Hyundai Motor Corp. has announced a recall of more than 47,000 2011 Sonatas, and has suspended sales of the popular vehicle in the U.S. until a problem with front door latches is corrected. The South Korean automaker has found that in some testing cases the front doors were not closing properly and that could lead to unexpected opening of front driver and passenger side doors. While the majority of vehicles involved in this recall were manufactured and sold in South Korea through December 6, there were more than 1,300 sold in the U.S. as recently as February 16.
Hyundai’s voluntary safety recall is an example of the concern that has been raised globally in the wake of the massive string of recalls announced by Toyota since October 2009 and Honda’s ongoing major recall that began in November 2008. Toyota has recalled more than 9 million vehicles since October, having announced separate recalls in October, January and February. Toyota’s recall involves nine of Toyota’s most popular models and has the company’s President Akio Toyoda meeting with U.S. government officials today. Toyota’s recalls have featured varying problems with sudden unintended acceleration, defective electronic brake systems (specifically in the Prius), and allegations of defective electronic throttle systems.
Honda’s recall began in November 2008 and continued two weeks ago with the addition of more than 400,000 Accords that were manufactured in 2000 and 2001. The latest Accord recall was for defective airbags. Honda also recalled more than 600,000 Fit vehicles for a defect in the power window mechanism that was allowing water to leak into the door.
If you or a loved one owns one of the affected Hyundai, Toyota or Honda models and have experienced problems with faulty door latches, sudden unintended acceleration or stuck accelerators, contact Newsome Law Firm today. Our team of attorneys has experience specific to complications associated with automobile recalls. Not only can they give you the legal guidance you need, they can help you get the compensation you deserve.