Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Steering Problems

Steering complaints by model year

Which parts fail

• Column
  1

Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).

Mileage when the problem started

• Under 25k
  921%
• 25k–50k
  819%
• 50k–75k
  819%
• 75k–100k
  512%
• 100k–150k
  921%
• 150k+
  37%

What owners report

The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated that after the vehicle was taken to a local dealer for an unknown recall repair, there were abnormal knocking, clicking, and flapping noises heard intermittently coming from the engine compartment. The contact also stated that the vehicle had reduced power steering assist and was stalling while driving uphill. The check engine warning light and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer on three different occasions; however, the mechanics were unable to duplicate the failure. The contact stated that the wiper blades and key fob were replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 15,000.

I lost the ability to steer my car any more than 15 to 20 degrees in any direction while traveling at a maximum speed of 25 mph and within approximately 300 yards of driving. Once steering control became limited a warning was displayed on my dash very briefly saying my high beams were not functioning properly. Then my dash showed 7 different warning icons. My safety and that of others was most definitely put at risk. The dealer told me they had to replace the steering column. He also told me that this type of malfunction only occurs on the Hybrid models of the Sonata.

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated while pulling out of the driveway, the vehicle drove over a minor bump in the roadway and the steering wheel made an abnormally loud rattling sound. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to continue driving. However, the steering wheel was shaking and making abnormal rattling sounds continuous while turning the steering wheel or driving over bumps in the roadway. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that an unknown plastic part that maintains the steering wheel in position was fractured. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

When turning the steering wheel, left or right, there was a distinct "clunking" noise, and you could feel it in the steering wheel. When the car was inspected by the Hyundai service department, I was informed that the problem was a part in the steering coupler.

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly, noticing an excessive amount of understeer. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the steering column. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 80,000.

First incident, Sunday, September 9, 2018. While driving, car suddenly flashed warning lights, with message pertaining to the battery. Car decelerated extremely rapidly and became harder to steer. Pulled car over out of street as it lost power. It stopped. Lights remained on. Turned car off and then turned it back on. It cranked up and could be driven as if the incident never happened. There were no warning lights or warning message when the car was restarted. Second incident, Monday, September 10, 2018. While driving the car to the dealership for diagnosis of the problem, the car suddenly lost power again, the warning lights flashed again, and again it became hard to steer. This time driver was not able to pull the car over; it stopped in the street. Driver turned the car off, then turned it back on and drove to the nearest service station. …

The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated that upon starting or reversing, the steering wheel seized. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where an unknown diagnosis was provided. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer informed the contact that there was no warranty coverage on the vehicle for the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.

There is already a recall for this issue but my specific VIN is not included and it needs to be! September 20, 2010 NHTSA campaign number: 10V426000 steering gear assembly improper assembly or insufficient tightening of the connections could result in a complete separation or compromised attachment of the connections, such that the driver could experience a loss of, or reduction in, steering capability increasing the risk of a crash. NHTSA campaign number: 10V426000 manufacturer Hyundai motor company components steering potential number of units affected 138,354 summary Hyundai is recalling certain model year 2011 Sonata vehicles manufactured from December 11, 2009, through September 10, 2010. On some of these vehicles the steering column intermediate shaft universal joint connections May have been either improperly assembled or insufficiently tightened. …