The 2011 Hyundai Sonata will be undergoing a recall due to steering shaft concerns.

The problem is that the shaft may have been improperly assembled or insufficiently tightened. This could result in separation or poor attachment of the steering connections, which in turn can create a reduction, or even a loss, of steering capability.

139,500 cars manufactured between December 11th, 2009 and September 10th, 2010 are affected. To fix the issue, dealers will inspect the shaft to make sure its properly assembled and tightened. The power steering software will also be updated.

The recall is set to begin next month.

Press Release

Make: HYUNDAI	Model: SONATA
Model Year: 2011
Manufacturer: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY	Mfr’s Report Date: SEP 23, 2010
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 10V426000	PE10035 NHTSA Action Number: PE10035
Component: STEERING:GEAR BOX:SHAFT SECTOR
Potential Number of Units Affected: 139500
Summary: HYUNDAI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 SONATA VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM DECEMBER 11, 2009, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 10, 2010. ON SOME OF THESE VEHICLES THE STEERING COLUMN INTERMEDIATE SHAFT UNIVERSAL JOINT CONNECTIONS MAY HAVE BEEN EITHER IMPROPERLY ASSEMBLED OR INSUFFICIENTLY TIGHTENED.
Consequence: IMPROPER ASSEMBLY OR INSUFFICIENT TIGHTENING OF THE CONNECTIONS COULD RESULT IN A COMPLETE SEPARATION OR COMPROMISED ATTACHMENT OF THE CONNECTIONS, SUCH THAT THE DRIVER COULD EXPERIENCE A LOSS OF, OR REDUCTION IN, STEERING CAPABILITY INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE STEERING COLUMN INTERMEDIATE SHAFT UNIVERSAL JOINT CONNECTIONS FOR PROPER ASSEMBLY AND TORQUE. IN ADDITION DEALERS WILL UPDATE THE POWER STEERING SOFTWARE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING OCTOBER 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HYUNDAI CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-633-5151.
Notes: HYUNDAI’S SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER IS 097. OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION’S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV .

Source: NHTSA