South Korea to prohibit about 20,000 BMW vehicles following engine fires

South Korea’s transport ministry stated on Tuesday it would prohibit some 20,000 BMW vehicles from the streets in middle of increasing public fears regarding engine fires.

The driving ban comes after 27 engines went up in flames from January and July, which prompted BMW’s Korea unit to apologize earlier week and a recall of 106,000 diesel vehicles consisting the 520d from August 20.

Amid public concerns concerning safety the government order will impact about 20,000 BMW cars that are part of the recall however yet to get safety checks, as per the transport ministry.

“I am asking owners of the BMW cars subject to the recall to actively cooperate to avoid bigger accidents, despite your inconvenience,” Transport Minister Kim Hyun-mee informed.

Those who own the impacted automobiles, however, can drive for safety checks, the ministry stated, including that the ban is meant for quicker safety checks than the punitive action against the owners.

Authorities at the German automaker figured out the root cause as defects in the exhaust gas recirculation system, where as the South Korean government is carrying a separate investigation into the case and preparing to take legal action if necessary.

The order would be effective once owners of the affected cars get a mail notice, as soon as August 15, the transport minister stated.