Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2020 Hyundai Elantra owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact called on behalf of their son who owns a 2020 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while their son was decelerating, speed was unknown, and coming to a stop sign. The next thing their son was able to recall was that the vehicle had suddenly turned right crashing into an electrical pole nearby. The air bags deployed. The driver had lost consciousness during the crash making it difficult to recall all that occurred. The vehicle was towed but they had not yet received any confirmation if the vehicle had been totaled. The electrical pole had fallen and began to catch fire. The fire department had put out the fire. The contact was not completely sure of the damage done to the vehicle. The driver lost consciousness and received an injury on their right arm. Medical attention was needed. …
Good morning, I was hearing a rubbing noise every time I turned my steering wheel on my 3020 Hyundai Elantra. I did some research and found a Hyundai service bulletin explaining the worm gear shaft. I brought it to my local Hyundai dealership in Manchester New Hampshire. They confirmed that it was indeed the worm gear shaft. They replaced it and charged me but when I called the Hyundai corporate office, they explained to me they would not be able to reimburse me even though it has happened on many of their Hyundai and other cars. I am requesting help for this unfortunate situation. The cost of replacement was over $500. Why is the worm gear shaft problem not a recall as of yet? If I would not have had this fixed, it would have caused other problems in the steering. Ty
Purchased used from Carvana. Steering pulls to right and left, unexpectedly and sporadically. Noticeable by both drivers, independently. Also, noticeable from passenger seat and not by driver alone. Suspected LOWER BALL JOINT issue which could result in sudden loss of control, crash, and death. IF this work was done, perhaps defective "repair"? Carvana advised this is a death trap (my words). Have been trying to return vehicle since MONDAY 8/23. Driving to the 'vending machine' to hand back over THEIR vehicle, uninvited yet announced, on 8/27 a.m. in Las Vegas. This issue occurs at low, medium, and highway speeds without any apparent cause, except perhaps dips and uneven road surfaces. Perhaps the mismatched set of front/back tires?
There is a grinding in my steering column, worse at lower speeds. I have spoke to Hyundai about this and several other shops and they said this is a common recall for Elantras and there is a barring that is in the recall. However, my VIN is not in this common recall. If this is a common recall on Elantras in my year range, wouldn't ALL Elantras have the option to have to corrected not just a select few? Per Hyundai dealership, They know exactly what it is and it should be on a recall list my VIN just showing it so they can not correct the problem. This started before I purchased the car from a friend and she was told the same thing when she checked into it before.
I was in the inside left turn lane turning left and as I was turning my steering wheel my car was not turning, it was continuing to go straight. I hit my brakes so I wouldn't crash into the car turning next to me and then my wheels finally turned as I was braking so it caused me to burn the tires and swerve. I'm not sure if any lights came on as I was trying not to crash into the vehicle next to me. I have an appointment for the dealership to look at it.
There has been a noise coming from my steering column. Its sounds a like rubbing or whirring noise. It only happens at low or stationary speeds. I took the vehicle to a local shop in my area. They diagnosed the problem as the Worm Shaft Assembly ( located inside the steering column). If steering fails while driving, it can a crash and lead to significant injury. While my steering has not failed or led to any accidents, its very possible and a real risk.
Tens of thousands of Hyundai's and Kia's are being stolen in under 2 minutes due to a design flaw Hyundai and Kia engineers failed to address. With a quick removal of steering column cover and a USB male end, thieves can steal your vehicle. This puts the public and law enforcement at risk as these thieves flee from police at high rates of speed and use these stolen Kia's and Hyundai's to commit other crimes.
Noise coming from steering wheel column when turning wheel, especially at low speeds. After research, seems it is an issue that is common for these cars. If the electric steering fails during driving it can seriously injure the driver & passengers, it will cause wrecks to happen. My steering is starting to make the same noise people explain it creates before it goes out.
Steering wheel has been making whining noises when turning. Previously replaced worm shaft on steering while under warranty due to malfunction when first purchased. Issue has resurfaced but no longer covered under warranty. Dealer quoted nearly $800.00 to replace worm shaft.
On January 1, 2025, I discovered my vehicle had been stolen after finding broken glass in my driveway and immediately reported the incident to the police, who arrived within approximately 20 minutes; neighbors later provided camera footage of the theft, and I also observed other nearby vehicles with similar damage, including a broken rear window and another Hyundai Elantra that appeared abandoned. The following day, police informed me the vehicle had been recovered, and upon inspection I found the rear driver-side window completely broken and the ignition area under the steering wheel damaged. Couple months later I received a recall notice for the antitheft system on my 2020 Hyundai Elantra (VIN [redacted] ). …
Steering complaints in other Elantra years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2020 Hyundai Elantra?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the steering of the 2020 Hyundai Elantra, 8% of the model year's 262 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2020 Hyundai Elantra steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2020 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 2020 Hyundai Elantra steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 5,000 miles, and 100% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 5 crashes, 1 fire and 2 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.