The ability to steer a moving motor car without plowing into oncoming traffic is necessary for safe driving. The recent Sonata recall was depending on a noted lack of said ability, writes Consumer Reports. Starting in Oct, 144,000 Sonata’s could be recalled due to steering column intermediate shaft issues. Mechanical failure can cause a driver to lose the ability to steer their Hyundai, which in turn heightens the risk of crash.
Faulty joints resulted in Sonata recall
Faulty manufacturing, improper assembly or even insufficient joint tightening in Hyundai Sonatas built between December 11, 2009 and September 10, 2010 are factors that made the Hyundai Sonata recall necessary. Hyundai Sonata owners are encouraged to bring their recall-subject cars into their dealership for inspection of the universal joint connectors and power steering software updates. These services could be performed free of charge, suggests Consumer Reports. If customers have additional questions about the Hyundai recall, Hyundai’s consumer service department can be reached at 800-633-5151.
Kia and Hyundai operate via rough steering patch
The English-language version of the Chosun Ilbo newspaper recently reported that complaints over steering in the Hyundai Sonata sedan and Kia Soul multipurpose car have sparked investigation by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The Kia Soul has received a single complain only, but that complaint went viral on YouTube. One element of the Chosun Ilbo report that is quite interesting is that the article points out that some have alleged that the United States may be intentionally targeting Hyundai after Toyota’s problems, since “it is very unusual for a massive investigation to be triggered by a single complaint”.
The Hyundai Sonata and Kia Soul happen to be Hyundai-Kia’s flagship models within the U.S.. Over 108,000 Sonatas sold in the United States from January to July 2010, which made up 46 percent of Hyundai’s total U.S. sales. Chosun Ilbo writes that 8,000 units of the Kia Soul were exported to the United States of America in July alone. Projected sales estimate over 10,000 Souls could be sold in the U.S. each month for the rest of 2010.
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
