Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2012 Hyundai Veloster owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Over the last year, I've had to purchase three air conditioner switches after driving for several years with it being out the first one we replaced caused a small electrical fire as did all of the others. This has been an ongoing issue not just with my car, but my sister's in-laws who is a 2014 model I looked online. It has been reported over the years basically since the cars come out of this same issue can you please Issue a safety recall before somebody's house or vehicle or both catches fire completely. This is not safe at all. I have already put in a request for the safety recall on several other occasions this is unacceptable unsafe and a very large problem across the United States since this vehicle has come out please do something.
- The steering feels sticky and has "play" when trying to stay centered on the road. It is most notable on straight freeways at higher speeds (60 - 75 MPH). - The safety issue is driver control and risk to driver, riders and other vehicle/drivers. The steering needs constant attention and adjustment. - The dealer confirmed its existing the first time and Hyundai eventually repaired it in 2019. The issue returned in 2021 and 2022 and the dealer confirmed it again on December 13, 2022, but Hyundai warranty declined to repair. - No other action has been initiated to review the issue with my call. A simple google search and visiting Hyundai owner forum websites show that many drivers/owners experience similar issues and do not know that it's a much larger issue or potential flaw in the steering design. - I'm not aware of any car computer codes associated with the issue. …
While driving and trying to travel in a straight line the steering wheel would bind snd stick while trying make slight corrections. This would cause the vehicle to constantly swerve from side to side. The Hyundai dealer (Classic Hyundai) misdiagnosed the problem and claimed the car needed new strut bearings. An independent consultant found it was caused by an open ball bearing on the steering shaft just under the steering wheel. The bearing did not have proper dust seals and therefore allowed dirt to enter rolling race area cause the binding. This is a Hyundai design fault and should have be subject to a recall.
The power steering coupler, a star shaped part in the steering wheel has deteriorated causing a discernible click in the steering. At times this made steering difficult. The EXACT same part has been given extended warranty status on other Hyundai models but not the Veloster. I had to pay to have this obvious safety defect repaired today.
Same issue as numerous other Hyundai Veloster owners: steering coupler causing excessive movement in the steering column and making a clicking sound when turning the wheel. Hyundai has done a recall on this part for Elantra and Sonata models, but not the Veloster. The issue has been confirmed by an independent service center.
Steering Coupling defect. Banging and clicking when using steering wheel. The Elantra and sonata coupling was recalled but Hyundai refuses to acknowledge that the same safety issues exists with the Veloster.
Steering coupler is the issue. I have seen hundreds of complaints about Veloster's having issues with steering couplers but yet no recall. Ridiculous! This needs to be recalled and is a major safety issue.
The Veloster is a 2012 with only 19K miles. Recently it has started making a clunking noise when turning the steering wheel left or right and there is excessive vibration when driving in a straight line. Hyundai states that this is not a safety issue, however, the majority of sources online say that this is caused by a failed steering coupler (a k a.steering dampener) and this can cause the wheel to lock up while driving. Hyundai has recalled this issue on the sonata and the elantra but refuses to do anything for Veloster owners. The part can be purchased online from the OEM for roughly $6 but the dealer from which I purchased the vehicle is asking $400 to fix this issue. Forums on line will show a great number of Veloster owners dealing with this same issue and cost to fix this problem. …
Reduced steering responsiveness and clunking noise coming from behind the steering wheel. Loose steering made steering less responsive and dangerous. The rubber steering coupling between the steering transmission behind the steering wheel and the steering shaft has become brittle and broke apart. The car has 81,000 miles on it and is only seven years old. Upon further investigation the exact same parts are used on the Hyundai elantra and sonata, both of which Hyundai extended the warranties on this part to address the exact same problem. The vehicle was in motion on a highway when the problem was was first observed. The vehicle doesn't respond smoothly to steering input. This May result in a very dangerous situation.
The steering of the Veloster is shakey and the EPS becomes tight to control while oppertating on the highway. Changing lanes and the slight turn of a curve, cause the vehicle to resist the action on the highway. The steering column also makes a clunky noise while turning left and right in operation at any speed in motion. The vehicle does not feel safe to operate while passing traffic on the highway, taking curves and exits off the highway. Presented the issue to a Hyundai dealership and they stated the coupler needs to be replaced. The cost of the part is minimal but the labor was expensive. Reserach shows the coupler of the same year as been recalled on other Hyundai vehicles however the Veloster has yet to be recalled.
Steering complaints in other Veloster years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2012 Hyundai Veloster?
NHTSA has 42 complaints about the steering of the 2012 Hyundai Veloster, 14% of the model year's 296 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2012 Hyundai Veloster steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2012 Hyundai Veloster, 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 2012 Hyundai Veloster steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 81,000 miles, and 22% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 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.