NHTSA investigates 2011 Sonata sedan, GM recalls '05 - '08 Vibe (U.S)

2011 Hyundai Sonata probed due to steering defects:


The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) is probing around 16,300 Sonata sedans after it opened an investigation regarding the car’s steering.

"We will fully cooperate with the investigation and resolve any issues," said James P. Trainor, Hyundai Motor America spokesman. "We have received two complaints for different issues and have repaired the vehicles."

NHTSA said the complaints "allege either a separation of the intermediate steering shaft assembly upper universal joint resulting in a complete loss of steering capability and/or a cross-threaded pinch bolt that caused stripped-out threads and loosening, but not complete separation of the upper universal joint connection."

The affected vehicles were manufactured during the same month and had approximately 600 miles on the clock at the time of the supposed incidents.

Back in February, Hyundai recalled 5,893 ‘11 Sonatas due to defective door latches.

GM calls back 2005 – 2008 Pontiac Vibe vehicles:

GM is calling back 161,754 2005 – 2008 Vibes to rectify a fault regarding the engine control module, which could lead to the car stalling. The recall is connected directly with Toyota’s recall of 1.1m Corolla and Matrix models of the same year. The Vibe & Matrix underpin the Corolla platform.

NHTSA said the engine control unit on cars with the 1ZZ-FE (LV6) engine and two-wheel drive "may have been improperly manufactured". In some instances, "the engine may not start or the engine could shut off while the vehicle is being driven".

GM hasn’t given an owner announcement schedule, but its dealers will correct the substandard cars free of charge.

You can contact GM on 800-620-7668.

NHTSA investigates 2007 – 2008 Jeep Wranglers over fuel spills:

The NHTSA has received 217 complaints from owners concerning a potential fuel leak. The inquiry involves 223,000 ’07 – ’08 Jeep Wranglers, suggesting that fuel could seep back out of the fuel filler during refueling, creating a potential fire risk.

Owners have nagged about fuel splattering back out of the fuel filler, fuel dripping down the side of the SUV, splashing onto the owner and onto the ground.

Chrysler said no-one has been injured and no fires have been related to the possible flawed vehicle. No UK models have been affected.

Back in June, Jeep recalled 289,000 2006 – 2010 Wranglers due to a design fault, resulting in possible leakage within the brake pipes.

2009 Volkswagen Jetta recalled due to stalling 2.0 TDI engine stalling:

Another day, another investigation from the NHTSA...This time, VW is under scrutiny. The NHTSA is looking in to a possible safety concern surrounding the 2009 VW Jetta 2.0 TDI.

Several complaints from consumers and several more from online forums caused the investigation. The allegations propose that without warning the vehicle can shut-down and in many cases, will not switch back on. There are many stories for what may be the possible cause of the “stalling,” with some members suggesting that it is far more than an engine stalling issue.

A list from forum members regarding problems have totalled to 26. The most frequent issue by the enthusiasts is a high pressure fuel pump, which in most cases is deteriorating by tearing apart and sending metal debris throughout the engine. When this takes place, repair quotes have usually varied from a hefty $5,000 - $10,000, with VW dealerships declining to cover the costs in many cases.

Many owners of 2010 Jetta models are also reporting similar problems, signifying the study may be extended at a later date.

No European models have been recalled.

2011 KIA Sorento & 2010 KIA Soul recalled due to possible fire risk:

Kia is taking back 35,185 passenger cars, including 23,972 ’10 Souls and 11,213 ’11 Sorento’s due to a likely fire risk, the NHTSA said.

"A limited number of wiring harnesses supplied by JCI and used for the lighting in the Kia Soul vehicle's advanced lighting speakers, located in the front door trim panels, and the Kia Sorento vehicle's interior accent illumination, located in the front and rear door trim panels, may have been improperly soldered," said NHTSA in its recalls summary of the problem. "When the lights are illuminated under certain conditions, an electrical short may occur that can result in a fire."

The Soul trim-levels involved are the Soul!, Soul Sport and Soul+, built between 7th September 2009 – 8th June 2010. The Sorento EX and EX V6 with interior illumination option built between 23rd October 2009 – 30th July 2010 are affected.

Kia retailers will swap the wiring harnesses for the lights in the Kia Soul vehicle's advanced lighting speakers and the wiring harness for the Kia Sorento vehicle's interior accent illumination.

The recall is expected to begin sometime in September. Owners can contact Kia on 800-333-4542.