consumers who purchased the affected trucks from Hyundai and Kia are expressing concern, claiming they nearly suffered fatal accidents. On internet forums they subscribe to, criticism abounded, saying it was the first time a new car had malfunctioned like this. The cause of the defect is believed to be the "tension adjuster," a device essential for vehicle control. [Kim Pil-soo / Professor, Department of Automotive Engineering, Daelim University: The timing belt is one of the most important belts connecting the engine and other components. Proper control of the timing belt is crucial, and the tension adjuster is the component that controls it.] The defect is believed to have occurred when a screw suddenly came loose or the tension adjuster fell off during driving. A problem with this tension adjuster can affect not only the engine itself, but also other key components connected to it, such as the steering wheel, alternator, and air conditioning. The Porter and Bongo models in question underwent a complete internal redesign when switching from diesel to LPG fuel. Critics point out that this process was hastily released without sufficient testing, leading to the defect. [Park Byeong-il / Master Automobile Engineer: In fact, this is the first time I've seen a screw break or loose in a new or old car in the past 50 years. Perhaps the materials for the screws and retainers were not compatible with each other when developing a new engine.] Following a series of consumer complaints, Hyundai and Kia reported manufacturing defects in mid-last month. They explained that the recall process took some time due to the preparation of parts and materials. These models attracted attention as being more economical and environmentally friendly than diesel when they were first released, and orders for up to 30,000 units were placed. The Porter and Bongo LPG vehicles being recalled this time total approximately 21,000 units. You can visit your nearest authorized repair center. This is Kwon Jun-su from YTN. Photographers: Wang Si-on and Lee Young-jae Graphics: Kim Hyo-jin YTN Kwon Jun-su ([email protected]) ※ 'Your tip becomes news' [KakaoTalk] Search for YTN and add the channel [Phone] 02-398-8585 [Email] [email protected] ▶ Original article: https://www.ytn.co.kr/_ln/0103_202403... ▶ Report: https://mj.ytn.co.kr/mj/mj_write.php ▣ Subscribe to YTN YouTube: http://goo.gl/Ytb5SZ ⓒ YTN. Unauthorized reproduction, redistribution, and use of AI data are prohibited.