Korea: Defect complaints on EVs are 6 times higher than diesels, 3 times higher than hybrids
Reports of defective cars are rising most among electrified cars, including hybrids, is rising fast in Korea, according to Korea Transportation Safety Authority , which oversees vehicle recalls.
The government agency says reports on defective cars has more than doubled within 3 years, rising in tandem with increase in sales of electrified vehicles.
In 2019, there were 3,750 cases, but by 2020 this has increased to 6,917 cases, and 7,785 cases in 2021, an increase of 2.1 times in 3 years.
Complaints on hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) surged the most, at 21.5 times, followed by battery EVs (9.4 times), hybrids (2.9 times). Traditional combustion engine cars also saw an increase in complaints, but at a lower 2.2 times for petrol engine cars, and 1.6 times for diesels.
“Compared to three years ago, the number of car defects reported more than doubled, especially those of EVs and hybrids. It is necessary to protect consumers by strengthening the preemptive defect investigation into manufacturers, and to thoroughly manage car safety as it is directly related to public safety,” said Democratic Party lawmaker Min Hong-chul told The Korea Herald.
