Recall 10V426 affects 138,354 2011 Hyundai Sonata vehicles for loose steering shaft connections. Repair is free at any franchised Hyundai dealer.
Hyundai is recalling 138,354 2011 Sonata vehicles because the steering column intermediate shaft universal joint connections were improperly assembled or not tightened enough. A separated or loose connection can reduce steering control and increase crash risk; the Hyundai dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The steering column intermediate shaft in the 2011 Hyundai Sonata links the steering wheel to the steering gear. It uses universal joints, which are hinged connections that let the shaft pass steering input through angles as the column and steering gear sit in different positions. When you turn the wheel, that shaft carries the movement down to the gear that moves the front wheels.
On affected Sonatas, the universal joint connections were not assembled correctly or were not tightened enough during manufacturing. A loose or misassembled joint can let the connection shift instead of holding the shaft firmly in place. That means steering input is no longer transferred with the solid, direct feel the system needs.
There is no warning sign before failure. If the connection fails, the steering wheel movement does not reach the steering gear the way it should.
Who's affected?
| 2011 Hyundai Sonata | steering gear |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 138,354 |
Not every 2011 Hyundai Sonata sedan is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific sedan is included.
What's the safety risk?
Improperly assembled or loose steering column intermediate shaft universal joint connections can separate or lose secure attachment. That can reduce steering capability or cause loss of steering capability, increasing crash risk. Schedule the inspection and software update with a Hyundai dealer. Repair will be free at any franchised Hyundai dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2011 Hyundai Sonata is included in this recall.
- Watch for Hyundai's owner notice before scheduling, or call Hyundai customer service if you have not received one.
- Contact a franchised Hyundai dealer and reference recall number 10V426 when you call.
- Ask the dealer to inspect and torque the steering-column intermediate shaft universal-joint connections and update the power-steering software to address the steering-control risk.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete, and stop driving if the steering feels loose or reduced.
What happens at the repair
The repair plan calls for a Hyundai technician to inspect the steering column intermediate shaft universal joint connections for correct assembly and torque. The dealer also updates the power steering software. The recall was expected to begin during October 2010, and the final dealer repair will be free once Hyundai opens it. Parts and labor are covered under the recall.
Timeline
| September 20, 2010 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 15, 2010 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 10V426?
NHTSA campaign 10V426 covers 138,354 2011 Hyundai Sonata vehicles with steering column intermediate shaft universal joint connections that were improperly assembled or insufficiently tightened. The connection defect can reduce steering capability and increase crash risk. Hyundai dealers inspect the connections and update power steering software for free.
What should I do if my 2011 Hyundai Sonata is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Sonata is included in recall 10V426. If it is, contact a franchised Hyundai dealer and ask for the steering column intermediate shaft universal joint inspection and power steering software update. Reference recall number 10V426 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Hyundai dealers inspect the steering column intermediate shaft universal joint connections for proper assembly and torque, then update the power steering software free of charge.
What is the safety risk in recall 10V426?
The safety risk is loss of, or reduced, steering capability. NHTSA campaign 10V426 says an improperly assembled or insufficiently tightened steering connection can separate or have a compromised attachment, increasing the risk of a crash. The dealer repair addresses the steering connection and power steering software.
What if I bought my Hyundai Sonata used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2011 Hyundai Sonata is included, then call a franchised Hyundai dealer with recall number 10V426.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/10V426000 |
|---|---|
| Hyundai customer service | 1-800-633-5151 |
| NHTSA recall # | 10V426 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 10V426000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 3, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →