Hyundai is recalling certain model year 2011 Sonata vehicles because a damaged circuit board can cause a loss of power steering assist. This could make steering difficult, especially at lower speeds, which therefore increases the risk of a crash. A NHTSA safety reports explains:
The subject vehicles are equipped with electronic power steering (EPS). The EPS motor is located next to the steering column, and additional torque to assist the driver is provided by the electric motor and transferred to the steering shaft via a worm gear. The EPS electronic control unit (ECU) is integrated into the drive assembly. There are three main inputs to the system’s ECU; steering wheel torque, steering wheel position (angle), and vehicle speed. Damage to the circuit board can occur resulting in illumination of the EPS warning lamp in the instrument cluster accompanied by a loss of steering assist.
A total of 173,000 vehicles are included in the recall, which is scheduled to begin on May 30, 2016. Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EPS control unit, free of charge.
