BMW Korea is recalling nearly 19,800 cars due to flawed battery cables that could cause fires, the country’s Transportation Ministry said Thursday.

The recall applies to 17 models of its 5 Series and two each from the 6 Series and M Series manufactured between April 2003 and March 2010, according to the local unit of the world’s largest premium automaker.

The announcement comes on the heels of the Munich-based group’s largest-ever recall in late March involving about 1.3 million vehicles for a potential problem with battery cable covers in the trunk.

“A battery cable connecter on those models can loosen and thus increase electrical resistance which could cause overheating, possibly resulting in a fire in an extreme case,” the ministry said in a statement.

BMW said it was unaware of any accidents developed from this fault.

The company said it will inform car owners by mail. They can receive free refits at partner workshops starting Thursday. Those who have already done repairs on their own can get reimbursed, the ministry added.

By Shin Hyon-hee (heeshin@heraldcorp.com)