On August 14, Hyundai and their subsidiary Kia announced that they would recall 259,000 automobiles in two separate actions. These recalls affect 4 different vehicle models produced by the two Korean automobile manufacturers. According to Jim Trainer, a spokes person for Hyundai, the company is not aware of any accidents or injuries associated with the recalls.
Click here to read the full New York Times Article: Hyundai Recalls 259,000 Vehicles for Corrosion and Axle Problems
The first recall involves 2006-2010 model Hyundai Sonatas and Azera vehicle models from 2006-2011. These 239,000 vehicles are being recalled due to a corrosion problem of the suspension underneath the car. The Sonata vehicles were built between March 1, 2005, through January 21, 2010, and the Azera cars were manufactured from September 27, 2005, through November 22, 2010.
Attention “Salt Belt States”
According to the defect notice, the cars being recalled will be from the “salt belt” states and the District of Columbia. These states include Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. Hyundai has found that because of the defect in the suspension in these vehicles, owners who live in these states are more susceptible to problems, especially during the winter months. Road salt and water can enter portions of the rear crossmember, leading to corrosion of the crossmember steel. This may lead to detachment of one of the rear control arms. The detachment of one of the rear control arms will affect the rear wheel alignment and will affect the steering of the vehicle. This will increase the likelihood of an accident.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will repair or replace the crossmember assembly. The recall is expected to begin by the end of September 2013. Owners may contact Hyundai at 734-337-9499. Hyundai’s recall number is 113.
The other recall affects the 2013 Santa Fe and the 2014 Kia Sorento that were installed with a 2.4 liter engine and front wheel drive. The Kia Sorento is the sister car to the Hyundai Santa Fe. The problem is that the right front axle shaft may fracture while driving due to manufacturing error. A fractured front axle may result in a loss of power to the wheels. Additionally, if the vehicle is parked without the parking brake applied, it may roll away. Both of these scenarios can lead to a potential crash. Approximately 20,000 vehicles are affected by the manufacturing issue.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front axle shaft assembly, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in August 2013. Owners may contact Hyundai at 800-633-5151. Hyundai’s recall number is 112.
Americans rely on their car manufactures to provide a safe well-designed vehicle. Sadly, that is not often the case. The Auto Defect Attorneys at The Brandi Law Firm has successfully represented many people injured from defective Toyotas, Fords, Chrysler, Hyundai, GM products and numerous other manufacturers and suppliers. Often times, people involved in accidents do not examine the issues of defective vehicle design nor whether the car was truly crashworthy – does it contain the appropriate crash protection. If you or a loved one has been injured in an auto crash, our attorneys at The Brandi Law Firm are available to consult with you. Please contact our office at 800-481-1615 or email us