Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2015 Hyundai Elantra owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of motive power, and the vehicle was difficult to steer. The ABS light, traction control, Tire Pressure Monitoring System, and steering wheel warning light were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and has not been repaired. The contact also stated the vehicle was taken to the mechanic for an oil leak 3 times, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.
When you go to stop at a stop.sihn or in general it fails to do so. It locks up an I slide an almost hit people multiple times. Today I was backing out of a parking lot an when I went to turn my steering wheel straight it locked up an failed to let me counter steer it. Causing me to go over a curb an almost blow my tire out. Leaving my tire with a big bubble on the side of my tire. Eventually going to lead to a blow out.
On February 17, 2023, my vehicle was broken into and damaged because thieves tried to highjack the car using a now common method of the end of a USB cable in the ignition. The passenger rear window, the steering column, and the key ignition were all damaged, and I had my vehicle towed to a Hyundai dealership. Nearly all 2011-2021 Kia and Hyundai vehicles are made easy to operate without a key, to steal, and to vandalize. This security vulnerability has resulted in Kia and Hyundai owners paying for repairs (even with insurance, owners need to pay the deductible) and higher insurance premiums. Hyundai and Kia did not disclose this defect, which is a material fact, and a fact that a reasonable person would rely on when purchasing a vehicle, consequently making these vehicles easy to steal, unsafe, and worth less than they should be. …
My 2015 Hyundai Elantra steering binds at highways speeds after having driven 20 minutes or so. I am able to overcome this by using extra effort to move the steering wheel; but it come back again. It does not happen at lower speeds. I consider this dangerous as I don't know if this binding (or sticking) problem will get worse. This has been going on since October of 2022. The binding occurs while driving straight at highway speeds.
When driving the car loses power steering and is harder to control. I am at risk because I cannot control the car how I am suppose to. I have called before but there are no Hyundai service dealers close to me. There was nothing prior but now that it is happening there are warning lamps on.
The steering makes a knocking noise when I turn the steering wheel. The dealer states I need to replace the rack and pinion assembly. I have read of other driver's complaints regarding steering issues. I am also aware of a previous recall for the same issue with earlier Elantras.
Power steering locks up while driving at high speed, could not turn wheel. Took a picture once slowed down to 20mph. Turned car off and on and was able to continue driving. Attempted to make a 3 pt turn to park, steering locked up again.
I am writing to formally report a serious vehicle safety concern involving a 2015 Hyundai Elantra, VIN [redacted], which is owned by my mother. The vehicle experienced a sudden loss of power steering assistance, creating an immediate and significant safety concern. This could have caused a series issue to myself and others on the road. Following the incident, I took the vehicle to a Hyundai dealership for inspection and diagnosis. The dealership advised that the vehicle's VIN is not currently covered by a Hyundai recall for this issue. What is particularly concerning is that Hyundai has issued recalls involving power steering/electric power steering failures and related loss-of-steering-assistance concerns on various Hyundai models and model years. …
While driving my 2015 Hyundai Elantra it started making a rattling noise from the area around the engine. This noise eventually grew to a loud knocking noise. The knocking noise continued and I began to feel it vibrating in my steering wheel. I took my car to my local Hyundai dealership in grand junction, co to have it looked at. The service technician came out and as soon as I described it he said he knew exactly what the problem was because they have been receiving a lot of complaints about it. After turning the vehicle on and inspecting it he assured me that the connection rods and bearings were going out and that I needed to replace my engine that had 50,000 miles on it. I was also given the option to only replace the lower half of my engine for half the price but that price would possibly even out to an entire engine replacement because the cost of labor would go up. …
I have been having an issue with trying to keep the car driving straight down the highway. At "in town speeds" it seems fine. It feels as if the steering wheel gets stuck in place or locked up. The car wants to always go either left or right, whichever way the steering wheel was turned to slightly. I thought that it May be the tires so I had them rotated, no change. I bought new tires, still no change. I had the alignment checked and all steering and suspension items visually inspected and all was fine. It has been getting worse over the past couple of weeks, and now is to the point where I'm afraid to drive it. I did a google search today to see if others had run into this issue for a possible solution. Wow was I surprised to see how many others have had this exact same issue. I then came to your site and entered my VIN and found that there were no open recalls for this issue. …
Steering complaints in other Elantra years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2015 Hyundai Elantra?
NHTSA has 26 complaints about the steering of the 2015 Hyundai Elantra, 10% of the model year's 263 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2015 Hyundai Elantra steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2015 Hyundai Elantra, though it has 3 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2015 Hyundai Elantra steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 40,000 miles, and 41% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 0 injuries to steering problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.