The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is recalling almost 140,000 Hyundai 2011 new generation Sonata’s. The complaint is that the vehicles can sustain a separation in the steering shaft assembly that results in loss of steering. Regulators are blaming the problem on a bolt in the steering system which was not tightened or not assembled properly. The vehicles involved were manufactured during the same month at the Hyundai factory in Alabama and each had fewer than 600 miles at the time of the alleged incident.

Hyundai spokesman Jim Trainor said the automaker has seen only two reports of the steering problem. There have been no reported injuries or accidents linked to the complaints. Owners of affected vehicles can go to their dealers for inspection and repairs. Dealers also will update the power steering software. Owners may also call NHTSA at (888) 327-4236 for more information.

Below are some of the automobile recalls for August 2010

  • Honda is recalling some 2010 Elements with automatic transmission manufactured between April 01, 2010 through June 25, 2010. The cable that connects the shift lever to the transmission was not set correctly during assembly which could result in the key getting stuck in the ignition or the inability to shift into or out of park or reverse. While some Element owners have been contacted by phone about the problem, most owners will be notified through mail. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.
  • Honda is recalling some 2003 Accord and 2003-2004 Element vehicles for ignition interlock levers which could deform allowing the key to be removed from the ignition when the vehicle is not in park. Dealers will replace the levers with a new design free of charge. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.
  • Mazda is recalling some 2007-2009 Mazda3 and Mazda5 vehicles manufactured form April 02, 2007 to November 30, 2008. These vehicle may experience sudden loss of power steering assist while driving. Due to a shortage of parts, the recall will be carried out in two phases. Owners may contact Mazda Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-222-5500.
  • Nissan is recalling some 2010 Armada vehicles manufactured between June 07, 2010 to June 11, 2010 for second row center seat hinge assemblies that were manufactured out of specification. The seat may not lock in the upright position which could lead to injuries during an accident. Dealers will inspect and replace defective assemblies. Owners may contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
  • Nissan is recalling some 2010 Frontier king cab vehicles manufactured between June 10, 2010 and June 26, 2010. The weld between the tether anchor and the seat bracket is out of specification which could result in the tether anchor separating from the seat. The seat gusset will be replaced with a new one free of charge. Owners may contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.

Toyota announced Thursday that they will be recalling 373,000, 2000-2004 Avalon sedans as well as 39,000 2003-2007 Lexus LX470 SUVs for two unrelated steering system defects.

The defect in the Avalon Sedan is being blamed on an improper casting in a component of the steering lock system. If the steering is turned hard to the right, the component may break, resulting in the steering locking up. There have been six reports of the problem in the U.S. Three resulting in accidents with no injuries.

In the Lexus LX479 SUV, the snap ring on the steering shaft may disengage when the vehicle experiences an impact to the front wheel, such as hitting a pothole. Over time, this may cause the steering shaft to disengage. Toyota was not aware of any accidents resulting from the Lexus steering-shaft problem.

In announcing the latest recall, Steve St. Angelo, Toyota’s chief quality officer for North America, said the automaker was “continuing to work diligently to address safety issues wherever they arise and to strengthen our global quality assurance operations so that Toyota owners can be confident in the safety of their vehicles.”

2009 Passat – Some vehicles may have an electromechanical steering gear control unit that can malfunction because of a damaged capacitor. The vehicle may not respond as the driver intends it to. This defect only occurs immediately after starting up vehicle when the steering wheel is moved for the first time and at speeds less than 5 mph. Could lead to a crash without warning. Call your Volkswagen dealer immediately to schedule an appointment.

If you think the Volkswagen you are driving may be a lemon, call the California Lemon Law Firm of Delsack and Associates at 888-Ex-Lemon (888-395-3666) for a Free consultation. They specialize in the California Lemon Law with over 21 years of experience.