Hyundai Motor America is offering steering wheel locks to owners of certain 2011 â 2017MY vehicles that are not eligible for Service Campaign 993 anti-theft software. This bulletin describes the procedure to provide the steering wheel locks to customers on the dealership service drive.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2013 Hyundai Elantra steering problems
moderate 270 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
270
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
8crashes
2fires
When does it fail?
Of the 270 steering complaints filed for the 2013 Hyundai Elantra, 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
Of the 19 model years of Hyundai Elantra we track for steering problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 270.
Owners have filed 270 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.
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.
Hyundai has launched an anti-theft software upgrade and window decal campaign (Campaign 993), combined with an anti-theft steering wheel lock campaign (Campaign P32), in response to an increase in thefts of certain 2011-2022MY Hyundai vehicles not equipped with engine immobilizers targeted through social media. For certain vehicles that cannot be updated with the software (Campaign 993), Hyundai is offering customers steering wheel locks at the dealer (Campaign P32).
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗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 ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2013 Elantra steering system exhibits multiple systematic failures that owners link to design and assembly defects rather than normal wear.
Coupler Wear. The motor-driven power steering (MDPS) rubber coupling deteriorates gradually, creating a clunking noise when turning or driving over bumps, excessive play in the steering wheel, and a loose, unpredictable steering feel. Failures start as early as 11,750 miles and extend past 100,000 miles. Replacement costs $300–$600 in labor despite the part costing $10–$20. Hyundai issued an extended warranty (10 years/100k miles) for sedans and touring models under TSB 5NP-F8M5G-03, but excludes GT and coupe variants that use the same part. Hyundai classifies this as a non-safety "clunk noise," not a safety issue.
Instability and Control Loss. Owners report the car wanders unpredictably across lanes, pulls strongly left or right despite correct alignment, and becomes uncontrollable over road imperfections. The rear end fishtails violently at highway speeds and in wet or snowy conditions. ESC light activation accompanies loss of steering response. Some owners describe the steering wheel locking or refusing to turn during normal maneuvers at speeds from 15 to 75 MPH. Dealerships often deny finding problems, attributing behavior to electronic steering characteristics or claiming the vehicle meets factory specs.
Assembly and Manufacturing Defects. Loose inner tie rod lock nuts with damaged threads left from the factory, steering wheels positioned off-center, and steering column electrical failures requiring repeated replacement indicate quality-control gaps.
Owners consistently report dealerships downplay or deny these issues despite widespread online documentation of the problems across multiple model years.
Same Hyundai Elantra steering reports on nearby years: 2010 · 2011 · 2012 · 2014 · 2015
Failure modes owners describe
Steering Coupler Degradation (MDPS)
The rubber coupling in the motor-driven power steering (MDPS) assembly deteriorates, creating excessive play in the steering wheel. The coupler is a small rubber bushing that shears under normal use. As it wears, the steering wheel develops a clunking or popping noise when turned or driving over bumps, and steering feel becomes loose and unpredictable.
When: Typically 50k–135k miles; failures reported as early as 11,750 miles and extending to 100k+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Clunking or popping noise when turning steering wheel; Excessive play or 'dead spot' in steering wheel; Steering wheel vibration over bumps; Difficulty controlling vehicle in a straight line; Steering wheel shaking when turning; Feels like steering might lock up or fail
Codes mentioned: EPS light illumination
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement of steering coupler (part 56315-2K000FFF); owners cite labor costs of $300–$600+ despite the part itself costing $10–$20 retail. Some owners report warranty coverage (10 years/100k miles) on sedans and touring models but NOT on GT/coupe models under MDPS extended warranty.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Hyundai issued Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 5NP-F8M5G-03 (02-27-2017) and extended warranty for 2007–2015 Elantra sedans and touring models, 2011–2014 Sonata sedans, and hybrid Sonatas (10 years/100k miles). GT and coupe Elantras are excluded despite using identical parts. Hyundai classifies this as a non-safety 'clunk noise' issue, not a safety recall.
