Hyundai Motor Co. will issue a vehicle defect recall for about 140,000 Sonata model cars in the United States for problems with the steering. According to a Bloomberg News report, the steering defects could result in a loss of or reduction in maneuvering capability. The vehicles involved in this recall are 2011 Sonata sedans manufactured between December 11, 2009 and September 10, 2010. Hyundai has apparently issued a voluntary recall to inspect its vehicles for the steering problems. So far, no accidents have been reported as a result. The recall is expected to begin in October.

More recalls

Kia Motors, an affiliate of Hyundai, issued another auto product defect recall earlier this month for 104,000 cars because of a wiring problem that could cause a fire hazard. Also, in August, Toyota recalled 412,000 of its Avalon cars because of improper casting of the steering lock bar, which could lead to loss of steering control.

The “Toyota Effect?”

It appears that the massive Toyota recall and the repercussions that the world’s largest auto maker faced in connection with sudden acceleration issues in its vehicles, has put all auto makers on notice. Toyota recalled nearly 11 million vehicles worldwide for problems with sticky accelerators and faulty floor mats, which caused the vehicles to suddenly accelerate without control. Toyota ended up paying an unprecedented $16.4 million government fine for delaying the recall by years. I cannot help but wonder if other auto makers have learned an important lesson from Toyota’s PR nightmare.

Timely vehicle recalls when it comes to defective automobiles are extremely important. First of all, it alerts consumers about a potential problem, especially if it is a vehicle defect that could cause a car accident. Secondly, the auto maker offers a fix for the problem. Before the Toyota fiasco, a majority of auto makers either denied defects in their vehicles or hesitated to issue a recall because it cost them millions to do so. Now, it seems that they are learning that not issuing a timely recall could hit them hard on the wallet too.

Auto defects are not new to auto manufacturers or consumers. As early as 1965, Ralph Nader’s book “Unsafe at Any Speed” provided examples of the auto industry failing to provide consumers with safe cars. Since then, the only comprehensive book to be published on auto defects is by products liability lawyer Brian Chase of the defective products law firm BISNAR | CHASE. Brian’s book, “Still Unsafe at Any Speed” included real-life accounts that remind us that auto defects continue to plague our society today, affecting all of us. Learn more about auto defects by requesting your copy of Brian’s book, “Still Unsafe at Any Speed — Auto Defects That Cause Wrongful Deaths and Catastrophic Injuries.”

Auto Product Liability Issues

This is something good that has come out of the Toyota episode – a silver lining if you will. Does this mean that we can expect all auto makers to issue timely recalls moving forward? I doubt it. This is a good start, but only time will tell if this willingness to acknowledge auto product defects will continue. If you have been the victim of a defective auto product, it would be in your best interest to contact an experienced California personal injury lawyer, who has successfully handled auto products liability cases to find out how to pursue your legal rights.

Have you ever experienced sudden steering loss while driving? We would like to hear about your experiences.