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 2017 Hyundai Sonata owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly, requiring increased effort to maneuver the vehicle. The EPS and ESC warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who observed a failure code on the OBD scanner but was unable to duplicate the failure during a test drive. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V190000 (Steering), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 55,000.
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel locked, and the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The dealer reset the steering sensor however, the steering wheel felt loose. Additionally, the steering wheel inadvertently moved to the right and was stiff while making left turns. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and diagnosed with rack and pinion failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but denied the claim since the vehicle was out of warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 91,000.
Power relay has been replaced several times, air bags did not deploy with either wreck and loss control of steering causing a crash which bent the frame. Hyundai never once contacted me regarding this defective car they replaced motor in because of knock sensor and im lucky to be alive. On one of the accidents in February there was an error message that popped up right before I had the wreck and it was an error message wrong with the cars transmission system or something like that I had the dealership who said there was no codes on that car and I had my own personal mechanic who had codes pop up on that car that the dealership hid
While driving the power steering stopped working and it was difficult to safely navigate the vehicle to a safe location. It was determined that the power steering module (PSM) stopped working and needs to be replaced. This will cost approximately $850 because the PSM is located in/under the dashboard and a lot of the steering column has to be removed as well as the driver's side airbag. The cost will be upwards from $850 depending on how many hours it takes to disassemble and reassemble the car to fix the PSM. There are many complaints on Hyundai's PSM, so why hasn't a recall been issued?
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. The traction control and an unknown warning light was illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was provided a number to another dealer. The contact was informed to have the vehicle towed to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 71,000.
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving 10 MPH in a parking lot, the steering wheel seized. The contact was unable to turn the steering wheel. The vehicle was restarted. The vehicle became sluggish and snagged while driving to the residence. The steering wheel symbol in red was displayed on the instrument panel. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 59,011.
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 70 mph, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The vehicle was restarted, and the power steering functionality was restored. The contact stated that the traction control and power steering warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.
Vehicle's engine began to emit a knocking sound that would increase in volume and speed as engine progressed in speed. Engine suddenly lost power, check engine light began to flash and traction control disabled itself. Vehicle was pulled over and turned off when it immediately began to rapidly self immolate over the course of minutes while the power to the engine was completely disabled.
I was pulling into a street parallel parking space and the wheel suddenly locked and became hard to turn- causing my to side swipe another vehicle. Almost a week later my daughter was driving onto a highway on ramp and the wheel wouldn't turn. She took her foot off the gas and drifted into the shoulder brakes.
My power steering went out while I was driving - twice this week. Fortunately, I was still in my driveway when it happened. Vehicle has only has 23,00 miles on it. The dealers stated a new Power Steering Control Module was needed. Cost to repair: $1800.
Steering complaints in other Sonata years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2017 Hyundai Sonata?
NHTSA has 173 complaints about the steering of the 2017 Hyundai Sonata, 23% of the model year's 766 complaints. The component named most often is rack and pinion (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2017 Hyundai Sonata steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2017 Hyundai Sonata, though it has 3 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 2017 Hyundai Sonata steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 53,000 miles, and 29% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 5 crashes, 1 fire and 1 injury 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.