Volkswagen, Nissan, Mercedes-Benz and Maserati will recall 28,197 cars sold in South Korea for safety-related mechanical defects, the transportation ministry said Wednesday.

According to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, a combined 27,811 Passats, CCs, Jettas, Tiguans and three other models made by the German auto giant Volkswagen have problems with their clock springs that can lead to a malfunction in vehicle horns and cause air bag warning lights to light up.

The spring is a connector that allows a vehicle's steering wheel to turn while still making it possible to maintain an electrical connection with the rest of the car.

The problem involves cars made between 2010-2014, with the carmaker to implement a recall in the first half of 2016, due to the need to produce improved parts.

The carmaker said it has notified owners of the vehicles affected of the potential problem.

The ministry said Mercedes-Benz will be recalling 145 S63 AMG 4-Matic coupes for assembly defects related to seat belts. It said cars made between July 23, 2013, and Jan. 16, 2014, may have issues affecting the driver and front passenger seat belts.

"The carmaker will be servicing cars starting on Friday," it said.

On cars made by Nissan, the ministry said 149 Altimas and 71 Maximas have been found to have problems with their H-rings that can cause oil to leak around the fuel pump.

The Japanese carmaker said 149 Altimas made between March 27, 2012, and Sept. 9 of this year are affected, as well as 71 Maximas made between Feb. 10 and Aug. 24. Nissan will start making repairs Friday.

Forza Motors Korea Corp., which sells luxury Italian cars, said 21 Maserati Quattroporte sold in the country may have problems with electrical wiring in the ignition motor and generator. These defects can prevent the car from turning on and unwanted vehicle battery discharge. Sedans made from June 1, 2013, and Dec. 10, 2013, are affected, with FMK to start repairs Thursday. (Yonhap)