Achieving 90.2% Recall Rate: How Korea’s TS and Auto Makers Ensure Safer EVs in 2026

The Korea Transportation Safety Authority (TS) announced on March 26 that, after pursuing consumer-focused recall policies with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, last year’s vehicle recall completion rate climbed to 90.2%.
 
Working with the ministry, TS implemented owner-facing recall measures designed to improve motorists’ safety and boost the effectiveness of recall programs. Last year, the agencies also expanded manufacturer-led outreach services, with automakers going directly to owners to increase completion rates.
 
TS will pilot an OTA (over-the-air) recall notification system to alert drivers about outstanding recalls. OTA notices would provide voice alerts at vehicle startup and display repeated messages on the instrument cluster or infotainment screen until the recall is resolved.
 
Meanwhile, the government and major domestic automakers have established an action-oriented cooperation framework to reduce consumer inconvenience tied to recalls and to steadily raise recall completion rates.
 
On the same day, the government and automakers held a “Roundtable on Improving Recall Completion Rates” in the Korea Automobile & Mobility Industry Association conference room and shared findings from a survey of owners affected by recalls. They discussed priority issues for improving the customer experience, such as difficulties booking appointments when service centers are closed.
 
Participants also shared new initiatives tailored to each manufacturer’s operating conditions, including priority recall booking systems and keeping service centers open on days off to perform recall work. To lift the overall standard of recall service, they agreed to expand manufacturer outreach programs and OTA-based recall notifications.
 
Jung Yong-sik, director of TS, said, “Swift recall action is not optional but essential. Recalls help prevent social harm from traffic accidents and vehicle fires and protect public safety. We will work closely with the government and manufacturers to create a safer driving environment that motorists can actually feel.”