The vehicles subject to recall pose risks with defects in safety and the environment, yet they often receive a passing grade in government-conducted vehicle inspections.
In South Korea, approximately 1.2 million vehicles are subject to recall but have not undergone repairs, particularly low compliance rates for recalled vehicles over 10 years old, increasing accident risks in the recall blind spot. However, the current periodic inspections only evaluate the safety of vehicles and emissions standards, not the compliance with recalls. Therefore, it has been pointed out that the government should link periodic inspections with compliance to recalls and implement practical sanctions and incentives, such as confirming compliance with recalls when purchasing insurance.
The Automobile Citizens' Alliance suggested on the 25th to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and the Ministry of Environment to improve the system by adding the confirmation of recall status during inspections.
As of 2023, among the 3 million vehicles recalled in South Korea, about 1.2 million (40%) have still not been repaired. In particular, the compliance rate for recalled vehicles over 10 years old is below 50%, showing a significant gap compared to new cars (under 5 years old) with a compliance rate of over 70%. Even when recalls are announced, the compliance rate remains low as vehicle owners may not be aware of it or postpone repairs due to time constraints. The issue of non-compliance with recalls for older vehicles, combined with vehicle aging, poses a greater risk of accidents. If core components such as engines, brakes, and steering systems are worn and defects are left unaddressed, the likelihood of accidents increases sharply. Currently, 4 out of 10 vehicles operating on South Korean roads are over 10 years old. If these vehicles operate without receiving recalls, they could pose a serious safety threat.
▲Major countries overseas implement strict sanctions for non-compliant vehicles
The United States and major European countries are enforcing strong policies to increase recall compliance rates. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the average recall compliance rate in the U.S. is at a level of 75%-80%, and for new cars (within 3 years), it reaches 85%-90%. In some states, when renewing vehicle registrations, compliance with recalls is checked, and registration for non-compliant vehicles is restricted.
The European Union (EU) also has an average recall compliance rate of 80%-85%. Germany and the United Kingdom classify non-compliant vehicles as 'unsuitable' during periodic inspections, prohibiting their operation, while France imposes fines on non-compliant vehicles. The Netherlands has introduced a system that allows real-time checks of recall statuses at inspection stations and imposes additional inspection expenses on non-compliant vehicles.
Japan also rigorously manages non-compliant vehicles. If a non-compliant vehicle is found during periodic inspections, warning measures are issued, and repairs must be completed within a certain period to allow for vehicle registration. Failure to comply can result in additional administrative actions and fines. Thus, overseas, various means such as periodic inspections, vehicle registrations, and insurance are used to enforce recall compliance. In contrast, South Korea still relies on manufacturers' notifications and consumers' voluntary choices.
▲Linking periodic inspections to recalls... Consideration for introducing insurance incentives is necessary
In South Korea, practical measures are needed to increase the recall compliance rate. Currently, the recall system depends on voluntary notifications by manufacturers and consumers' choices. However, such an approach has limitations in raising compliance rates. It is also necessary to impose sanctions, such as raising insurance premiums for non-compliant vehicles or limiting compensation coverage in the event of an accident. Conversely, introducing incentives such as insurance premium discounts for vehicles that complete recalls could encourage vehicle owners to voluntarily participate in recalls. Like the current criteria for calculating insurance premiums based on vehicle age, accident history, etc., a system should be established to check for recall compliance during the purchase and renewal of insurance. Applying a certain percentage of insurance premium discount for completed recalls and raising premiums or strengthening compensation conditions for non-compliant vehicles could be effective measures.
Additionally, it is necessary to provide real-time recall information using mobile apps, text messages, and notification services, making it easier for vehicle owners to check recall notifications. Strong measures, such as imposing fines for not receiving repairs within a certain period, should also be pursued.
▲Recalls are not an option but an obligation... Urgent improvement of the system for national safety is needed
Automotive recalls are not merely a matter of manufacturers' responsibility but are directly related to national safety. We can no longer tolerate the situation where vehicles that have not received recalls increase the risk of accidents on the roads. If non-compliant vehicles cause accidents, the damage can extend beyond the individuals involved to other vehicles and pedestrians. The government must establish a system to check for compliance with recalls during periodic inspections and reflect the results in the inspections.
Im Gi-sang, the representative of the Automobile Citizens' Alliance, urged that "recalls are essential measures for addressing safety and environmental defects. If linked to the current insurance system, the recall response rate will increase. It is necessary to improve the recall system for drivers to shift their perception that recalls are not an option but an obligation."