2012 Hyundai Elantra steering problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Dec 3, 2024AZCrashSteeringWheels & Tires

   My steering wheel started making loud rattling and clunking noise. This happened when I turned or slowed down or went over a bump. It got worse very quickly. I suddenly could not steer at all. So I ran into a pole. Thankfully it wasn't another car or a person. Many people have this same issue. This needs to be recalled ASAP. It's either the pinion and rack issue or the steering wheel issue.

   NHTSA complaint #11628690 · source
2. Filed Nov 14, 2024INSteering

   The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly after the steering wheel briefly jerked back and forth, requiring increased effort to maneuver the vehicle. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became regular. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the…

   NHTSA complaint #11625251 · source
3. Filed Oct 4, 2024OKSteering

   Steering wheel locks up when trying to start car. Have to jiggle steering wheel to get it unlocked. While driving steering wheel make clicking sound and catches back and forth while driving

   NHTSA complaint #11618077 · source
4. Filed Sep 11, 2024TXSteering

   The steering wheel is locking up and unable to turn key/ignition while parked. This has happened multiple times. I jiggle the steering wheel while trying to turn key. It takes much effort and time until it finally unlocks. The first incident happened perhaps 2 years ago. This week it has occured 3 times within the past 3 days. I do not see any warning lights on my dashboard.

   NHTSA complaint #11614108 · source
5. Filed May 16, 2024MABrakesEngineSteering

   Since day 1. Brakes have failed. First recall took years. They “updated my software “ brakes still failed. They failed to believe me “Couldn’t find a problem “ there’s no warning lights no nothing. Out of nowhere. The Brake goes to the floor. Makes a grinding sound and your either going towards on coming traffic or a ditch. Brakes failed at numerous intersections. How I’m alive is beyond me. The best part, either the seat belt is too baggy or strangles you there’s no in…

   NHTSA complaint #11589017 · source
6. Filed Jan 25, 2024MDSteering

   The steering coupler is damaged and is causing unstable steering while driving. It’s causing the wheel to be wobbly with uncontrolled pulling which causes the car to suddenly pull to either side of the lane abruptly when driving. It is causing issues with the stabilizer bar and severe uneven wear of the tires; the right front passenger wheel feels like it will fly off at any time. The car isn’t safe to drive right now because it has progressively gotten worse with time. I’ve…

   NHTSA complaint #11567904 · source
7. Filed Dec 20, 2023AZSteering

   This problem, the imminent failure of a component connecting the steering wheel to the power steering assist, causes the steering wheel to travel about one inch before the front wheels even move. Then when they do, feedback to the steering wheel is a sloppy, shakey movement. This problem began as a small hesitation at the steering wheel which has increased over the past few miles. No warning lamps nor error codes were evident. I have read similar complaints, especially for…

   NHTSA complaint #11561106 · source
8. Filed Dec 15, 2023135,000 miNYBrakesElectrical SystemSteering

   The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that the vehicle was jerking while depressing the brake pedal. The check engine warning light was illuminated during the failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that there was a short circuit in the engine wiring. Additionally, the contact stated that the steering wheel was shaking while driving above 50 MPH. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign…

   NHTSA complaint #11560241 · source
9. Filed Dec 4, 2023MECrashBrakesSteering

   Car went off the road in the snow and was totalled. Brakes did not lock or vibrate to alert that the car was starting to slide

   NHTSA complaint #11558420 · source
10. Filed Sep 21, 2023TNOther / UnknownSteering

    It started around a month ago it's a thumping clicking sound in my steering wheel it's getting worse everyday when driving on the road and I hit a bump in the road it wants to jerk out of my hands it's very hard to drive and keep from swerving around it sometimes feels like it's trying to stick or lock up I fear for my life and others life as well. I do know if it locks up it will cause me to lose control and wreck my car possibly ending in death for myself or others out on…

    NHTSA complaint #11545849 · source
11. Filed Aug 4, 2023CASteering

    The rubber coupler in the steering column has failed and is causing play in the steering wheel. This was diagnosed by a third-party service center, not a Hyundai dealer. When this was reported to the dealer's service center, they said that Hyundai would only replace this component under warranty for vehicles with a milage under 100,000.

    NHTSA complaint #11536499 · source
12. Filed Apr 21, 202385,000 miDESteering

    The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving 30-40 MPH, the steering wheel made abnormal clunking sounds. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.

    NHTSA complaint #11518327 · source

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