Steering Problems of Hyundai Sonata - part 1

Updated NHTSA complaint draftvehicle information: 2014 Hyundai Sonatavin: [xxx] incident date: xxx description of safety defect:while driving on xxx, the vehicle's engine experienced a catastrophic mechanical failure and completely shut off without warning, causing an immediate loss of motive power. This sudden engine stall created an extreme, hazardous traffic safety risk. A subsequent professional inspection revealed that the vehicle's odometer had been illegally rolled back and tampered with by the selling dealership (johny's auto center in 120 bleu hill Ave roxbury, MA) 02119 prior to purchase. The true, undocumented mileage of the engine is significantly higher than indicated, directly causing this sudden component failure. I am reporting this incident both as a critical vehicle safety defect and as a case of illegal odometer fraud. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2014 Hyundai Sonata 🔎.

After the car is driven for a while in warm weather, the steering can feel sticky after doing a slight turn doing more than 30 mph. It takes extra force to return the steering wheel to the straight/neutral position. It acts as though the steering wheel is stuck in this slight turn position. The problem is intermittent but does create a safety hazard with the risk of the car being unable to easily remain in its correct lane position. Symptom summary: intermittent; worse in warm weather; happens after small steering inputs; feels like the wheel is “hung up”.

See all problems of the 2019 Hyundai Sonata 🔎.

. The horn on steering wheel only works when steering wheel is turned completely right, and it is available for inspection upon request. . My safety and others put at risk, when needing to use horn to warn pedestrian or another driver of near miss incidents. . Problem been reproduced and confirmed by independent service center. . Component been inspected by authorized mechanic shop. . There are no warning lames, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure in this vehicle, and problem started on 6/02/2026 on my way home from work when I tried to use horn to warn another vehicle and it didn't work.

See all problems of the 2013 Hyundai Sonata 🔎.

My 2009 Hyundai Sonata was taken to the Hyundai of lincolnwood dealership on may 19th. The certified technician formally diagnosed severe structural corrosion on both front and rear subframes (engine cradles), declaring the vehicle completely unsafe to drive. The dealership is withholding the vehicle under safety custody but refuses to provide a loaner or rental car. Hyundai motor America states the replacement parts are on indefinite backorder with no eta, leaving me stranded with no safe alternative transportation since may 19th. This severe structural corrosion poses an imminent risk of suspension failure while driving.

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The red light is lit on the dashboard for the airbag. Unable to use steering wheel electronic features which helps with and was designed for hands free controls. I am unable to cycle through the electronic features or engage the cruise control due to the steering wheel electronics are in-op. Please help and get a recall started. This is not on the consumer.

See all problems of the 2017 Hyundai Sonata 🔎.

2004 Hyundai Sonata GLS front sub frame (k frame) has rusted out but I guess for certain VIN numbers there was a recall. Mine has the same issue and has caused suspension issues with the control arms and axles, subframe has snapped due to rusting in michigan.

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The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that after driving over a pothole, the steering wheel became difficult to handle, with a clicking sound coming from the steering wheel. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 79,000.

The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at lower speeds, the steering wheel became difficult to steer in either the left or right direction. The traction control, power steering, and the high-beam warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local independent service center, where it was diagnosed with error codes: c167286, c126008, c136008, c126002, and c168808. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 195,000.

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The steering column gets loose because of a commonly defective bushing. The steering bangs and has free play making full control more difficult.

See all problems of the 2011 Hyundai Sonata 🔎.

Steering wheel panel glued/tampered (safety hazard) motor/pump assembly broken. Recall couldn't be done due to tampered parts.

While driving around 45 mph, the steering wheel locked up and car came to a hard stop. Luckily cars swerved to avoid me. This was the second time it happened. The first time I was in a parking garage and the steering wheel locked up. After restarting the vehicle, the steering wheel worked again. The dash showed no fault codes or engine light. I found out there is a service bulletin and took it in to the dealer. Once there, the confirmed it was the power steering and is covered by the service bulletin and extended warranty. However, because the bulletin requires the dealer to clear code to try and reproduce it, I have to pick up vehicle because they could not reproduce the fault code. So now I have to drive the vehicle knowing their is a service bulletin for the problem and have it happen again before it is fixed. There is an extremely high likelihood of injury considering you lose all power at wheel and car continues to move.

