The warranty coverage for the clock spring has been extended to 15 years with unlimited mileage from the date of original retail delivery or date of first use, whichever occurs first. This warranty coverage applies to both the original and subsequent owners. Refer to the warranty and service parts information outlined in this bulletin whenever clock spring replacement is required.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2012 Hyundai Veloster steering problems
moderate 42 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
42
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
1fire
When does it fail?
Of the 42 steering complaints filed for the 2012 Hyundai Veloster, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 42 steering complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
No new NHTSA steering complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 12 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering steering on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
The warranty coverage for the clock spring has been extended to 15 years with unlimited mileage from the date of original retail delivery or date of first use, whichever occurs first. Refer to the warranty and service parts information outlined in this bulletin whenever clock spring replacement is required.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides information regarding replacement of the column-mounted Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) system as separate components.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides information regarding replacement of the column-mounted Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) system as separate components.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides information regarding replacement of the column-mounted Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) system as separate components.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners describe a steering coupler that deteriorates or disintegrates, causing clicking, clunking, or popping noises when turning the wheel—whether stationary or in motion. Some report the noise on every bump or road marker. The defect creates excessive play or looseness in the steering column, making the wheel hard to control and difficult to keep centered on the road. At highway speeds (60–75 mph), the steering feels shaky and resists input, requiring constant correction. Some owners report the wheel vibrating violently when braking or lane-changing, with instances of sudden jerks or the wheel trying to turn on its own. One owner noted oil leaking from the steering area. EPS (Electric Power Steering) tightness and reduced responsiveness are also cited. Multiple owners state they've seen the part cost as little as $2–$6, yet dealerships charge $320–$500 for replacement labor. Notably, owners report Hyundai has issued a recall for the identical steering coupler in 2012 Elantra and Sonata models—and some owners mention a TSB (Technical Service Bulletin 17-ST-001 from February 2017) for MDPS coupling replacement. Hyundai has declined warranty coverage on the Veloster despite acknowledging complaints and recalling the same defect in other model lines.
Same Hyundai Veloster steering reports on nearby years: 2013 · 2014
Failure modes owners describe
Steering coupler deterioration and disintegration
The steering coupler (also called steering dampener or MDPS coupler) breaks down, causing excessive play in the steering column and making the steering wheel loose and unresponsive.
When: Owners report failures ranging from 16,809 miles to 90,000 miles; many cite failures within 5–7 years of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Clicking, clunking, or popping noise when turning the wheel (stationary or in motion); Excessive play and looseness in steering column; Steering wheel difficult to control or hard to turn; Noise on every small bump or road marker
Repairs/costs cited: Part cost reported as $2–$6 by owners; dealership labor charges $320–$500. One dealer quoted $400, another $488.68 total.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Hyundai issued Technical Service Bulletin 17-ST-001 (February 2017) for MDPS coupling replacement. Hyundai recalled the same part on 2012 Elantra and Sonata models but has not recalled it for the Veloster. Warranty declined on repeat failures. One owner reports a service bulletin was issued after multiple dealer visits in 2019.
Steering stiffness, binding, and highway instability
The steering wheel binds or sticks, especially in the center position, and requires excessive force to turn. At highway speeds, the steering feels shaky and resists corrections, forcing drivers to over-correct.
When: Occurs at speeds from 15–75 mph, most pronounced on highways and straight roads
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel sticky or binding, especially on center; High resistance when trying to correct steering; Shaky or unstable feel at highway speeds; Wheel veering left or right without staying centered; Jerking or sudden movements of the wheel
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reported an independent consultant diagnosed an open ball bearing on the steering shaft with improper dust seals allowing dirt to enter. Hyundai dealer initially misdiagnosed as needing strut bearings.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One dealer claimed the issue was driver unfamiliarity with electric power steering. Manufacturer stated no solution was available when contacted.
Steering column noise and vibration under load
Loud thuds, bangs, and clunking from the steering column during turns, lane changes, and when driving over bumps. Steering wheel vibrates violently, especially during braking or at highway speeds.
When: Occurs during turns of any magnitude, lane changes, highway driving, and when traversing road markers or bumps
Symptoms owners cite: Loud thud or bang sound with each turn; Violent vibration of steering wheel during turns or braking; Jerking motion when steering; Vibration and instability at highway speeds (60–75 mph)
Repairs/costs cited: One owner noted the noise is so loud that conversation in the car becomes difficult.
Recurrent steering failure after factory repair
Steering issues return after dealer replacement of the steering column or coupler, despite warranty service or TSB repair.
When: First failure repaired in 2019; issue returned in 2021 and 2022
Symptoms owners cite: Steering stickiness and play return after factory repair; Sticky feel on center of road at highway speeds
Repairs/costs cited: Hyundai replaced steering column in 2019 after multiple visits; issue recurred, and warranty denied coverage on subsequent failure.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Hyundai replaced steering column under warranty in 2019 after multiple dealer visits and owner escalation. Issued a service bulletin for the fix. However, warranty declined to repair the recurrent failure in December 2022.
Synthesized from 42 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
When driving under any road conditions and at speeds from 15 to 65, the car seems to track to the left or right of center but does not want to track straight ahead. When trying to turn the wheel to correct this, there is a lot of resistance, which forces the driver to over-correct and at times nearly lose control. At times the wheel also tries to turn on its own (quick slight jerks to the left…
The car has a failing steering coupler just as other models of Hyundai have and they claim the problem is known but nothing can be done to to no recall. It is no different than other models that were recalled.
I own a 2012 Hyundai veloster twd. My sunroof just exploded out of no-where and I called Hyundai and they told me that there is no recall on this issue. In addition, I need to replace a steering bushing and it is not covered in any recall and I am reading on the internet that this item has been repaired. Great car, but no accountability by this organization to fix their engineers issues.
- The steering feels sticky and has "play" when trying to stay centered on the road. It is most notable on straight freeways at higher speeds (60 - 75 MPH). - The safety issue is driver control and risk to driver, riders and other vehicle/drivers. The steering needs constant attention and adjustment. - The dealer confirmed its existing the first time and Hyundai eventually repaired it in 2019.…
Had steering trouble with your 2012 Hyundai Veloster?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the steering problem on the 2012 Hyundai Veloster?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 42 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $700 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Across the 31 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 53,685 and 95,000 miles, with the median around 81,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 53,685; a quarter make it past 95,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
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.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2012/Hyundai/Veloster.
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. Some links on this page are affiliate links.