The autosphere is abuzz about the all-new 2011 Hyundai Sonata. Apparently, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is reportedly opening a file on the sedan in response to reports there are steering shaft issues.
 

The issue centers around the universal joint on the upper end of the intermediate steering shaft. The joint has allegedly been coming loose and/or separating completely, resulting in a partial or complete loss of steering. In cases where the intermediate shaft and universal joint did not separate completely, it is alleged that a cross-threaded pinch bolt may be causing threads to strip out and allowing the joint to loosen, but not fail.

NHTSA didn't specify how many reports it had received of this problem, nor did it cite any accidents or injuries attributed to the problem. The agency did note that all of the reported vehicles appeared to have been manufactured during the same month and all had less than 600 miles on them. The investigation covers some 16,300 model year 2011 Hyundai Sonatas, NHTSA said in its announcement.

Hyundai is cooperating fully with the investigation states Hyundai spokesman Jim Trainor.,


Source: The Detroit News courtesy of Automobile Magazine Staff