Hyundai Santa Fe steering wheel may break off

NHTSA campaign 18V118000 · Reported 2018-02-17 · Hyundai Motor America

critical How serious is it? About this label

A steering wheel separating while you drive means a total loss of control with no warning, so do not put this off — have it checked before you drive it further if you can.

What's wrong, in plain English

On some 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport vehicles, the steering wheel assembly can break. If that happens, the steering wheel can come off the column while you are driving, leaving you unable to steer. Hyundai dealers will check the production lot number of your steering wheel assembly and replace it if it came from an affected batch. The check and any replacement are free. This recall started in March 2018; check whether yours was ever repaired.

What you should do

1. Run your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if this repair is still open on your vehicle.
2. Call a Hyundai dealer, or Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460, and reference recall 173.
3. Have the dealer check the steering wheel lot number and replace it if needed — free of charge.

Affected vehicles (1)

2018 Hyundai Santa FE

Who to contact

Hyundai — official Hyundai recall lookup

Customer service: 1-855-371-9460

Any franchised dealer for the brand can do the repair. Phone numbers are taken from manufacturer sites and recent NHTSA notices; if one has changed, the number in your own recall letter is the one to use.

The bigger picture

Can a Hyundai steering wheel or column really come apart? · all 3 Hyundai recalls in this area

Official notice

Component: STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
Summary: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The steering wheel assembly may break, possibly resulting in the steering wheel separating from the steering column while driving.
Safety risk: A steering wheel separation while driving can cause a loss of vehicle control and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will check the production lot number of the steering wheel assembly, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on March 26, 2018. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 173.

Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov. Recall repairs are free of charge by law.