Was just driving and lost steering, basically very hard to turn the wheel. Traction control light and a red steering wheel light came on.

Experienced sudden unintended acceleration causing my car to speed up, lose control, and crash into the vehicle in front of me.

Unknown, my esp keeps coming trying to see if it’s recall.

See all problems of the 2012 Hyundai Sonata 🔎.

The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 - 70 mph, there was a grinding sensation coming from the front wheels, and the grinding sensation was felt in the steering wheel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the rod bearings and hubs had failed, causing the grinding sound. The contact was informed that the rod bearings and hubs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was towed to a certified mechanic, and the vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds the following day, there was a loud grinding sound coming from the vehicle. The sound also occurred while the vehicle was parked. While attempting to accelerate from 25 - 35 mph, the engine started knocking, and the vehicle clunked and jerked. The vehicle decelerated, and the contact pulled over to the side of the road. The contact became aware that the accelerator pedal was not operating as needed. While on the side of the road, the contact turned off the vehicle and attempted to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to a certified mechanic, who diagnosed that the engine had failed, and the mechanic recommended the engine replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed to a different dealer, capital Hyundai of greensboro (801 e bessemer Ave, greensboro, nc 27405), and the contact was informed of NHTSA campaign number: 15v568000 (engine). The vehicle was not repaired because the manufacturer stated that the maintenance history was not satisfactory enough to warrant an engine replacement. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.

During multiple dealership visits in 2025, my 2018 Hyundai Sonata limited 2. 0t was repeatedly returned in unsafe condition. Southern Hyundai installed both front cv axles and torqued them incorrectly. The right axle was later confirmed under-torqued by about 50 ft-lbs, and the left axle was later found over-torqued 40ft-lbs priority Hyundai later identified and corrected the under-torqued right axle, which briefly improved symptoms but did not resolve the underlying issue. When I returned for a follow-up on October 29, 2025, for a documentation-only appointment due to an active corporate case, the dealer ignored my instructions and altered evidence by loosening and re-torquing the left axle nut without consent. They recorded the torque at 250 ft-lbs in the repair order but failed to capture the required photos or before/after readings and referenced the wrong vehicle’s torque specification (Hyundai elantra) in the documentation. Since then, the vehicle has continued to show steering pull, vibration, and instability at speed. Several visits showed only 0–3 miles of verification driving after safety-critical repairs involving brakes, suspension, and driveline components. Aftermarket parts were installed when oem parts were promised, and uneven tire wear developed quickly. Safety risks include wheel-bearing damage, steering loss, and driveline separation due to repeated improper torque and altered evidence. Independent firestone and Honda technicians have verified these issues. The matter remains under active Hyundai corporate case #[xxx]. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2018 Hyundai Sonata 🔎.

While driving my vehicle I have lost power steering twice completely. The first time I was in a five-story parking garage turning into a parking space, when power steering went out. The second time I was pulling into my driveway and the power steering went completely out. At other times my car would pull to the right just a little at one point or maybe even harder at other points. I never know when I'm going to have a problem sometimes I don't have a problem, car drives normal this problem has existed for the last 3 weeks. Like power steering sometimes is harder to turn to the left around a curve are a corner. When the steering goes out warning lights do come on one like a hazard sign one like engine light and others. I take really good care of my car my personal mechanic has called Hyundai so he could get information on how to fix my vehicle they have informed him that I have to bring it into them and would not tell my mechanic what the problem was. I would say the problem exists 20% of the time 80% of the time the card drives great no problems but while driving these things change.

Based on what I experienced, the fire appears to have resulted from an internal mechanical or electrical failure that occurred without warning while the vehicle was in motion. No prior issues or dashboard alerts were present at the time, and there was no external impact or damage that could explain the fire.

Car has had check engine light on for 3 + years. Have taken it to several mechanics including a Hyundai dealership and none of them can figure out what is wrong. Have replaced water pump, belts x2 in a year (same belt) and thermostat x 3 again (all within 2 years). Dash fuel gage and dash heating/cooling gage are completely erratic. Cruise control does not work. Due to chronic check engine light and mechanics unable to pin point the problem, car has become hazardous to drive. With that in mind, today (9/10/2025) while exiting the high way, car stalled and behaved like it was in neutral. Steering wheel also locked up at this time. Luckily was able to stop. Had to restart car and then it occurred again while driving on a side street at 35mph. The codes that are still popping up are ones that I have spent thousands trying to fix and find the root cause of the problem. What could the issue be if no mechanic can seem to diagnose and fix the issue?.

