Hyundai Sonata 2011: new struts to solve steering issue
Hyundai Motors America have come a long way in the past few years, thanks in large part to the re-design of their brand and an emphasis on quality cars with excellent fuel efficiency. The news had been mostly positive since the re-branding, but their reputation took a bit of a knock when it was revealed recently that there had been over 4.000 consumer complaints regarding a possible steering issue on the Hyundai Sonata 2011 Model Year.
The complaint was that the vehicle would pull to the left, a problem that re-alignment could do nothing to repair. Hyundai have been closely tracking those complaints, and this week announced that they will be taking steps to resolve the steering issue.
Hyundai spokesman Jim Trainor announced that letters have been sent to all the Sonata owners (in the region of 41,000, all of which were produced between Sept. 1, 2010 and April 30, 2011) whose vehicles may be affected by the pulling issue.
In the letter, Hyundai Motor America informed drivers that they should set up a service appointment at their local dealer, at which time their vehicle will be inspected and, if necessary, have new front suspension struts installed as well as a re-alignment, all at no charge. The new struts are now being commonly used in the newer models of the Sonata, and it is believed that taking those steps will resolve the issue.
It should be noted that the number of complaints (4.000) represents only a small 3% of the almost 150.000 Sonatas produced for 2011, and Trainor is quick to point out that this is a completely different issue from the steering shaft issue that resulted in a recall of 138.000 Sonatas last year.
He went on to say that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is not in any way involved in the current steering problem, and it should be considered a service issue rather than a recall.
Sales and critical acclaim of the Hyundai Sonata 2011 continue to be strong in spite of the latest steering problem with sales up an impressive 27 percent over the previous year’s numbers. Kudos to Hyundai to act fast and sorting out Sonata’s pulling to the left problem!
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2 Responses to Hyundai Sonata 2011: new struts to solve steering issue
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Hyundai owners & enthusiasts, welcome!
Here’s to hoping Hyundai continues to maintaining their new-found quality level.
For now, it remains to be seen if all their striking new models posses the necessary reliability for a positive driving experience for years to come.
I have a 2011 limited turbo sonata which has the pulling or drifting to the left problem – its been in the shop 3 times so far – the first 2 times alignment was checked and tweeked with no help – I received the letter from hyundai, so the last time the dealership was told that it is most noticable on straight highways which I drive regularly. The car was test driven by a so called technetion (mechanic) for a total of 2 miles which couldn’t even get to a highway – the repairs are only done if they are deamed necessary – and of course the technitian said ther was no problem so nothing was done. I am now waiting to here from the hyundai service rep to go for a test drive with me. what a pain.