Intermittent steering has never been a popular automotive option. According to Consumer Reports, the recent Sonata recall was spurred by the very same concern. Beginning within the month of Oct, Hyundai will recall 144,000 Sonatas due to steering column issues. Steering can become impossible due to failure of parts within the steering column, making crash a likely result at higher speeds.
Joint connection trouble prompted Hyundai Sonata recall
Bad parts, botched construction or loose nuts could all contribute to the problem in Hyundai Sonatas made from December 11, 2009 through September 10, 2010. 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 can be performed free of charge, indicates Consumer Reports. For further questions, dial 800-633-5151 to reach Hyundai’s guest service experience.
Steering difficulties for Hyundai, Kia
Chosun Ilbo reports the United States of America National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has its eyes on Hyundai and Kia for steering-related recall issues. One complaint was filed over steering issues within the Kia Soul, however that consumer posted a video about this on YouTube, which drew major attention. 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 of America may be intentionally targeting Hyundai after Toyota’s issues, since “it is very unusual for a massive investigation to be triggered by a single complaint”.
In the United States, the Hyundai Sonata and Kia Soul are the flagship models of the joint car manufacturer Hyundai-Kia. Over 108,000 Sonatas sold in the United States of America from January to July 2010, which made up 46 percent of Hyundai’s total U.S. sales. Eight thousand Kia Souls came to the United States of America in July alone, writes Chosun Ilbo. As outlined by sales estimates, more than 10,000 Kia Soul automobiles could be sold each month for the rest of the year.
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
