2011 Hyundai Elantra steering problems

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

34 owners have reported steering problems with the 2011 Hyundai Elantra, 25% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 76,500 mi.

Steering complaints
34
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Related recalls
0
Median mileage
76,500 mi

Specific components reported

Steering covers: Power steering, steering column and wheel, loss of steering assist.

ComponentComplaints
Steering34

Steering complaints across Hyundai Elantra years

3200528200842692010343520121095201411920166012201871920205220223720241
Steering complaints by model year. The 2011 is highlighted.

Mileage when the problem appeared

Under 10k110k–30k130k–60k560k–100k5100k–150k150k+
Complaints that list mileage, grouped by odometer reading.

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

  1. Filed Sep 28, 202639,892 miALSteering
    The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Elantra. While the contact's wife was reversing at 2 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle and the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. The contact stated that the failure had occurred in the driveway at the residence. While inspecting the vehicle, the contact became aware that the steering shaft had detached. The failure mileage was approximately 39,892.
    NHTSA complaint #11767465 · source
  2. Filed Aug 5, 2026FLSteering
    My steering wheel began to make clanking sound and lost the tension that allows for smooth turning of the wheel for both left and right. I looked it up and have found that this is a known issue that Hyundai has not addressed. Hyundai had a batch of bad steering wheel couplers that were installed in numerous models. This steering issue could cause someone to over compensate when turning the steering wheel. Since it does not have tension, it feels like the steering is…
    NHTSA complaint #11754930 · source
  3. Filed Aug 23, 2025PASteering
    When ever I am turning my steering wheel in either direction there is a clicking noise. It started low and now the noise became loud even when I am going over bumps on the road. I went to a reputable certified shop and I am told it is my steering column bushing and I was advised that there is a recall on it but when I further investigate my car I do not see no recall. This is a problem a lot of people are having with the 2011 Hyundai Elantra .
    NHTSA complaint #11682584 · source
  4. Filed Dec 9, 2024RISteering
    Steering wheel makes clacking noise when turning left or right, especially if making sharp right angle turn or when parking. I think I noticed it first in early November 2024 while parking. Since then it has been occurring with greater frequency as well as both directions. I called a repair shop 2 weeks ago & was told it was a common problem with Hyundai's. I went to a different repair shop last Thursday, Dec 5th, 2024, for a tire repair & asked for estimate on steering…
    NHTSA complaint #11629686 · source
  5. Filed Jun 2, 2024OHSteering
    A steering coupler is failing and will eventually cause a loss of steering control while driving. The steering problem was diagnosed at a local Car- X by a certified mechanic. The vehicle is available for inspection. I took the vehicle in for inspection because of a clunking and rattling vibration while driving. The rattling and clunking and vibration caused me unexpected alarm distracting my focus while driving, also I have noticed while turning right or left there's slack…
    NHTSA complaint #11592007 · source
  6. Filed Mar 12, 2024NCSteering
    I am not able to steer my car. I was taking my 5 year old son to school and I was not able to turn onto the street of his school. I had to slow down in traffic an forcably strain and pull the wheel to the right and pull over on the side of the road. I as very scared I was going to be hit or cause and acident. There was a recall for this problem with this car but it ended for cars that where built as of 2010, but ny car is a 2011 and the issue is still happening.
    NHTSA complaint #11576926 · source
  7. Filed Mar 6, 2024NJSteering
    The steering coupler started making noises at about 80, 000 miles but I did not know what it was at the time . When I brought the car in at over 100,000 miles, I was informed of the loose couplet, to cost about &400 to fix andit wasn’t covered, because over the 100, 000. I did not have it fixed at that time.(I believe mileage was about 110, 00 at that point). I never received any info on this issue, and feel it should have been covered and that Hyundai should still cover it.…
    NHTSA complaint #11575737 · source
  8. Filed Mar 1, 2024NYSteering
    The steering wheel recently started making a clunking sound. There is play in the wheel and it feels very unsafe to drive. It does not respond normally while turning. Seems to be a very common issue. My car is a 2011 with 55k miles on it and it is out of warranty. I wish they would make this a recall and fix it.
    NHTSA complaint #11574811 · source
  9. Filed Jan 30, 2024INBrakesSteering
    Starting in the summer of 2023 my car started making screeching noises when applying brakes, turning, etc. All 4 brakes and rotors were replaced. My car continues to screech. More concerning is that the steering wheel started clicking when turning in the Fall of 2023 and has progressively worsened, now clicking whenever moved left or right even a few inches. The steering feels very loose. Although the car is a 2011, it only has 36,000 original miles on it. This is very…
    NHTSA complaint #11568824 · source
  10. Filed Oct 3, 2023ILSteering
    On August 22, 2023, my 2011 Hyundai Elantra steering capacity started feeling loose and now clicks every time I turn the steering wheel - left or right.
    NHTSA complaint #11547924 · source
  11. Filed Oct 2, 2023NJSteering
    My 2011 Hyundai Elantra has a steering problem. Just yesterday, The steering became loose and clicked when initially turning left or right. At a stop, I was able to turn it back and forth very loosely (no resistance) about 1-2" before a click and then the steering felt *closer* to normal (but not normal). The problem is also that the power steering is a little more difficult to turn either way after the click. This was very scary when it happened and thankfully we were close…
    NHTSA complaint #11547809 · source
  12. Filed Sep 2, 2023VASteering
    There is a clunking and or clicking noise when I turn the steering wheel in any direction. This issue caused my car to fail inspection last Thursday. I’m told by the Southern Team dealership advisor, [XXX] , that my 2011 Hyundai Elantra Touring is oit of warranty and it will cost between $400-$500 to fix this. I never received a letter since I purchased this car in 2015. I don’t recall the approximate date when this started, but it’s been going on for aboit a year at the…
    NHTSA complaint #11542303 · source

Other 2011 Hyundai Elantra problem areas

  • Engine (30)
  • Suspension (22)
  • Brakes (22)
  • Airbags (18)
  • Electrical System (18)
  • Other / Unknown (12)
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech (7)
  • Wheels & Tires (6)
  • Lighting (5)
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion (3)
  • Transmission & Drivetrain (3)
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control (2)
  • Seats & Seat Belts (1)
  • Body & Structure (1)
  • Visibility & Wipers (1)

Back to all 2011 Hyundai Elantra problems →

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology