Hyundai had to issue a recall after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) confirmed a problem in the car’s steering wheel column. Apparently some universal joint connections are either improperly assembled or insufficiently tightened. And it’s a big recall with 139,500 units involved. The affected cars are built between December 11, 2009, through September 10, 2010.
On cars manufactured between Dec. 11, 2009, and Sept. 10, 2010, the steering column shaft universal joint may have been improperly assembled or not tightened enough. You can check your car’s manufacture date on a sticker on the driver’s side doorjamb.
The problem is significant enough that a complete separation could occur, leading to reduction or loss of steering. Dealers will inspect the cars, replace defective parts and update the steering software free of charge.
This is a significant recall for Hyundai. The automaker has been riding a wave of sales success spearheaded by the redesigned Sonata, which has been a top 10 best-seller for the past few months.
The recall is expected to begin in October but no specific date was given. For more information, owners can call Hyundai at 800-633-5151 or NHTSA’s hot line at 888-327-4236.