Steering complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 2% | — |
| 2025 | 5 | 2% | 1,000 miles |
| 2024 | 1 | 1% | — |
| 2023 | 6 | 4% | — |
| 2022 | 6 | 2% | 11,000 miles |
| 2021 | 2 | 3% | — |
| 2020 | 4 | 2% | 0 miles |
| 2019 | 3 | 1% | — |
| 2018 | 4 | 1% | 93,000 miles |
| 2017 | 7 | 1% | — |
| 2016 | 22 | 1% | 60,000 miles |
| 2015 | 3 | 1% | — |
| 2014 | 4 | 2% | 7,000 miles |
| 2013 | 6 | 2% | 39,000 miles |
| 2012 | 6 | 2% | 33,000 miles |
| 2011 | 1 | 1% | 0 miles |
| 2010 | 1 | 2% | 4,000 miles |
| 2009 | 1 | 6% | 106,000 miles |
| 2008 | 4 | 9% | 66,000 miles |
| 2007 | 4 | 6% | 158,000 miles |
| 2006 | 13 | 10% | 51,000 miles |
| 2005 | 8 | 4% | 64,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
My Tucson was involved in a MVA. I was hit in the rear end by another SUV on the rear back passenger side of the vehicle. During impact, the steering wheel literally detached from the dashboard in my driver's hands leaving us with no way to steer or maneuver the vehicle. The result of this safety failure could have lead to serious injury or death of myself, my driver or anybody in the path of the vehicle. We did have hit anything. There is zero front or side damage to the Tucson. No airbags deployed, not even the one in the steering wheel. There were no warning lights or anything indicating there was a problem w the vehicle. I called the dealership and filed a complaint with Hyundai consumer affairs. They had an inspector go inspect the vehicle and followed up w a letter stating the vehicle did as it was designed to. The vehicle was deemed a total loss from my insurance company. …
The contact owns a 2025 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, the vehicle was swaying from side to side. The connection was not secure to the steering wheel. The contact had to correct the steering wheel. Additionally, there was static on the radio, and the screen was inoperable. The screen went from white to black. When the heat was in the off position, hot air was entering through the vents. There were fumes inside the vehicle. The Forward Collision Avoidance assist, master warning, intelligent driving assist, and forward safety warning lights were illuminated. The local dealer was contacted, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure but was able to reset the radio. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and determined that the vehicle failed to meet the qualification for the Lemon Law. …
I just bought the car, it was brand new off the lot. The check engine light came on followed by every emergency warning on my dash. After this my power steering failed, I was able to move over to the right lane a bit, but that's it. I tried turning the car off at this point and turning it back on, but it would not turn back on. I could not even put on my emergency 4 way blinkers. The car would not even detect the key at this point. Thankfully we were on a small, low traffic road and not the freeway or a major accident would have been inevitable.
Power steering failed DURING vehicle operation while car was moving at speed. Steering wheel became excessively difficult to turn, severely limiting control of the vehicle and rendering the vehicle undriveable. Vehicle displayed DTC codes C168886 and C241396. These codes appear to be indicative of a failure of one or all of the power steering system wiring, motor, and electronic control unit.
The contact owns a 2022 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving approximately 20 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the brakes and power steering malfunctioned, causing the contact to momentarily lose control of the vehicle and the vehicle drove into the middle of a busy intersection. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on two previous occasions and the vehicle was taken to the local dealer, but no cause for the failure was found. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 300.
The contact owns a 2022 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while making a right turn, the steering wheel became firm. The contact stated that an unknown warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over and had the vehicle towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The dealer stated that the multi-fuse and the steering wheel wiring needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 11,064.
Component: Engine / Electrical System / Fuel System Incident Date: February 9th, 2026 Vehicle Speed: 45-50 MPH Description: While traveling at highway speeds on a major roadway, the vehicle experienced a catastrophic and sudden engine stall without any prior warning or dashboard indicators. The engine shut off completely while in motion, resulting in an immediate and total loss of power steering and power-assisted braking. I was forced to perform a high-effort emergency maneuver in heavy traffic to reach the shoulder and avoid a collision. This vehicle is used to transport myself, my coworker and my family whose lives was placed in immediate danger by this failure. Since the start of the financing agreement, this vehicle has a documented history of recurring sensor issues and failed repair attempts at the dealership (Route 1 Hyundai). …
2020 Hyundai Tuscon May I have had numerous incidents where my stereo navigation screen goes black, and then instantly comes back. This happens frequently; whether or not my phone is plugged in. I have stopped plugging my phone into the car. May 1, 2024 As I was backing into my garage this afternoon I started the turn to get into my driveway. I turned the steering wheel tight and it seemed to lock up just like the car had turned itself off. My vehicles main screen went blank along with the stereo navigation. May 16 2024 As I backed into my driveway and straightened my steering wheel position to get into the garage the vehicle screen went black along with the navigation stereo screen I felt the steering wheel tug a little bit along with a knocking noise All lighting quickly came back and then the same exact thing happened again. I then finished backing in and turned the car off. …
Related recalls (1)
Steering › Electric power assist system
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2024 Tucson and Santa Cruz vehicles. The circuit board in the motor-driven power steering assembly may short circuit, resulting in a loss of power steering assist.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the motor-driven power steering electric power pack, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 11, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460.
Frequently asked questions
Which Hyundai Tucson years have steering problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2016 (22), 2006 (13), 2005 (8), 2017 (7) and 2012 (6) model years. Steering complaints make up 1% of all complaints for the 2016.
Is there a recall for Hyundai Tucson steering problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 24V-412 (electric power assist system, Jun 5, 2024). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Hyundai Tucson steering problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 50,000 miles; 54% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the column (2 mentions), followed by the hydraulic power assist system (1).
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.