Hyundai Recalls 141,000 Tucson Crossovers
Via The Detroit News
Washington -- Hyundai Motor Co. said Saturday it will recall 141,000 2011-2014 Tucson crossovers because the airbag may not have been properly attached to the steering wheel.
The Korean automaker told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration it has reports of 141 incidents of improperly tightened bolts, but no reports of crashes or injuries related to the issue. Hyundai said it is possible that the two bolts attaching the driver’s airbag to the steering wheel assembly were not properly tightened. Over time it could cause a rattle noise, or if both bolts become loose and detach the driver’s airbag from the steering wheel, which could then fail to operate properly in a crash.
In December, Hyundai service engineers noted about 100 “labor only” (no parts), low cost (under $50) warranty claims in which the bolts securing the air bag to the steering wheel were fixed by tightening them to factory specifications. Hyundai said the claim rate was 0.06 percent and no customer complaints were lodged.
On average, the 100 vehicles with warranty claims had been on the road for about 13 months. Hyundai then received an additional 41 warranty claims in the first four months of 2014. "Based on this information, Hyundai determined that a safety recall would be appropriate to ensure that all vehicles in the field are properly" tightened, the automaker said.
More Industry

Luxe N.C. Dealerships Change Hands
A collection of Italian and English brand franchises were handed off to the owner’s friend in the business and include the Carolinas’ only Ferrari retail stores.
Read More →
Exposure Drives Interest in Chinese Cars
At a recent demonstration, consumers had the chance to ride in a Chinese-branded vehicle, a firsthand experience that improved their perceptions and purchase intent.
Read More →
Automotive Consumers Sink Further in Debt
Most financing metrics hit records in the second quarter as more buyers locked themselves into long terms and high monthly payments.
Read More →
Agent Advocate
Rob Mancuso, who comes from a long line of auto dealers, values general agents’ place in the industry and makes a case for them taking an even bigger seat at the table.
Read More →
Driving Under Distraction
Though consumers gave higher marks to new vehicles in JD Power’s most recent initial-quality poll, high-tech interference worsened, pointing to craving for simplicity.
Read More →
Affordable New Cars a Thing of the Past
More than one out of five new vehicles sell for more than $60,000, according to Edmunds. That's up 7% compared to prepandemic 2019.
Read More →
State Follows Federal Warning on Auto Ads
The Massachusetts attorney general cautioned the state’s automotive dealers to be upfront with the consuming public about their vehicle prices or risk punishment.
Read More →
Consumer Outlook on the Rise
Younger generations are feeling more positive about their financial futures and current affordability pressures than older generations, according to recent TransUnion data.
Read More →
Pennsylvania Dealership Under New Retailers
The sale of the Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram store puts a family auto group on a leaner path as first-time dealers take the helm.
Read More →
Battery Storage Takes Priority Over EVs
U.S. automakers are prioritizing battery energy stationary storage over electric-vehicle production as the consumer demand for EVs lags the rest of the world.
Read More →