The first time I felt a "click" was while pulling out of a tight parking space in reverse with the wheel pegged to the right. It only clicked once that day, but clicks and pops became more frequent over several weeks and a few thousand miles. The steering lost its original tight feel when turned back and forth. The longer it went, the worse it got.

The local dealer replaced the intermediate or connecting steering shaft under general warranty today, restoring everthing to its original smooth, quiet operation.

The one they took out resembles a plumbers helper with a universal joint at each end:
http://www.greenhybrid.com/share/image2127.html

The joint at this end was noticeably rough when manipulated by hand: http://www.greenhybrid.com/share/image2126.html

Specific replacement part name/number info:
http://www.greenhybrid.com/share/image2125.html