2012 Hyundai Sonata steering problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Nov 29, 2025FLFireBrakesElectrical SystemSteering

   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.

   NHTSA complaint #11701989 · source
2. Filed Nov 26, 2024125,000 miTXFireTowedElectrical SystemEngineSteering

   The contact owned a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that various functions on the steering wheel including the horn, cruise control, and other electrical functions; all failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the contact was informed that a warranty had been placed on the vehicle for the clock spring which they linked to the failure. The steering wheel also began to stick soon after the diagnosis. The dealer was notified of…

   NHTSA complaint #11627450 · source
3. Filed Mar 16, 2024FLAirbagsElectrical SystemSteering

   The brake lights keep going off, they have been replaced several times. The passenger airbag deployed on a stop sign and cracked the entire windshield. The steering wheel feels like it’s going to come off. Please help

   NHTSA complaint #11577810 · source
4. Filed Dec 28, 2023FLSteering

   The power steering has failed to work on multiple occasions and I’m worried that it may happen during a tight manuver and possibly cause a wreck. This is very dangerous. When this power steering stops working it is way harder to turn than a car with no power at all.

   NHTSA complaint #11562225 · source
5. Filed Sep 12, 2023WIFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionSteering

   Steering has a clunking/clicking sound when turning left or right. It has gotten worse from when I noticed it. At first I could hear a faint rattling sound when going over bumps in the road (more noticeable in colder time of the year). Now for the past 2-3 years it’s very noticeable and makes clunking like noise every time turning even when parked. When I first heard the faint noise my mechanic couldn’t hear it. He said I have to hear it to know for sure but said it’s…

   NHTSA complaint #11544132 · source
6. Filed Aug 28, 2023100,300 miNJSteeringTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle downshifted unintendedly and decelerated. The contact stated that she shifted into neutral(N). The contact pulled over to the side of the road and remained there for several minutes. The contact was able to continue driving; however, the failure recurred while driving. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring increasingly. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the…

   NHTSA complaint #11541266 · source
7. Filed Jan 31, 2023ALFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionAcceleration & Cruise ControlSteering

   Daughter was driving her car on interstate, doing 75, in the middle of traffic when the car would jerk and then loose power. The gas petal stopped working and the check engine light would come on. She had to make her way over to the shoulder, without causing an accident. Once car gets shut off and you wait a few minutes, you can start it and drive it home. This has happened about 4 times now. We are lucky that this hasn't caused an accident! This last time (yesterday), the…

   NHTSA complaint #11504671 · source
8. Filed Jan 29, 2023NYSteering

   Steering wheel has a clicking clunking sound when turning right and left a mechanic told me it is the yolk in the sterring problem and he was sure there was a recall about this

   NHTSA complaint #11504293 · source
9. Filed Nov 29, 2022AZElectrical SystemSteering

   Power steering loses power and window between speedometer and tach goes blank. Car keeps running but no power steering and cannot take out of park. Must restart the car to solve issue. Happened several times while at idle, in park. Happened once while in drive, at idle while stopped, and was able to drive forward when I discovered no power steering. Concerned it could happen while driving.

   NHTSA complaint #11495261 · source
10. Filed Sep 22, 2022MDEngineAcceleration & Cruise ControlSteering

    I purchased my 2012 Hyundai Sonata on 4-7-22. The car has had no mechanical work, no accidents and has less than 1000 miles. On 9-16-22 i was driving my car home and was less than five minutes away on the highway. My car began to decelerate, I attempted to stop at a red light but my car would not give me control and the brake was rock solid and would not push down. I also could not turn the car off via the start button as the car would not let me. My engine ESC light came on…

    NHTSA complaint #11485855 · source
11. Filed Sep 29, 2021NJSteering

    The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 15 MPH and making a turn, the contact heard a clicking noise when making a slight turn on the vehicle. The contact felt that the steering wheel was oversteering while making slight turns in either direction. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic who inspected the vehicle and diagnosed the failure as a steering column coupler that was worn out and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was…

    NHTSA complaint #11434909 · source
12. Filed Sep 28, 2021CASteering

    Steering wheel couplet is broken causing the steering wheel to make a clanking noise when driving or going over little bumps on the road. It also makes the steering wheel and I believe tires make clanking noise when making a turn or pulling out of a driveway.

    NHTSA complaint #11434619 · 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