Being able to steer a vehicle is always an essential part of the automotive experience. A lack of such vital control is what brought on the latest Sonata recall, notes Consumer Reports. Starting in October, 144,000 Sonata’s will be recalled due to steering column intermediate shaft troubles. Steering can become impossible due to failure of parts within the steering column, making crash a likely result at higher speeds.
Faulty joints led to Sonata recall
Whether it is defective parts, errant assemblage or simply nuts that were not properly tightened within the factory, it is known the dates in question for the Hyundai Sonata are from Dec. 11, 2009 and September 10, 2010. Those with Sonatas in question should go to their dealer for repair and power steering software update, all done at no cost to the consumer. Consumer Reports writes that these free repairs could be handled with the utmost efficiency. If customers have additional questions about the Hyundai recall, Hyundai’s consumer service department can be reached at 800-633-5151.
Steering recalls for both Hyundai and Kia
As outlined by Chosun Ilbo, both Hyundai and sister brand Kia have had steering-related troubles that have drawn the attention of the United States National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Only one complaint was filed on the Soul, however that consumer posted a YouTube video, which proved to be viral. One element of the Chosun Ilbo report that is quite interesting is the article points out that some have alleged that the United States may be intentionally targeting Hyundai after Toyota’s trouble, since “it is very unusual for a massive investigation to be triggered by a single complaint”.
The Hyundai Sonata and Kia Soul are the Korean automaker’s flagship models. Forty-six percent of Hyundai’s U.S. sales from Jan. through July 2010 were the Sonata (108,000 units). As outlined by Chosun Ilbo, exports of the Kia Soul in July totaled 8,000. Projected sales estimate over 10,000 Souls can be sold within the U.S. each month for the rest of 2010.
Further reading
Chosun Ilbo
english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2010/09/02/2010090200929.html
Consumer Reports
blogs.consumerreports.org/cars/2010/09/recall-2011-hyundai-sonata-steering-column-problem.html
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