S. Korea to probe Tesla for possible faulty parts

South Korea has ordered a probe into Tesla Motors Inc.'s Model 3 due to reports it may have faulty parts with its anti-lock brake system and the lane-keeping assist system.

If the Model 3 was found to have faulty components, the transport ministry said it would order the US electric carmaker to recall the vehicle.

Tesla is posted a stellar performance in South Korea in the first half, selling 7,079 vehicles in the Korean imported passenger car market, a whopping increase from just 422 units in the same period of last year.

In June alone, Tesla delivered 2,827 units of the Model 3, sharply up from 121 units a year ago.

Model 3's popularity is partly attributed to its is relative affordability.

Tesla ranked fourth in terms of sales last month among imported carmakers.

According to the Korea Automobile Importers and Distributors Association, Mercedes-Benz topped the list with 7,672 units, followed by BMW's 4,069 and Audi's 3,401.