Hyundai Sonata Steering Problems
Owners have filed 2,363 complaints with NHTSA about steering problems on the Hyundai Sonata across 29 model years. The 2011 model year has the most (1,171). The words owners use most often: “steering column” (18% of reports).
- 2,363steering complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 65mention a crash
- 25mention an injury
- 4related recalls
- $520typical repair cost reported by owners
- 41%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Steering column: mentioned in 422 of 2,363 complaints (18%)
- Clicking noise: mentioned in 186 of 2,363 complaints (8%)
How much does it cost to fix?
Owners who wrote down what they paid or were quoted put the typical steering repair on the Hyundai Sonata at $520, and half of them between $410 and $690.
Based on 155 NHTSA complaints about this problem alone that state a repair bill or quote (2008–2024), converted to 2026 dollars with the U.S. consumer price index. These are owners' own figures, not a quote: they include dealer quotes, and owners who file complaints often faced larger repairs, so they can run higher than typical shop prices. Prices vary by shop, region and warranty coverage. How we calculate this.
At what mileage do steering problems happen?
Based on 1,732 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 2,363 complaints, 65 mention a crash, 16 a fire, 25 an injury.
Hyundai Sonata steering complaints by model year
| Model year | Steering complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Sonata | 2 | 4% | — |
| 2023 Sonata | 2 | 2% | — |
| 2021 Sonata | 2 | 1% | — |
| 2020 Sonata | 7 | 4% | 800 |
| 2019 Sonata | 6 | 4% | — |
| 2018 Sonata | 9 | 2% | 31,790 |
| 2017 Sonata | 173 | 23% | 53,000 |
| 2016 Sonata | 33 | 5% | 40,000 |
| 2015 Sonata | 74 | 6% | 63,000 |
| 2014 Sonata | 65 | 9% | 31,150 |
| 2013 Sonata | 342 | 18% | 55,000 |
| 2012 Sonata | 301 | 19% | 72,900 |
| 2011 Sonata | 1,171 | 35% | 65,000 |
| 2010 Sonata | 15 | 4% | 66,500 |
| 2009 Sonata | 26 | 6% | 90,000 |
| 2008 Sonata | 6 | 1% | 142,000 |
| 2007 Sonata | 12 | 2% | 89,000 |
| 2006 Sonata | 35 | 3% | 96,630 |
| 2005 Sonata | 6 | 4% | 150,000 |
| 2004 Sonata | 13 | 6% | 132,161 |
| 2003 Sonata | 9 | 5% | 117,000 |
| 2002 Sonata | 24 | 8% | 104,613 |
| 2001 Sonata | 10 | 5% | 119,000 |
| 2000 Sonata | 8 | 3% | 114,580 |
| 1999 Sonata | 6 | 5% | 104,500 |
| 1998 Sonata | 2 | 4% | 90,500 |
| 1997 Sonata | 1 | 2% | — |
| 1996 Sonata | 1 | 4% | — |
| 1995 Sonata | 2 | 3% | — |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (4)
Steering:electric power assist system
Model years: 2011
Problem: Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2011 Sonata vehicles manufactured December 11, 2009, to October 31, 2010. In the affected vehicles, the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) circuit board may be damaged and result in a loss of power steering assist.
Risk: With a loss of power steering assist, extra steering effort will be required, especially at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EPS control unit, free of charge. The recall began May 30, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9640. Hyundai's number for this recall is 143.
Electrical system:wiring; steeringDo not drive
Model years: 2015
Problem: Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2015 Sonata vehicles manufactured May 2, 2014, through May 23, 2014. A poor connection within the vehicle's wiring harness may result in a reduction of steering assist from the vehicle's motor driven power steering system or the inability to move the vehicle's shifter from the Park position.
Risk: The reduction of power steering assist can increase the steering effort needed, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Hyundai notified dealers to suspend sales of affected Sonata vehicles and has published recall bulletin 14-01-024 providing a service procedure to repair the affected vehicles. On June 7, 2014 Hyundai began to contact the affected retail customers. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 119.
Steering:gear box:shaft sector
Model years: 2011
Problem: Hyundai is recalling certain model year 2011 sonata vehicles manufactured from december 11, 2009, through september 10, 2010. On some of these vehicles the steering column intermediate shaft universal joint connections may have been either improperly assembled or insufficiently tightened.
Risk: Improper assembly or insufficient tightening of the connections could result in a complete separation or compromised attachment of the connections, such that the driver could experience a loss of, or reduction in, steering capability increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the steering column intermediate shaft universal joint connections for proper assembly and torque. In addition dealers will update the power steering software free of charge. The safety recall began on october 11, 2010. Owners may contact hyundai customer service center at 1-787-999-3333.
Steering:gear box:shaft sector
Model years: 2011
Problem: Hyundai is recalling certain model year 2011 sonata vehicles manufactured from december 11, 2009, through september 10, 2010. On some of these vehicles the steering column intermediate shaft universal joint connections may have been either improperly assembled or insufficiently tightened.
Risk: Improper assembly or insufficient tightening of the connections could result in a complete separation or compromised attachment of the connections, such that the driver could experience a loss of, or reduction in, steering capability increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the steering column intermediate shaft universal joint connections for proper assembly and torque. In addition dealers will update the power steering software free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during october 2010. Owners may contact hyundai customer assistance center at 1-800-633-5151.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, the steering wheel shuddered violently, pulled towards the left or the right. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed, and the failure was associated with Technical Service…
I was driving down the road going the speed limit and all of a sudden it felt like I hit a brick wall my car staked out and I was stuck in the middle of the road for about 20 minutes and finally I got it to start and drove home it did it again 2 months later
Intermittent and sudden loss of power steering nearly caused an accident for both of sons when each one was driving on two separate occasions this past week. "EPS" and traction control warning lights both illuminate on the dash when steering goes out. Sometimes the codes will clear themselves out…
My 2013 Hyundai Sonata (VIN [XXX]) suffered a driver's airbag clock spring failure, completely disabling the primary restraint safety system. ABS light was on, the horn and all other electronics on the steering wheel were not functioning. All symptoms indicated in the recall This vehicle is…
I was driving and all of a sudden the traction lights turned on and the sterring wheel is hard to turn. Almost go in a car accident. The windows just stopped working and the brakes light constantly keep getting burned out.
Frequently asked questions
Do all Hyundai Sonatas have steering problems?
No. NHTSA has 2,363 owner complaints about steering for the Hyundai Sonata. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Hyundai Sonata steering?
Yes: 4 safety recalls list steering. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
How much does it cost to fix steering problems on the Hyundai Sonata?
Owners report a typical cost of $520 (half paid between $410 and $690), from 155 complaints that state a repair bill or quote, in 2026 dollars.
What do owners say about steering problems on the Hyundai Sonata?
The most frequent phrase is “steering column”, in 422 of 2,363 complaints, followed by “clicking noise” (186).
Other Hyundai Sonata problems
- Engine problems (4,698)
- Air Bags problems (2,044)
- Electrical System problems (1,974)
- Structure problems (1,066)
- Power Train problems (1,050)
- Exterior Lighting problems (1,013)
- Service Brakes problems (900)
- Fuel/propulsion System problems (765)
See all Hyundai Sonata problems.