Three problems related to steering is tight have been reported for the 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2012 Hyundai Sonata based on all problems reported for the 2012 Sonata.
About a year ago I started noticing that the steering was very sticky and hard to turn especially on the highway. I took it to a Hyundai dealership and I was told that the steering wheels in the Sonata stick a little. About a couple of months ago I started hearing a clicking/popping noise when turning the wheel either left or right. On Sep 1, 2018 I noticed that when my car was parked and still running that my steering wheel was sticky and making a clicking/popping noise. We brought it to our mechanic which checked the front end and said everything looked good. He noticed the clicking/popping in the steering wheel and said this was a serious issue. . I have had my Hyundai for 5 years and it's been one recall after another or they are extending the warranty because of an issue that they didn't have a resolution for. Hyundai should start to recall the Sonata's for this steering wheel issue as I know that there are a lot of people who have complained about this issue and it could be serious.
Above 55 mph the steering is extremely hard. Small movements of the steering wheel cause large lateral movements of the vehicle requiring over steer to correct. At 55 mph and greater , the feel is like manual steering causing arm and wrist fatigue.
Recently purchased 2012. The car only has 600 miles on it. Steering is very hard to control. The car runs off the road if you dont pay attention. It is extremely hard to control on the highway. In order to keep control of the car you must constantly steer the vehicle from side to side. The car goes to the right and then will immediatly go to the left. This car is unsafe.