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 2013 Hyundai Sonata owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35-65 MPH, the vehicle decelerated unintendedly. In addition, while turning the steering wheel to the left or the right, there was an abnormal clicking noise coming from the steering column. Most recently, while driving at unknown speeds, the brake pedal required excessive force to bring the vehicle to a stop. The contact stated that it was discovered that an unknown liquid was leaking underneath the front of the vehicle with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that all the drive belts had fractured, and there was a fracture in the oil line and the radiator. The brakes had failed due to the calipers sticking and failed choppers and readers. …
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving approximately 50-60 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to continue to drive the vehicle however, extra effort was needed to steer the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving and turning. The dealer was notified of the failure and an appointment was scheduled. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, the steering wheel shuddered violently, pulled towards the left or the right. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed, and the failure was associated with Technical Service Bulletin: 17-ST-002. The contact attempted to repair the vehicle; however, the clockspring was damaged. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while going over a speed bump, there was a loud noise coming from the steering wheel. In addition, the contact stated that the steering wheel felt loose. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The mechanic stated the steering column needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer or the manufacturer were not contacted. The failure mileage was 43,520.
My 2013 Hyundai Sonata Gt was a part of the Class action lawsuit in which the engine was replace. Within a year, I've had the vehicle checked and serviced at two different auto repairs shops for an extremely rough ride, loud rumbling-thumping and also a squeaking noise. The vehicle still drifts after having two separate wheel alignments. The steering wheel rattles and shakes with the slightest bump in the road. It feels like the underneath is falling apart and I'm going to lose control of the vehicle. With the sounds it makes and how it drives, it feels like I'm now driving a military tank instead of a car. I've spent over $2,000 for replacement-repairs of the: Tie Rods, U-Joints, Bushing, Brakes, two alignments and four new tires. I called the Ofallon IL Hyundai dealer who said there were no recalls or warranty left on these parts. …
Steering sticks at top dead center. 2013 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.4 L engine (63K original miles, still under warranty until end of 2023). Steering column coupler was recalled, then replaced under warranty in 2019. When driving at any speed, steering wheel "sticks" at top dead center. When you go to correct steering (as road path changes), you have to over-correct to get steering to respond. This begins a repeating cycle of adjusting the steering (say, to the left,) only to have to then adjust the wheel to the right. It is not an alignment problem. I took the vehicle to the Wilson County Hyundai dealership. Two important take-aways: #1) the Dealer advised this steering issue is NOT covered under Warranty, PERIOD. #2) Dealer advised that the "play" in the steering wheel is considered "normal wear & tear" (for a car with 63K miles). …
Hyundai issued Extended Warranty directive TXX7 dealing with the "rubber coupling in the motor driven power steering assembly" The directive covered the replacement for 2011 to 2014 model year Sonata for 10 years from the date of delivery or first use or 100000 miles, whichever occurs first. Hyundai indicates in TXX7 that "wear of the coupling does not affect the ability to steer or control thee vehicle and is not a safety issue" I have a 2013 Sonata with less than 75000 miles but is clearly over 10 years since the "date of first use". The "thud" in the steering wheel began at about 70000 miles and seems to be progressively more pronounced. I have read that the wear can in fact be a safety issue. …
There are multiple issue with this car since last a year or more. ( picture attached) * At times computer flashes below message .. " Hyundai System Warning Safety Stop Do not Drive" * Steering Lock up * While driving a screeching sound and then it goes away. we received the recall notice and my daughter Jeranica took it to the Hyundai dealer for repair. They charged us $900 mentioning the issue is with belt & assembly and engine is ok. we informed then of all the above issue. Even after repairing the above we still have the same issue with the car. It look like Hyundai dealer are using this opportunity to rip-off the customer instead of actually fixing the issue. we still have above issue with, car computer asking us to stop on highway and steering lockup, dealer does not seem to be interested in fixing the issue. …
I love my 2013 Hyundai Sonata SE, but with that being said I hate driving it. When on the road the 2013 has the same exact issue that the 2011's had, it will constantly wander in and out of the lane making it nearly impossible to keep a straight line. Its very fatiguing having to keep moving the steering wheel back and forth just to keep it straight. And for two its a serious safety issue!! The slightest slip could send your car off the road or into another car! When bringing the car into my local dealership they blew me off and said its " a normal thing because of the electric power steering and how the car rides the grooves of the road." And they refuse to help me out further to fix the issue. PLEASE GUYS. I know I am not the only one to report this issue please ask Hyundai to create a recall on it.
The electrical has been an issue for this vehicle. The head and tail lights continuously go out. Sometimes they work, and other times they do not. Since the lights have been an issue, the electrical issue is also now inside the vehicle. The radio and other controls in the vehicle do not work any longer, as well as the lights in the radio, air conditioning, and other controls inside the vehicle. The steering wheel is also loose now and jiggles when driving the vehicle. There have been no warning lamps about these issues, and I had an auto shop confirm that there are electrical and steering issues. I did receive a letter about a recall for electrical for the year, type, and model of my car, however, the dealership said that my VIN number is not associated with the recall and will not fix the issues.
Steering complaints in other Sonata years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2013 Hyundai Sonata?
NHTSA has 342 complaints about the steering of the 2013 Hyundai Sonata, 18% of the model year's 1,916 complaints. The component named most often is electric power assist system (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2013 Hyundai Sonata steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2013 Hyundai Sonata, though it has 9 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 2013 Hyundai Sonata steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 55,000 miles, and 34% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 11 crashes, 2 fires and 9 injuries and 1 death 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.