Hyundai Recalls Sonatas for Transmission Defects

By Grant Law Office on August 4, 2014

When there are numerous reported problems with a particular motor vehicle, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) may conduct a defect investigation. If it is clear that consumers are in danger because a part of the vehicle was poorly designed or assembled, the NHTSA may administer a safety recall. In recent years, there have been many recalls involving faulty tires, defective brakes and poorly designed child safety seats. Hyundai Motor Co. is one of the most recent automakers that have issued a major recall because of serious safety concerns.

The NHTSA reports that Sonata cars from model years 2011 to 2014 have a transmission-shift cable that can detach from the shift-lever pin. When this happens, the gear selection may not match the indicated gear causing the car to move in an unexpected direction. As a result of this defect, Reuters reports that Hyundai is recalling 883,000 Sonata mid-sized sedans in the United States and in Puerto Rico. A spokesman for the company has stated that there have been no reported accidents, injuries or fatalities resulting from the defect.

Anyone who owns one of these potentially dangerous vehicles would be well advised to stay abreast of the ongoing recall. They should receive a mail notification of the recall after which dealers will repair the connection between the shift cable and shift lever for free.

This is not, however, the only ongoing recall involving Hyundai Sonatas. Hyundai is also recalling 5,650 brand-new 2015 Sonata cars that have front-brake calipers that can crack. This defect can make the brakes less effective. The majority of the vehicles involved in this smaller recall are still owned by dealers and only about 200 are actually owned by consumers.

If you have a defective part but have not been involved in an accident, simply bring your vehicle to your local car dealer and discuss your options. If, however, you have suffered an injury because of a defective auto part or a faulty vehicle, please contact an experienced Atlanta product liability lawyer who can help you receive fair compensation for your losses.