BMW hit with $10 billion fine over vehicle fires

BMW is facing a nearly $10 billion fine over a rash of engine fires.

South Korea's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport made the announcement Monday after a months long investigation into the German automaker. The ministry says BMW delayed recalls and tried to cover up technical issues that led to dozens of vehicle fires.

The ministry says it will also file a complaint against BMW with prosecutors to decide if criminal charges are warranted.

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BMW has said its own investigation found the fires were connected to faulty exhaust systems and eventually recalled over 170,000 vehicles.

In a statement to multiple news outlets, BMW said it recalled the vehicles "as soon as the root cause of the fire was confirmed." It also confirmed it's cooperating with the investigation.

Additional reporting from Newsy affiliate CNN.