Car Recalls May Begin as Hyundai Models Need ‘Left Turn Only’ Signs; Hyundai Make it Right

July 28, 2011 - PRLog -- DETROIT, M.I. – Car recalls may be seen in the future for Hyundai as there seems to be a problem with its newest 2011 Sonata. As one of the best-selling vehicles in the U.S., it seems odd for owners to have to worry about a problem that even Hyundai cannot seem to find a solution for.
The Wandering Sonata Syndrome—named by Jalopnik—has thousands of drivers frustrated as their Sonata vehicles pull to the left constantly while in motion. It is true that vehicles may have alignment problems that may cause the same issue, but the vehicles that may be affected include only 2011 Sonata models.
After working hard for a decade, Hyundai has increased its reliability and strengthened its reputation against defects in other earlier models. Hyundai has quickly grown into a popular stance in the auto industry with a great many loyal followers, more than even Honda and Toyota according to Jalopnik. But at this point, Hyundai has sold more than 600,000 of the newest model, which may be part of the surprise as Hyundai is struggling to find a solution for the newest problem which, if not found, may prompt car recalls.
There have been 188 complaints with U.S. Federal officials and even more online with hundreds of posts and comments speaking about the same issue. One owner stated:
“I really have to fight with the steering wheel to keep the car going straight. after 45 minutes of driving on interstate my arms were sore from fighting the steering wheel. is this normal? according to the hyundai rep it is common to 2011 sonata. i am suppose to just get used to it. this one mechanic confirmed that every other sonata owners come complain about this problem. yet supposedly it is not a problem. it is simply the nature of the car.”
Many owners have brought in their vehicles to have the issue fixed repeatedly, but there has not been a complete fix to the problem as of yet. One fix that has been attempted, although only solving the issue for some drivers, includes adding a new strut for the left front wheel. Drivers are becoming more frustrated as dealers are passing over their problem.
One owner commented: “Case closed as they try time again to shut the door in your face basically telling you to take it down the road because several of them have agreed amongst themselves to toe the company line instead of alleviating the problem.”
Car recalls have begun for other steering wheel issues in other Hyundai models that are not related to the random left pull of the 2011 Sonata. There has been a report of at least one death in a 2011 Sonata, and although the cause was not officially confirmed to be the vehicle, the evidence pointed to the vehicle defect being pulled to the left per the police report.  
But, as no crashes or injuries have been officially reported, the problem does not require an investigation as of yet. Should it continue, owners may eventually face recalls.
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[Source(s): Jalopnik]