A Hyundai Motor spokesperson said, “The matter is not crucially related to the drivers' safety,” and so the company is refusing the voluntary recall. Another four cases include an Avante model that was found to have defects in its vacuum hose; Kia Motors' Mohave SUV, which had loose hub nuts, allowing the driveshaft to come loose; and Genesis and Equus models because of a defect in their pollution control systems. “We are not saying 'no' to the government's order but are just proceeding with a legal step that we think is necessary in this case,” a Hyundai Motor spokesperson said. “Hyundai Motor objected to all five,” an official at the transport ministry said. “It is the first time that a carmaker filed an objection to a government recall request,” the official added. The transport ministry is going to hold a hearing after 10 days to get Hyundai Motor's side of the story. If it is not convinced by its argument, it will force it and sister company Kia to recall the cars. The five defects were among 32 reported by a former Hyundai Motor employee surnamed Kim to the transport ministry and the media last year. The whistle-blower worked in Hyundai Motor's quality control department. Kim also claimed that the Theta 2 engine in such models as the Grandeur and Sonata had defects that could lead to an abrupt halting of the engines. He said the cars with the problematic engines had been recalled in the U.S. market but not in Korea. Hyundai Motor denied his claims, saying the defect was caused in the manufacturing process, which differed for cars sold here and abroad. Kim was fired for leaking confidential information and may face criminal charges.