Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2016 Hyundai Sonata owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 5 MPH and making a turn into a parking lot, the steering wheel seized, and the vehicle came to a stop. The contact was able to push the vehicle to a parking space with assistance. The vehicle was then pushed on to a tow truck and was towed to a Cadillac dealer but was not repaired. The vehicle was then towed to Goose Auto Repair, where it was diagnosed and determined that the front driver's side wheel hub had fractured, causing the wheel to separate from the vehicle. The vehicle was repaired. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed; however, no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 144,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel seized upon turning the steering wheel in either direction. The vehicle then stalled with several unknown warning lights flashing on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed with a defective steering module. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while turning into a parking spot, the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the steering shaft and steering column needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 36,000.
This vehicle had a complete engine failure. Since it is a hybrid, when the engine shut down, the vehicle lost all power. The driver had no control over steering or brakes. The vehicle crashed through three trees and into a house. Hyundai Motors of America and NHTSA are aware of the issues with this vehicle's engine, however, this engine was already replaced. The problem was that the "limp mode" did not enact in this specific car. I brought this to Hyundai's attention at least 20 times and expressed my concern about the threat this vehicle posed to me and anyone else on the road, yet they continued to ignore me or attempt to rectify the issue. This vehicle was part of the class action lawsuit. I was told, after the seventh time the vehicle broke down (fourth time after engine replacement) that Hyundai would buy back the vehicle. That never happened. …
I took in my 2016 Hyundai Sonata to Anaheim Hyundai in California for 60,000 mile service. The Sonata was having power steering issues where time to time the power steering would go out. I bought the extended warranty so it was cover under the warranty but Hyundai stop making these parts according to the dealership. I don't understand how Hyundai can stop making a power steering parts to Sonata models from 2016-2019 when there are so many on the road with potential power steering safety issues. I was told by the dealership there are so many issues with these Sonata's, the power steering parts are hard to find. They had no idea if they could get OEM parts or even find after market parts. …
I am reporting multiple serious issues with my 2016 Hyundai Sonata Sport 2.0, which has only 30,000 miles. Despite the low mileage, the vehicle is experiencing major safety and quality problems. The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) light stays on constantly, indicating a system failure. On startup, the car sometimes applies the brakes by itself, and there's a loud noise like something is stuck or grinding. The traction control light also comes on during this. While driving, the car will suddenly slow down on its own, even when I'm not braking. When I press the gas pedal, it barely responds or takes too long to accelerate. Sometimes, this happens at the same time as the ESC warning, which feels extremely unsafe - especially on highways or in traffic. The push-to-start button often delays before the engine turns over, which is abnormal. …
Steering sticks and releases under pressure at 60/65+ mph on interstate. Very difficult to keep vehicle in lane consistently. Constantly correcting both right & left to maintain straight line is extremely fatiguing especially on long trips. Safe driving at highway speeds is compromised and presents safety concerns for occupants as well as motorists nearby in addition to the apprehension it creates wondering if you're able to correct the steering drift before having an accident. There aren't any dashboard warning indicators when this happens Reported to dealer in central Florida on March 22, 2024 and dealer ordered parts Ref TSB 23-ST-003H. Hyundai Extended warranty TXXO. Factory has sent some parts to dealer twice that I know of and each time vehicle has been taken to dealer I've been told they were not what was needed. …
The power assisted steering fails repeatedly. The electric assist power steering stops working will car this 2016 Sonata is in motion. Stops providing steering assist after a few miles of driving. Sonata reverts to manual steering which is very difficult compared to power assisted. Once vehicle is puller over to side of road, then stopped, the issue of "failed power steering" goes away by shutting of the engine and electrical system, wait 30 seconds then re-start the Sonata. This is very aggravating, especially in heavy traffic. Just out right dangerous. Sould be a recall to correct this issue. Happened on Aug. 25, 26, 31; Sept. 3, 6 & 7.
1. Power Steering malfunction - when in motion - available for inspection. 2. Not being able to control my vehicle due to the steering going out is a major risk for myself my passengers and other vehicles around me. 3. My vehicle is currently at a dealership now 4. The vehicle has not yet been inspected, and unknown if the dealership was able to reproduce the problem. 5. No warning lights were displayed prior to the problem. When coming to a stop - the traction control light and a warning light with a steering wheel and an ! were displayed, but then turned off after the vehicle was shut off and restarted.
Intermittent loss of steering with my Hyundai Sonata 2016 since April 2024. Vehicle randomly loses power steering while turning and 2 warning lights appear (power steering light (eps)and traction control). This has put me and my passengers at risk several times- almost crashing into other cars and objects. I went to the mechanics two times- they have recalibrated steering angle and reset codes, but the problem continues, and I lose power steering intermittently. This is a very big safety risk and I am afraid to continue driving my car.
Steering complaints in other Sonata years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2016 Hyundai Sonata?
NHTSA has 33 complaints about the steering of the 2016 Hyundai Sonata, 5% of the model year's 727 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2016 Hyundai Sonata steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2016 Hyundai Sonata, though it has 6 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 2016 Hyundai Sonata steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 40,000 miles, and 20% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires 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.