Hyundai recalls 15,614 cars for steering check

HYUNDAI Motor Company Australia (HMCA) has recalled 15,614 previous-generation Hyundai i30 hatchbacks and Elantra sedans to check for a potential power steering fault.

Sold in Australia between November 1, 2009, and April 30, 2010, the cars can lose power steering assistance if the motor-driven power steering system fails, suddenly causing the steering to become heavy.

Hyundai says on its notice posted on the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) recalls website that should the system fail, it could pose a hazard to the driver or other road users. It says a warning light should appear on the instrument panel if the system fails.

HMCA public relations general manager Bill Thomas told GoAuto that no incidents involving power steering failure in those models had been reported in Australia.

Letters are being sent to owners asking them to return their vehicles to their Hyundai dealership service centre to have the steering system checked and, if necessary, have the steering’s electric motor replaced or the software upgraded.

Most of the cars involved in the recall are i30s. According to official VFACTS sales figures for the period covered by the recall, Hyundai sold 14,704 i30s and 1110 Elantras.

These vehicles are closely related, being built on the same platform and with the same powertrains.

The models involved in the recall are HD Elantras within vehicle identification number (VIN) range of KMHDU41DAAU929998 – KMHDT41B9BU084665, and FD i30s KMHDC81TMAU064300 – KMHDC51TMAU267226.

It is the first safety recall issued by Hyundai in Australia this year.