STEERING GETS STICKY OR STUCK. IT'S NOT LIKE IT GETS COMPLETELY STUCK THAT YOU CAN'T TURN THE WHEEL, BUT THERE'S A NOTICEABLE RESISTANCE WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. IT HAPPENS WHILE DRIVING STRAIGHT AND WANTING TO CHANGE LANES. LEFT OR RIGHT IT DOES IT BOTH WAYS.
2012 hyundai Elantra steering problems
severe 90 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700
Complaints
90
Recalls
0
Crashes
9
Avg fix
$700
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
The issue is a thump in the steering column as you turn the steering wheel slightly from left to right and vice versa. Appears to be the steering column coupling. I have seen several videos on the issue and recalls for similar Hyundai vehicles. Unsure if this is a safety risk. The issue has not been confirmed by a dealer. There are no warning lights associated with this issue. The has not be…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHIFT ABNORMALLY INTO THE LEFT LANE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED WHEN DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS WHERE THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NEED A WHEEL ALIGNMENT. THE ALIGNMENT WAS PERFORMED BUT THE FAILURE CON…
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…
Common questions
How serious is the steering problem on the 2012 hyundai Elantra?
It's a meaningful issue. 90 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $700.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $700 for steering repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to steering?
No active recalls currently cover steering issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Other problem areas on this vehicle
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities.
Repair cost estimates are independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area.
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