Hyundai Motor Co and affiliate Kia Motors Corp will recall 240,000 vehicles in South Korea after the government issued a compulsory recall order over safety defects first flagged by a whistleblower.

 The ministry asked prosecutors in Seoul to investigate whether or not the automakers allegedly covered up the five flaws, which affect 12 models, including the Elantra, Sonata, Santa Fe and Genesis.

 Hyundai Motors Malta said it was investigating whether any vehicles in Malta were affected.

 “Our first and foremost priority is the safety and peace of mind of our customers, and we will take all necessary measures to make sure any possible issues are quickly and safely rectified,” the local company said.

 The compulsory recall was a blow to Hyundai, which is already reeling from a record-low market share in its home market.

 The planned recalls will add to the 1.5 million vehicles that Hyundai and Kia last month offered to fix in South Korea and the United States over possible engine stalling – a defect which was also flagged by 26-year-old Hyundai engineer Kim Gwang-ho who last year had reported vehicle defects to the safety regulators in the two countries.

 The ministry later asked the automakers to recall the vehicles over eight of the 32 problems reported by Kim. But Hyundai and Kia earlier rejected calls for a voluntary recall related to five defects, saying the defects did not compromise driving safety.

 Today, Hyundai and Kia said in a joint statement they "accept the administrative order", adding: "There have been no reported injuries or accidents from the cited issues."