See all problems of the 2010 Hyundai Sonata 🔎.

My car steering is locking up while driving on highway and regular roads. Resulting almost in not being able to control and crash. I also had a recall for my engine which was already replaced and now having same issue with oil burning and not leaking.

The steering column locks up. When start vehicle and make turn to get on road the steering locks up and cannot turn the wheel. This is safety concern and not safe to drive.

- I was reversing from a car space, and do a k-turn, the steering wheel locked when moving forward. When the steering wheel locked, the red steering wheel light on the dashboard is on. I have to turn off the engine to reset the power steering. It's available for inspection upon request. - I cannot move the car in the parking lot. The other drivers in the lot do not know what happened. - I don't know exact step to reproduce the problem. - the 2015 Sonata may have a faulty eps (electronic power steering) motor, or a failed torque sensor. It would be helpful for Hyundai to confirm the 2017 Sonata model does not have these issues/recalls.

While driving a eps light came in and the steering was extremely hard to drive. I was on the highway so I had to pull over to turn off the car and then turn it on. After turning it on it worked ok for a little and then messed up again and I couldn’t turning the steering wheel again. While driving in the highway my safety was at risk because I could have crashed into another car and hurt my self or other people driving. The car can be inspected at any point in time because it is at a Hyundai dealership where it got fixed a few months before. The problem was confirmed by the dealer. The vehicle has not been impounded and a selected dealer. The eps warning light and key not detected light came on. Hyundai has multiple issues with their staring and wiring with multiple different Hyundais, including elantra and Sonata, but directly with the Hyundai Sonata hybrid. There are multiple warranties for recall 14325000. I bought this car in November 20 24 and went into the shop December 30 of 2024. It stayed in two shops, including a Hyundai dealer from December 2024 to April 2025 it had been out from April till August and went back into the shop in August. His car I believe is defective and shouldn’t be on the road whatsoever. In logically how does a whole steering column go out and need to be replaced at only 109,000 miles?!.

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.

See all problems of the 2016 Hyundai Sonata 🔎.

Took car to my local mechanic for a clunking sound when turning steering wheel side to side, while standing still. Mechanic states problem at steering knuckle. In addition he stated that there is a Hyundai recall for this problem. I haven’t been able to find the recall for the steering problem when submitting my VIN.

Power steering fails intermittently.

Steering wheel warning light comes on traction control light comes on. Steering becomes difficult.

My eps light comes on and my steering wheel locks up the dealership says that isn’t a recall but I can pull it up and it says my car was affected by the Sonata electric power steering control module recall . It’s on [xxx] it’s a very unsafe for me and other drivers because I don’t know when it will come on and it comes on when I’m driving at random times information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Complaint 11667442 vehicle: 2024 Hyundai Sonata mileage: 20,000 (approx. ). Update summary: this update concerns the persistent, severe electronic stability control (esc) steering malfunction previously reported. Current status of issue: the esc steering defect remains unresolved. The vehicle was taken to an authorized Hyundai dealership on July 15, 2025, for re-diagnosis. The technician reported being unable to find any fault, despite the clear, dangerous, and recurring symptoms of steering control loss and near-collisions. The vehicle is still unsafe to operate due to this unaddressed safety hazard. Manufacturer's response: during this recent service visit, Hyundai continued to refuse to provide a loaner vehicle for the diagnostic and repair period. This refusal places the driver at extreme risk due to the necessity of driving a vehicle with a known, uncorrected safety defect that has already failed a previous recall repair (performed June 6, 2025, ro 41686321 ). Impact: the vehicle's safety is severely compromised. The persistent esc defect, combined with the manufacturer's inability to diagnose/repair it and refusal to provide safe alternative transportation, necessitates immediate intervention.

See all problems of the 2024 Hyundai Sonata 🔎.

