[THE INVESTOR] The 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe diesel car involved in the Aug. 2 crash that killed four people will be analyzed for manufacturing defects, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport said on Aug. 4.

The vehicle had crashed into a parked trailer truck in Busan, killing four passengers. The driver survived and claimed that the brakes failed to work.

The analysis will initially be limited to the vehicle involved in the accident. The ministry said that should the initial analysis produce sufficient evidence to believe that all relevant models may be affected, a wider investigation will be launched. 

The Hyundai Santa Fe vehicle at the scene of the accident in Busan on Aug. 2. Busan Metropolitan Police Agency

Complaints about the diesel version of the first generation Santa Fe experiencing steering and speed control issues have continued over the years. In 2007, the Korea Consumer Agency prompted Hyundai Motor to carry out free repairs on the high pressure pump installed in diesel Santa Fe SUVs produced between November 15, 2000 and December 31, 2004.

However, the KCA deemed that the defect was not directly linked to safety.

By Choi He-suk (cheesuk@heraldcorp.com)