- Hyundai is recalling 139,500 2011 Sonata sedans because steering column components could be improperly assembled or loose.
- Hyundai says it has found eight instances of the suspect joint connections.
- The recall is expected to begin in October.
WASHINGTON — Hyundai is recalling 139,500 2011 Sonata sedans because the steering column intermediate shaft universal joint connections may have been either improperly assembled or insufficiently tightened, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
"Improper assembly or insufficient tightening of the connections could result in a complete separation or compromised attachment of the connections, such that the driver could experience a loss of, or reduction in, steering capability, increasing the risk of a crash," said NHTSA in its recalls summary of the problem.
In other documentation filed with the federal government, Hyundai said it has found eight instances from the initial production period for the redesigned Sonata of improperly assembled or loose steering column intermediate shaft universal joint connections. In one case, Hyundai said "the universal joint may have been damaged when the steering column assembly was dropped by a worker at the supplier before installation in the vehicle," according to a federal filing signed by Robert Babcock, senior manager of regulation and certification at Hyundai-Kia America Technical Center Inc.
Hyundai dealers will inspect the steering column intermediate shaft universal joint connections for proper assembly and torque. The dealers will also update the power steering software. Hyundai said "the software update will ensure that steering wheel vibration or shaking will not occur as a result of a motor-driven power steering malfunction."
The recall is expected to begin in October. Owners can contact Hyundai at 800-633-5151.
This is the second recall for the redesigned Sonata. On February 24, Hyundai recalled 5,893 2011 Sonata sedans for a door latch problem that could result in a door opening while the vehicle is in motion.
On Friday, the Sonata made the short list of contenders for the 2011 North American Car of the Year prize.
Inside Line says: If you own the aforementioned Hyundai Sonata, have it checked out with your dealer ASAP. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent
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tbone85 says:
06:00 PM, 09/28/2010
Hondalvr, I got ya wrong. I apologize.
orbit9090 says:
07:21 PM, 09/27/2010
Just a blip for the very fast-moving company...sales up 75% in just six years!
For anyone asking, "How is Hyundai doing it?!", the following entire article should be required reading...
http://www.automobilemag.com/features/news/1009_hyundai_humble_and_hungry/index.html
hondalvr4life says:
05:28 PM, 09/27/2010
@tbone85
Definetely didn't say that. I wouldn't buy any car in its first model year... Which is why I drive a 2001 Accord which is the 2nd to last year of that generation and its got no problems at 115k! Hoping to get a 2011 Civic (to replace my Accord) in its last model year of the 8th generation :)
tbone85 says:
05:11 PM, 09/27/2010
I'm gonna guess that one is not a loser if they buy a first model year Honda? Having a steering column fall apart is bad. So is having a parked car roll down the driveway into traffic. An eponymous fanboy experiencing myopia when commenting on another brand? Say it ain't so.
hondalvr4life says:
01:56 PM, 09/27/2010
well thats what all you losers get who bought the first model year problems! Sounds like a pretty bad one too, can you imagine driving down the interstate and having your steering column fall apart?
sniperruff says:
12:10 PM, 09/27/2010
The silence is quite a contrast compared to this thread:
http://www.insideline.com/hyundai/sonata/2011/feds-probe-2011-hyundai-sonata-for-steering-problems.html