Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2009 Hyundai Sonata owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2009 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the steering wheel suddenly became stiff and failed to turn in either direction. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that an appointment was scheduled with the dealer to inspect the vehicle. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V426000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 151,000.
The contact owns a 2009 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the passenger's side front wheel was seized due to a malfunctioning yaw sensor. The ESC warning light was illuminated. The contact deactivated the traction control to prevent the failure from recurring. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and sent the contact a gift card for a diagnostic test. The failure mileage was approximately 175,000.
My 2009 Hyundai Sonata was taken to the Hyundai of Lincolnwood dealership on May 19th. The certified technician formally diagnosed severe structural corrosion on both front and rear subframes (engine cradles), declaring the vehicle completely unsafe to drive. The dealership is withholding the vehicle under safety custody but refuses to provide a loaner or rental car. Hyundai Motor America states the replacement parts are on indefinite backorder with no ETA, leaving me stranded with no safe alternative transportation since May 19th. This severe structural corrosion poses an imminent risk of suspension failure while driving
Power steering failed totally on 1/12/15--manual hard steering worked. In September I took Sonata in for stop light recall and also had a 4 wheel alignment done. Got 5 minutes down the road when the ESC light came on which was supposed to be a problem in the recall. I took it right back and they said something probably didn't get reset after the alignment. Ever since the power steering was very tight and sometimes intermittent until the car was warmed up. Computer check showed nothing wrong. Worked well for about 4 weeks and then power steering totally disappeared on 1/12/15--car was towed to Hyundai dealer. Diagnosis: coupler seized up--maybe corrosion or wear??? I had a truly perfect car when I went for recall now I have a huge repair bill. I am the only driver of this garaged car with low mileage--something doesn't seem right with this whole scenario. …
While driving at various speeds the "ESC off" light illuminates for no reason. This has happened while driving on the freeway, normal surface streets, and has occurred while braking. Power steering goes out randomly during turns while on city streets or highways. Took the vehicle to a mechanic who tested the power steering and found no issue with the power steering pump. The pump is in good working order and did not need to be replaced. I had seen other complaints on the steering, with a recall issued, on 2008 and 2011 Sonata models, however the 2009 model was not included. This is very dangerous and could cause a crash. On those recalls the computer circuit board in the power steering control unit had become damaged and made the vehicle more difficult to turn possibly causing a wreck. Steering issue has been ongoing over the years.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Hyundai Sonata. While driving approximately 40 MPH, the steering wheel started to turn left and right independently and the traction control and electronic stability control warning indicators illuminated. The contact coasted the vehicle to the side of the road, but did not power off the engine. The contact slowly drove to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the crossmember was corroded and the rear driver side wheel almost detached. The vehicle was towed to suresky Hyundai (2 hatfield ln, goshen, ny 10924, [phone]) where it was diagnosed that the crossmember was corroded and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was in the process of being repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided a case number. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.
Rear end of vehicle sways around as if driving on ice. Feels exactly like descriptions of issue with recall 13V354000. Hyundai says vehicle is not included in recall. Excessive play in rear end, and very noticeable burning smell coming from rear end after driving. Causing excessive wear of rear brakes and tires. Has caused rear brake hoses to fail. Occasionally brake pedal sinks to floor while driving in stop and go traffic. While traveling at highway speeds, vehicle feels as if a gust of wind could send it off the road. Need to do a ton of steering to keep the car going straight. Front end was aligned 25,000 miles ago.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Hyundai Sonata. While driving 30 MPH and attempting to make a right turn, the steering wheel failed to turn. The failure occurred without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer (maple hill auto group, 5622 w main st, kalamazoo, mi 49009) where the dealer found no issue with the power steering. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact also stated that the failure recurred several other times, but the failure was not frequent. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 68,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Hyundai Sonata. While the vehicle was stationary, the steering wheel and the ignition switch seized without warning. The vehicle was towed to tysinger Hyundai in hampton, virginia to be repaired, but the dealer could not find the cause of the failure. In addition, the dealer stated that a locksmith would need to unlock the ignition. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 80,248. Updated 10/18/17
Steering wheel would locks up for a second or 2 while making a right turn around 15mph then I would have to let my foot of the gas just to get the steering wheel back to normal. Had this happen too many times already. Tried fixing the problem by having a mechanic shop change the axles and buying a new rack n pinion and tires and getting a aliment done in March of this year. Steering is still gets stiff while making turns even with all the new parts on the car now
Steering complaints in other Sonata years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2009 Hyundai Sonata?
NHTSA has 26 complaints about the steering of the 2009 Hyundai Sonata, 6% of the model year's 460 complaints. The component named most often is steering wheel /handle bar › yaw/angle sensor (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2009 Hyundai Sonata steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2009 Hyundai Sonata, though it has 2 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 2009 Hyundai Sonata steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 90,000 miles.
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.