On 05/27/2025, my rear back-up camera started to malfunction. Last week my dash started to malfunction electronically. When I would start my vehicle, all of the lights would start to turn on and stay on on my dash. My speedometer would not move while I was driving, so I could not see how fast I was going. I believe this is a severe safety issue for myself as well as others. The tachometer would jump up and down and would not function correctly. My dash stated that I had low tire pressure, that I was having problems with my traction control, that my bsd system was not working, that my abs was not working, that my emergency brake was on even though it was not. It also stated that I did have functioning air bags, which is a severe safety hazard in the chance that I could've gotten into a wreck and they might not have worked. It also stated that I was not in drive even though I clearly was. It also stated that I had no power steering while I was driving, before the light would turn off and I could properly steer again. This is a severe safety issue that could put me at risk. Finally, my check engine light turned on and stayed on. Yesterday on 06/09/2025 I was able to take it a vehicle maintenance shop so they could run a full diagnostic test. They discovered that I did not have power steering even though there was fluid due to the electrical problems with my dash. They also discovered the c-can buss was off and that my vehicle was losing communications with the tcm and hvac. It was discovered that this was due to my rear view back-up camera malfunctioning, causing the c-can network to short out. They had to unplug my rear back-up camera to return everything to normal. I have found on Hyundai recall forms that other years of Hyundai models had similar problems and I believe that 2018 Hyundai Sonatas are also having the same problem. I wanted it to be made aware because online, people have stated they are having the same issues. Attached gif that shows part of problem.

So I was driving down the highway and I went to pass a car, (I never get close when passing) I was probably at least a quarter mile away from the car I was passing. I have every safety feature turned off, as I have, since buying the car almost 2 years ago. All of a sudden, I’m not sure if my sensor was off or what, but I’m assuming it thought I was too close to that car and it just started swerving all over the highway. I went left/right 4 times before I was finally able to regain control, I couldn’t couter-act the swerves, nor could I hold my steering wheel straight to stop them. Luckily there were very few people on the highway as it was early in the morning. Had the time of day been different, I probably wouldn’t be here today, and some others probably wouldn’t be either, at least lots of injuries I’m sure. It hasn’t been confirmed, I don’t even know how to do that honestly, I was the only one in the car. I didn’t call anyone/say anything until right now because I was already running late for work, I was shaken up but I just called my parents and they said to look up recalls/file a report, which it seems like this is how I do it? there were no warning signs, nothing, I was driving for already about 30 minutes and everything was fine, never had any issue like this ever before. Like I said I’ve had this car for almost 2 years and she has been an absolute dream, aside from this mishap. But now I am very terrified to drive it, I don’t know what happened honestly, I don’t know what could have caused it, but this is why I hate Smart cars. My safety was put at risk by what I assume was a safety feature malfunction of some kind.

See all problems of the 2020 Hyundai Sonata 🔎.

My steering rack had to be replaced at less than 55,000 miles. I asked the dealer if this was covered under warranty and they said no. I was charged $4,800 for this repair. I contacted Hyundai USA and they refused to cover the repair. I then realized that I had received a letter from Hyundai stating my car had the extended warranty of 15 years/150m miles for this exact repair. I am on the phone with Hyundai now and they are still refusing to cover this repair, even though they sent me the letter stating my car has this extended warranty. My car is available for inspection upon request. Yes, my safety and the safety of others was put at risk, my power steering would intermittently go out while turning. Yes, my car was inspected twice, once in 2023 and again in may of 2025. Repairs were done in may. I was told this was not covered under warranty but I have an extended warranty from Hyundai for this exact problem. That extended warranty is for 15 years/150m miles. Yes, the occurrence in 2025 threw a code of c168708 - can time out vsm (mdps) and c1814 - can message failure sas.

Driving the vehicle, I was turning right on exit , the steering wheels turn extremely hard. It turn so hard have to pull over on side of the road. Steering light and traction turn on. Cycle the key and vehicle reset light nothing happen. Vehicle do not give fault code after key was cycle.

There is a recall for the rear lower control arms for the 2006 Hyundai Sonata getting rusty and not performing. My car was taken in for an alignment and the mechanic said he isn’t able to make the toe match up to be in good driving standards. I tried reaching out to a Hyundai dealership and they checked the VIN and said they couldn’t do anything about it because my car isn’t in a certain part of the united states. If I don’t get this fixed soon the mechanic said my when could fall out of alignment and cause some serious damage to me or someone else.

See all problems of the 2006 Hyundai Sonata 🔎.

Just purchased the sedan and took it to a shop to get checked reason for the doing was because vehicle felt a lil rough after getting the vehicle checked they came to the conclusion that the motor had seized.