Personal Injury Law

2011 Hyundai Sonatas Recalled for Steering Defect

By Paul Napoli

September 26, 2010

Hyundai Motor Company is recalling 139,500 model year 2011 Sonata vehicles because improper assembly or insufficient tightening the steering column intermediate shaft universal joint connections could cause a loss or reduction of steering capability, increasing the risk of a crash.

In a letter sent by Hyundai to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the automaker found eight instances from the initial production period for this new vehicle of improperly assembled or loose steering column intermediate shaft universal joint connections and have implemented actions to ensure the proper assembly of the steering column intermediate shaft.

The recall affects vehicles manufactured from December 11, 2009 through September 10, 2010.

Last month, the NHTSA opened an investigation into reports of steering problems with the Sonata, Reuters reported.

Dealers will inspect the steering column intermediate shaft universal joint connections for proper assembly and torque. Hyundai has recently updated the power steering software installed during production and dealers will update the power steering software free of charge.

Full post as published by New York City Personal Injury Lawyer on September 26, 2010 (boomark / email).