U.S. and Canadian officials indicated that Hyundai and Kia are recalling a total of 325,000 vehicles to fix corroded suspensions and failing axle shafts.

The largest of the campaigns is in the U.S. and covers approximately 215,000 Sonata midsize sedans from the 2006 to 2010 model years and about 24,000 Azera full-size sedans from 2006 to 2011 model years.

The recall reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration stems from the need to inspect and repair or replace the rear suspension crossmember.

Meanwhile in Canada, officials from Transport Canada noted 52,000 units are being recalled for this issue, the Sonata from 2006 through 2010 models years as well as the Azera from the 2006 through 2009 model years.

In a message to Auto Remarketing, Hyundai spokesperson Jim Trainor pointed out that during winter months, large quantities of salt are used to de-ice roads in the 20 “Salt Belt” states.

So Trainor indicated the Sonata and Azera models are being recalled only in states that rely heavily on road salt during the winter, including Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia.

“Road salt may result in corrosion of the rear crossmember,” Trainor said. “As the corrosion progresses, it may lead to thinning or perforation of the crossmember steel.  In advanced cases, crossmember corrosion can result in detachment of one of the inboard control arm mounting points such that the control arm pivot is no longer secured to the crossmember, affecting the rear wheel alignment. 

“In the event of such control arm separation, the affected rear wheel remains connected to the vehicle by the trailing arm, the assist arm, the other control arm, the shock absorber and the axle,” he continued.

“Drivers are aware of the control arm separation by virtue of a more significant rear wheel misalignment and drivability impacts arising from the misalignment,” Trainor went on to say. “If the connection between the rear crossmember and a control arm separates, handling of the vehicle may be adversely affected, which may increase the risk of a vehicle crash.”

Hyundai indicated all owners of record of affected vehicles will be contacted by first class mail and instructed to bring their vehicles to franchised dealers to have the rear crossmember inspected for corrosion damage. 

“If specified levels of corrosion damage have occurred, the rear crossmember will be replaced with a new crossmember with rust proofing applied to the component,” Trainor said.

“Crossmembers that do not require replacement will be treated with rust-proofing material to arrest the corrosion process. Inspection, treatment and replacement procedures will be conducted at no cost to owners,” he continued.

In a separate recall campaign, the OEM told U.S. regulatory officials that it will recall 20,000 Hyundai Santa Fe Sports from the 2013 model year and 9,300 Kia Sorrentos from the 2014 model year due to possible problems with the right front axle.

The automaker informed Transport Canada it will recall 3,200 units but only the 2013 Santa Fe Sport.

The vehicles are equipped with 2.4-liter engines produced from July 11 of last year through March 12.

“Hyundai is voluntarily initiating this action to ensure the safety and quality of vehicles and the continued satisfaction of its customers,” Trainor said. “Dealers will install the replacement right side axle shaft free of charge.”
Trainor then explained why the recall is necessary.

“A portion of the axle shaft may have been improperly manufactured,” Trainor said. “This can result in the fracture of the axle shaft resulting in a loss of power, increasing the risk of a crash.

"Additionally, the vehicle may move unintentionally when parked without a fully applied parking brake,” he continued. “The steering and braking systems remain fully functional. Hyundai is not aware of any accidents or injuries related to this condition.”

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