Hyundai is recalling 139,500 2011 Sonata sedans for a steering column assembly problem that could cause the driver to lose the ability to steer the car and could cause an accident.
The affected 2011 Sonatas were manufactured from Dec. 11, 2009 through Sept. 10, 2010. On some of the Sonata sedans, joint connections on the steering column may have been either improperly assembled or insufficiently tightened, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports.
If the steering column connections aren’t properly attached, the driver could experience a reduction or complete loss of the ability to steer the car, which would increase the risk of a crash.
Hyundai dealers will inspect the steering column connections to make sure they’re assembled correctly and will also update the power steering software for free. The recall is expected to start during October.
If the 2011 Hyundai Sonata (pictured above) was on your short list of cars to buy and you’re considering alternatives, you might want to take a look at the Honda Accord, Mazda6, Nissan Altima, Toyota Camry or Ford Fusion.
The 2010 Honda Accord sedan can currently be leased for $250 a month for 36 months with $0 due at signing, or $199 a month with $1,499 at signing. The Honda Accord sedan also has 1.9 percent auto loan financing for up to 60 months.
The 2010 Mazda6 has a 0 percent car loan rate incentive this month for up to 60 months plus $500 in bonus cash. It can also be leased for $239 a month for 36 months with $1,833 due at signing.
The 2010 Nissan Altima can be bought for 0 percent financing for 36 months plus $500 in bonus cash or can be leased for $199 a month for 39 months with $2,999 at signing and $500 in bonus cash.
The 2011 Toyota Camry has 0 percent auto loan financing for 60 months or can be leased for $269 a month for 36 months with $269 due at signing.
The 2011 Ford Fusion has 0.9 percent car loan financing for 36 months, 1.9 percent for 48 months, 2.9 percent for 60 months and 4.9 percent for 72 months.
If the recall doesn’t bother you, the 2011 Hyundai Sonata can be leased for $199 a month for 36 months with $2,399 due at signing. The Sonata also has 2.9 percent car loan financing for up to 60 months or 3.9 percent for up to 72 months.
