South Korea's Environment Ministry said on Monday that it will fine Nissan's South Korean operation for manipulating emissions tests on its sport utility vehicle models, an allegation Nissan is denying.

The ministry said it will fine Nissan Korea Co 330 million won ($28,000) and recall 814 Qashqai vehicles sold since November. It also plans to file a complaint with prosecutors against the head of Nissan's South Korean operation.

Hong Dong-kon, a director at the ministry, said the SUV's emission reduction device stopped operating when the engine's temperature reaches 35 C, about 30 minutes after the engine began to work.