Steering Wheel Lock-Up or Loss of Power Steering
In severe cases, the steering system becomes unresponsive or locks completely during driving, preventing the driver from turning the wheel to avoid hazards. Some complaints describe the steering wheel suddenly pulling sharply to one side or the vehicle fighting the driver's input.
When: Occurs during normal driving at speeds ranging from 15 MPH to 75 MPH; can happen without warning
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel locks up suddenly; Steering wheel unresponsive or extremely stiff; Steering wheel pulls sharply to one side; Loss of power steering assist; Vehicle will not turn despite steering input; EPS light illumination
Codes mentioned: EPS light, Codes thrown but not always identified by dealers
Repairs/costs cited: Steering column replacement reported; owners cite multiple column failures on the same vehicle requiring repeated repairs. Some failures linked to electrical faults in the steering system.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued. Dealers initially blamed brake issues or misalignment; some blamed the steering column itself. One dealer noted Hyundai technical support was aware of steering column issues in 2013 Elantra but no service bulletins had been issued at time of report.
Vehicle Pulling/Wandering Off Center (Alignment-Independent)
The vehicle pulls strongly to the left or right and/or wanders unpredictably across lanes, regardless of alignment checks or tire adjustments. The problem persists even after professional wheel alignment, tire rotation, and pressure checks. Steering feels loose and requires constant correction with both hands.
When: Present from purchase (early in vehicle life) and persisting throughout ownership; mileage variable
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle pulls to right or left despite proper alignment; Car wanders side-to-side on the road; Requires constant steering correction; Difficult to keep vehicle in lane on highway; Pulling becomes worse in wind or rain; Steering wheel off-center
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report tire rotations and wheel alignments do not resolve the issue. One owner switched front tires and pulling reversed (from right to left), but both pulling conditions persisted. Dealerships often deny finding any problem or claim alignment is normal.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls. Dealerships often claim the vehicle operates within factory specifications or attribute it to electronic steering characteristics. Owner's manual notes that if alignment is correct, power steering should be checked; dealers typically do not perform this check.
Rear End Instability/Fishtailing Over Bumps
The rear suspension becomes unstable when the vehicle hits road imperfections, causing the rear end to sway, hop, or fishtail unpredictably. The problem worsens significantly in wet, snowy, or icy conditions and at highway speeds. Owners describe feeling like the vehicle is out of control.
When: Occurs at speeds as low as 25 MPH and escalates at highway speeds (45–70 MPH); worse on uneven pavement, bridge joints, or in poor weather
Symptoms owners cite: Rear end sways or fishtails over small bumps; Vehicle loses traction or becomes uncontrollable; Traction control or ESC light activation; Vehicle drifts or veers into adjacent lane involuntarily; Rear suspension feels stiff and causes violent hopping; Feels like vehicle is 'fighting' the driver's steering input
Codes mentioned: Traction Control light, ESC (Electronic Stability Control) light activation
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report alignment checks reveal no issue. One owner noted severe tire wear (only 1/3 of tire contact patch in use) suggesting suspension geometry problem. No repairs offered by dealerships.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealerships deny any problem or claim the vehicle operates to factory specifications. Hyundai has not issued a recall. One owner's district service manager never responded to complaint over 2+ months.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Unintended Activation
The ESC or traction control system activates unexpectedly while driving on normal road conditions, causing the vehicle to decelerate sharply and steering to become difficult or impossible. The malfunction repeats intermittently over weeks.
When: Reported in June 2016 and August 2016 at various speeds; can occur during normal acceleration, parking lot driving, or school-zone speeds
Symptoms owners cite: ESC indicator light comes on while driving; Vehicle loses steering control when ESC activates; Car decelerates suddenly; Tires screech and vehicle nearly crashes; Unable to steer car away from hazard (guard rail); ESC repeatedly reactivates despite being turned off; ESC OFF button must be used to recover control
Codes mentioned: ESC activation light
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report dealership cannot duplicate the problem and refuses service. Owner had to demonstrate the malfunction by deliberately reproving it (removing the ESC OFF button) while driving to force repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall. Dealership initially refused to service because malfunction did not occur during dealer inspection. Hyundai allegedly unable to provide explanation despite scanning codes.
