2011 Hyundai Sonata steering problems

Related recalls

• Recall 16V190000Apr 5, 2016173,000 vehicles
  STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

  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.

  Remedy: 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.

• Recall 10V457000Oct 1, 201060 vehicles
  STEERING:GEAR BOX:SHAFT SECTOR

  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.

  Remedy: 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.

• Recall 10V426000Sep 20, 2010138,354 vehicles
  STEERING:GEAR BOX:SHAFT SECTOR

  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.

  Remedy: 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 say

1. Filed Sep 3, 2026OHElectrical SystemEngineSteering

   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

   NHTSA complaint #11762026 · source
2. Filed Aug 10, 2026WISteering

   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 after restarting the vehicle, but not always. Had it inspected by an independent service center and they cleared out the codes with their scanner. Steering worked fine for a few…

   NHTSA complaint #11755879 · source
3. Filed Jul 21, 2026CAAirbagsFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionSteering

   I purchased fgis car from a used car dealership, for over $6,000.00 , which is not a ton of money, but plenty enough to not have instant issues. Since my purchase in june 30, 2026, i have already had all of these issues occur. There is white smoke coming from the left tail pipe, it is sluggish when you push on the gas, there is black soot constantly on my rims that is extreamly hard to remove, the high pressure fuel pump jas failed, I can tell because the oil is higher then…

   NHTSA complaint #11751926 · source
4. Filed Feb 22, 2026FLSteering

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

   NHTSA complaint #11719724 · source
5. Filed Jan 22, 2026138,000 miNCTowedEngineSteering

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11712626 · source
6. Filed Jul 8, 2025FLSteering

   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)

   NHTSA complaint #11672070 · source
7. Filed Nov 30, 2024FLEngineSteering

   After taking my mom to the airport the vehicle engine blew up what absolutely no warning at all leave me on the side of the road the key keep getting stuck inside the car

   NHTSA complaint #11628097 · source
8. Filed Jul 16, 2024NJSteering

   My car when turned off locks but when turned back on will stay locked. Normally you can turn the car on and off a couple times and it will unlock itself but for the past couple months it is now impossible and is so unsafe to drive. I saw in 2009/2010 there was a recall for this with Hyundai and I’m pretty sure my car is now affected with the same thing but 2011 Hyundai sonata.

   NHTSA complaint #11602706 · source
9. Filed May 1, 202417,742 miFLElectrical SystemSteering

   The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the steering wheel was making an abnormal rattling sound. While making a turn, the steering wheel seized. The contact stated that the horn became inoperable and the buttons on the steering wheel became inoperable. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 17,742.

   NHTSA complaint #11586263 · source
10. Filed Oct 11, 2023PAEngineSteeringSuspension

    I started to get engine knocking noises about 6 months after the purchase of the used car. This knocking noise began to increase in frequency as I pressed my foot on the accelerator and the car would not accelerate when I pressed my foot on the gas pedal. Then the car would shut down in the middle of traffic. After waiting about 30 -45 mins, I would try to start the car again and would start and initially run as long as I drove less than 20 miles/hour the knocking noise…

    NHTSA complaint #11549336 · source
11. Filed Sep 18, 2023FLSteering

    Coupler in steering. Making loud clicking sounds and I was scared to drive car. I've contacted recalls I have a case number but get different answers. I just had it repaired a few days ago. Paid over $313. The service dept said they think it is the coupler because they had several complaints that week and sure enough they said it was the same thing . I believe it was a safety problem. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C.…

    NHTSA complaint #11545238 · source
12. Filed Aug 1, 2023COSteering

    Knocking from steering column indicating internal damage to electronic steering components of the steering column. Recommend replacing steering column. Reviewed by independent mechanic.

    NHTSA complaint #11535899 · 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