Steering complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 5% | — |
| 2024 | 7 | 13% | 21,000 miles |
| 2023 | 3 | 3% | 20,000 miles |
| 2022 | 2 | 2% | — |
| 2021 | 5 | 4% | 0 miles |
| 2020 | 20 | 8% | 5,000 miles |
| 2019 | 9 | 3% | 40,000 miles |
| 2018 | 17 | 5% | 5,000 miles |
| 2017 | 72 | 9% | 46,000 miles |
| 2016 | 19 | 6% | 46,000 miles |
| 2015 | 26 | 10% | 40,000 miles |
| 2014 | 28 | 7% | 14,000 miles |
| 2013 | 273 | 21% | 41,000 miles |
| 2012 | 88 | 13% | 67,000 miles |
| 2011 | 75 | 17% | 70,000 miles |
| 2010 | 195 | 51% | 73,000 miles |
| 2009 | 133 | 52% | 78,000 miles |
| 2008 | 55 | 18% | 73,000 miles |
| 2007 | 34 | 13% | 75,000 miles |
| 2006 | 3 | 2% | 32,000 miles |
| 2005 | 6 | 4% | 185,000 miles |
| 2004 | 5 | 3% | 40,000 miles |
| 2003 | 16 | 7% | 102,000 miles |
| 2002 | 16 | 5% | 95,000 miles |
| 2001 | 24 | 8% | 60,000 miles |
| 2000 | 2 | 1% | — |
| 1999 | 2 | 2% | — |
| 1998 | 1 | 2% | — |
| 1997 | 2 | 2% | — |
| 1996 | 1 | 1% | — |
| 1995 | 6 | 5% | — |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2024 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the tachometer, the odometer, and the power steering became inoperable, nearly causing the contact to drive off the road. Additionally, the turn signal lights were not functioning. All the warning lights were illuminated after the failure. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure after a 100-mile test drive and returned the vehicle unrepaired. The failure persisted, requiring an AAA tow back to the dealer, who again failed to duplicate the failure during a 3-mile test drive. An independent mechanic informed the contact that the diagnostic trouble codes needed to be reset with a vehicle scanner. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 21,000.
Towards the end of January, my car computer was reset because the car was telling me that I needed an oil change early and the dealership told me it could just be a computer issue. I then took my car to get an oil change and full vehicle inspection on February 24th, 2 days after that on the 26th I was leaving my school parking lot when the vehicle accelerated awkwardly when I was leaving out of a parking spot, I was then able to gain control back over the speed until the vehicle again abruptly accelerated and jerked to the left sending my car over a curb, deploying the air bag, and completely totaling out the vehicle.
The contact owned a 2023 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while the contact's daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the lane assist was activated, however, the vehicle independently steered to the right. The contact stated that the failure occurred on a two-lane road. The contact stated that due to the failure, the vehicle crashed into a ditch, where there was a concrete covert where the vehicle came to a stop in an open ditch. The contact stated that the transmission and other unknown parts were detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard. The vehicle was deemed a total loss. The contact stated that the vehicle had been taken to the dealer previously because of failure and an unknown sensor had been replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. In addition, the contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline and report the failure. …
The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving in the rain, the vehicle experienced severe hydroplaning while driving slowly over standing water. The contact lost control of the vehicle and nearly caused a crash. The vehicle was not yet taken to the dealer to be inspected or diagnosed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 7,000.
The contact rented a 2021 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle drifted to the left and to the right. The contact stated that an unknown warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 376.
The car was brought back to the dealership after a few months after noticing that the steering wheel would shake and the car would jerk when brake was applied to slow down. In normal street driving as well as during highway driving. The dealership since it was under the warranty replaced the front rotors and the brake pads to solve the issue. Within the one year of purchase of the car, it was once again having the same issues of steering wheel shaking and the car jerking motion back and forth. When he car was brought back to the dealership they said that it was not under the warranty and that they would not address the issue And that if i wanted it to be fixed i would have to pay out of pocket I think that there is something wrong with either the rotors or the braking system that is casing this shaking and the car jerking when trying to slow down, and it should be addressed and …
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
Related recalls (3)
Steering › Electric power assist system
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2017 Elantra vehicles. The affected vehicles may have a damaged Electronic Power Steering (MDPS) connector resulting in a loss of electric power steering assistance.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EPS motor, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 28, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-243-7766.
Steering › Electric power assist system
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Elantra vehicles manufactured June 1, 2008, to April 30, 2010, and 2009-2010 Elantra Touring vehicles manufactured November 1, 2008, to April 30, 2010.
Remedy: Hyundai will verify the proper operation of the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) and update the EPS control unit, free of charge. The recall began April 14, 2015.
Steering › Linkages › Tie rod assembly
Certain passenger vehicles May have been built with threaded portions of the steering gearbox assembly's left and right inner ball joint assemblies that contain internal cracks in the material structure.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the steering gearbox assemblies on these vehicles free of charge. Owners were contacted by telephone beginning on April 8, 2005, and instructed not to drive their vehicles.
Frequently asked questions
Which Hyundai Elantra years have steering problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2013 (273), 2010 (195), 2009 (133), 2012 (88) and 2011 (75) model years. Steering complaints make up 21% of all complaints for the 2013.
Is there a recall for Hyundai Elantra steering problems?
Yes — 3 recalls, including 17V-213 (electric power assist system, Mar 28, 2017); 15V-100 (electric power assist system, Feb 23, 2015); 05V-187 (tie rod assembly, Apr 28, 2005). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Hyundai Elantra steering problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 61,000 miles; 42% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the steering wheel/handle bar (10 mentions), followed by the electric power assist system (7).
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.