[THE INVESTOR] Mercedes-Benz will recall over 1,100 cars sold in South Korea for transmission-related problems, while global automaker Volvo will recall over 800 cars for waste water from air conditioners causing possible short circuits in electric units, the Transportation Ministry said on Oct. 19.

According to the ministry, defective wiring in certain model year Mercedes-Benz cars could prevent the gear shifting to neutral or parking positions, possibly causing an accident.

The recall affects 1,119 cars of four S350d models, including the S350d 4M Long, that were produced between Nov. 27, 2015, and April 11, 2016.

Volvo Car Korea is recalling 862 vehicles of two vehicle models -- the XC90 SUV and the S90 sedan -- for possible shorts caused by waste water from the vehicles‘ air conditioners, the ministry said in a press release.

The vehicles subject to the latest recall were produced between April 21 and Sept. 6 of 2016, and free repair services will be available at any Volvo service centers starting Oct. 21.

Also, 60 Toyota Prius cars, produced between Jan. 7 and March 15 of this year, will be recalled for poor welds in front air bag inflators that may prevent the air bag from inflating properly in case of a crash, the transportation ministry said.

Toyota Korea, the local importer of Toyota cars, will begin offering free repair services at its service centers Nov. 10.

(theinvestor@heraldcorp.com)