Steering Wheel Off-Center Position
The steering wheel is off-center relative to the road direction, with the car pulling opposite the direction the wheel points. This is a manufacturing or assembly defect unrelated to alignment or suspension.
When: Present from purchase or very early in vehicle ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel off-center to left or right; Car pulls opposite direction from wheel position; Vehicle wanders despite wheel being straight; Pulling does not improve with alignment adjustment
Repairs/costs cited: One dealership initially refused to acknowledge the problem, then claimed no repair was available. A second dealership foreman was reportedly in training to perform a correction.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls. At least one dealership acknowledged the problem existed but claimed it was non-repairable at time of complaint (June 2013).
Steering Wheel Vibration and Shaking During Acceleration
The steering wheel shakes or vibrates noticeably when accelerating above 60 MPH, during turns, or over bumps. Requires both hands on wheel to control.
When: Occurs when accelerating above 60 MPH or during turning maneuvers
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel shaking when accelerating; Steering wheel vibration over bumps; Requires both hands to control vehicle; Vibration increases with speed
Repairs/costs cited: Mechanic diagnostic identified failing steering coupler. Extended warranty did not cover due to mileage (over 100k miles) despite universal acknowledgment of the defect.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Extended warranty coverage (10 years/100k miles) available for sedans/touring models but not for all Elantra variants. No recall.
Loose Tie Rod Ends and Inner Tie Rod Lock Nuts (Manufacturing Defect)
The left and right inner tie rod ends and lock nuts were left loose from the factory with damaged threads. This is a critical assembly defect that could cause sudden loss of steering control.
When: Present from manufacture; discovered during early ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Loud knocking noise when turning steering wheel; Rattling and clanking noises in steering; Service department diagnosis: loose tie rods and damaged threads from factory
Repairs/costs cited: Tie rod lock nuts were tightened at dealership. Service manager stated that if not corrected, one tire would have gone one way and the other would have gone the other way, causing the car to come to a sudden halt.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall. Dealership statement confirmed this was a factory defect (not customer damage).
Steering System Electrical Failures
Intermittent electrical malfunctions affecting power steering, including EPS light illumination, loss of power assist, and correlated failures in remote start and other electrical circuits. One case involved a complete loss of steering control with violent lock-up.
When: Reported at 4 months, repeated over years (2014–2015)
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering goes out without warning; EPS light illumination; Steering becomes extremely stiff; Remote start circuit blown; Wheel violently turns to one side and locks; Multiple electrical system failures in same vehicle
Codes mentioned: EPS light codes
Repairs/costs cited: Steering column replaced twice on same vehicle. Dealership later discovered underlying electrical problem rather than column failure. Repair required 4+ days of diagnosis.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall or service bulletin mentioned.
Synthesized from 270 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
'takata recall' I was driving to work on the highway going 65 MPH and lost control of my vehicle. To regain control I hit my brakes and continue my journey to work. This has happened multiple times and now I'm scared to drive my car so I carpool with a friend to work which is ridiculous. I don't feel safe to drive my own car
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Hyundai elantra. While driving at various high speeds, the steering wheel became inoperable which resulted in the vehicle swerving without warning. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
Clicking in steering and play in steering
I was driving straight across a bridge the back end started to fishtail it went back and forth several times- I could not get it under control it finally spun out and killed looking into on coming traffic. The fish tailing has happened several times since then. I have only had the car 6 weeks and am scared to drive it. I have read that this is a known problem for this car. What I can't…
Had steering trouble with your 2013 Hyundai Elantra?
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 2013 Hyundai Elantra?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 270 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 148 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 22,000 and 82,000 miles, with the median around 49,900. A quarter of owners report trouble before 22,000; a quarter make it past 82,000. 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/2013/Hyundai/Elantra.
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.