Hyundai, the South Korean manufacturer whose popularity has drastically improved based on value, improved styling and extensive warranty, is recalling some 2011 models of its Santa Fe sport utility vehicle because of potential rear break flaws.
The Korean car maker’s Kia unit, which shares the same platform and have many similar parts, is also recalling some 2011 Sorento SUVs.
The rear brake calipers in both vehicles may not have been machined properly and could allow brake fluid to leak.
If the leak occurred, it would trigger a warning light indicating the fluid level is low. If the driver doesn’t take corrective action, the symptoms could worsen to include spongy-feeling brakes and an eventual loss of braking power.
The recalls affect about 1,783 Santa Fe vehicles built from Sept, 28 through Nov. 25 of 2010, and about 7,697 Sorentos built from Sept. 14 through Oct. 4. All of the recalled cars are 2011 models.
To fix the problem, properly manufactured calipers will be installed on the vehicle at no cost to the owner at Hyundai dealerships.
Hyundai has not yet provided a notification schedule for owners, but the NHTSA urges concened owners to contact Hyundai Roadside Assistance at 1-800-243-7766 or call the NHTSA directly at 1-888-327-4236. The official NHTSA campaign ID number is 10V613000.
Article Last Updated: August 27, 2021.
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A sports, travel and business journalist for more than 45 years, James has written the new car review column The Weekly Driver since 2004.
In addition to founding this site in 2004, James writes a Sunday automotive column for The San Jose Mercury and East Bay Times in Walnut Creek, Calif., and monthly auto review and wellness columns for Gulfshore Business, a magazine in Southwest Florida.
An author and contributor to many newspapers, magazines and online publications, co-hosted The Weekly Driver Podcast from 2017 to 2024.
