The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has received several reports through its early warning system of the steering column becoming separated in 2011 Hyundai Sonatas. Such a problem can result in a catastrophic loss of steering control. In other cases, the agency says a cross-threaded bolt can loosen over time, but not result in a complete separation of the steering column.

In opening such an investigation, NHTSA is trying to determine how widespread the problem is before beginning the process that could lead to a recall. The new Sonata is the first model-year 2011 vehicle facing a safety investigation by NHTSA.