DETROIT (AP) — Hyundai is recalling more than 419,000 cars and SUVs to fix suspension, brake and oil leak problems.
The biggest of three recalls posted Friday by U.S. safety regulators is of 225,000 Santa Fe SUVs from 2001-2006 to replace front coil springs that can rust and crack in cold-weather states. The springs can fracture and make contact with a tire, potentially causing a crash.
The recall covers Santa Fes originally sold in 20 states and Washington, D.C., where salt is used to clear snow and ice from roadways. States affected are Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia and Wisconsin.
Hyundai said in documents posted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that dealers will replace the springs for free. Owners will be notified by the end of September.
The company received 1,200 warranty claims for the problem, including 90 in which the springs came in contact with a tire. No crashes or injuries were reported.
The Korean automaker also is recalling 133,075 Sonata midsize cars from 2011 because brake fluid can leak and cause increased stopping distances.
