This bulletin provides information regarding replacement of the column-mounted Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) system as separate components.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2015 Hyundai Elantra steering problems
severe Owners of the 2015 Hyundai Elantra have filed 25 NHTSA complaints about the steering, typically surfacing around 44,300 miles at roughly $700 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
25
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
| Model year | steering complaints |
|---|---|
| 2011 Elantra | 76 |
| 2012 Elantra | 90 |
| 2013 Elantra | 270 |
| 2014 Elantra | 28 |
| 2015 Elantra (this page) | 25 |
| 2016 Elantra | 19 |
| 2017 Elantra | 71 |
| 2018 Elantra | 15 |
| 2019 Elantra | 9 |
2crashes
What stands out
Owners have filed 25 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.
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 ↗On some Elantra (MD/UD), Elantra GT (GD) and Veloster (FS) vehicles, a noise may develop in the steering rack. This bulletin does not address any steering function related concerns. This bulletin provides information on replacement of the steering rack support yoke assembly.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2015 Elantra vehicles describe consistent steering problems, often at highway speeds above 40 mph. The most common complaint is steering that binds or sticks, requiring excessive force to turn—especially to maintain a straight line. This stiffness is worse after 10–20 minutes of driving and feels like a notch or detent in the wheel's range of motion. Drivers report oversteering to compensate, creating a safety hazard on freeways and in wind.
A second major issue is complete loss of power steering while driving. The steering wheel suddenly becomes hard to turn, warning lights illuminate (steering, ABS, traction control), and control becomes difficult. Power may return after a restart or slowdown, but can fail again on the same trip.
Less common but alarming are lock-ups where the steering wheel becomes immobilized, often after bumps or curves, leaving the vehicle unable to correct course until the wheel unlocks after sustained effort.
Owners also report vehicles that wander and cannot drive straight, requiring constant adjustment despite new tires and alignment checks. A few mention steering column overheating and rack/pinion noise.
Dealership responses are inconsistent: some tighten the column or suggest alignment and tires (which don't help), while others call it a design trait of the 2015 model. No service bulletins or recalls have been issued for these complaints. Warranty-expired owners face full diagnostic and repair costs.
Same Hyundai Elantra steering reports on nearby years: 2012 · 2013 · 2014 · 2016 · 2017
Failure modes owners describe
Steering Sticking/Binding at Highway Speeds
The steering wheel becomes stiff, sticky, or difficult to turn smoothly, particularly at highway speeds above 40 mph. Owners report a detent-like resistance in the center position requiring excessive force to overcome, followed by oversteering. The condition worsens as the engine warms up and does not occur at city speeds.
When: Highway speeds (40-70 mph), typically after 10-20 minutes of driving. Present from early mileage on some vehicles; worsens over time on others.
Symptoms owners cite: Steering feels sticky or binds at highway speeds above 40 mph; Resistance in steering wheel range of motion, described as a detent or notch; Excessive force required to overcome stiffness, leading to oversteering corrections; Problem worsens as engine warms up; Difficulty maintaining straight line on highway; Not present or minimal at lower speeds
Repairs/costs cited: Dealerships suggested steering column assembly replacement and steering assist-pump servo inspection. One owner reports dealer reset a system component with temporary relief. Wheel alignment and new tires do not resolve the issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealerships typically brush off as no defect or design issue. One dealership service manager suggested possible steering assist-pump servo issue requiring column assembly replacement. Service bulletins or recalls not confirmed in narratives.
Power Steering Loss/Sudden Failure
Electric power steering abruptly stops working while driving, leaving the wheel difficult or impossible to turn. Power may restore after restart or when vehicle slows, but can recur during driving. Warning lights for steering, ABS, and traction control illuminate.
When: Occurs at highway speeds and during low-speed maneuvers. Can happen repeatedly on the same drive or vehicle.
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering suddenly stops working; Steering wheel becomes hard to turn; Steering warning light illuminates; ABS light illuminates; Traction control warning light illuminates; Tire Pressure Monitoring System light illuminates; Power steering may return after vehicle restart or slowing down
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reported dealership responsibility for diagnostic and repair costs after warranty expiration, with no recalls cited. Another owner's vehicle taken to dealer but not repaired; manufacturer not notified.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One owner advised to see certified Hyundai service technician; no recalls noted. Another advised manufacturer could not help as issue not recalled for that vehicle.
Steering Wheel Lock-Up
Steering wheel becomes completely locked or immobilized, unable to respond to input, often following vehicle motion over bumps or uneven surfaces. Can occur at low speeds during normal maneuvers. Temporary; may unlock after prolonged effort or restart.
When: Can occur at low speeds (15 mph in one documented crash incident) after road bumps or uneven surfaces. Also reported during parking maneuvers.
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel locks up and cannot be turned; Occurs after vehicle travels over bumps or uneven road surfaces; Vehicle continues in direction of prior steering input, unable to correct; Steering eventually unlocks after continued effort or restart
Repairs/costs cited: One rental vehicle involved in crash damage to steering column; tow operator experienced lock-up during backing. No repair outcomes documented.
Vehicle Wandering/Inability to Drive Straight
Car cannot maintain a straight line on highway and requires constant steering corrections. Feels similar to a bicycle chain slipping. Vehicle sways side-to-side at highway speeds, particularly in wind or on uneven surfaces. Unrelated to tire or alignment issues.
When: Highway speeds and steady-state driving. Noticeable in both new and used vehicles at low mileage (29,000 miles). Persists or worsens over time.
Symptoms owners cite: Cannot drive straight without constant left/right steering adjustments; Vehicle sways back and forth at highway speeds; Worse in light wind; Does not improve with wheel alignment or new tires; Noticeable in both higher and modest speeds (40-65 mph range)
Repairs/costs cited: Steering column tightening, four-wheel alignment, and new tires do not resolve. Multiple dealership inspections found nothing wrong. One owner notes 2017 Elantra SE rental did not exhibit this issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Corporate Hyundai Motor America expressed serious safety concern but dealership labeled it a design characteristic of the 2015 model. Multiple dealer inspections found no fault.
Steering Column Overheating
Steering column becomes unusually warm during normal driving, reaching 122°F at the interior leg area after 30 minutes of driving. Persists even after dealer replacement of steering column.
When: After approximately 30 minutes of normal driving.
Symptoms owners cite: Steering column becomes warm to the touch; Interior steering column reaches 122°F; Excessive heat described as risky to driver health
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer replaced steering column, but fault persisted.
Steering Rack/Pinion Noise and Wear
Knocking noise emanates from steering system when turning the wheel. Dealership diagnosis points to rack and pinion assembly wear requiring replacement.
When: During steering wheel turning.
Symptoms owners cite: Knocking noise when turning steering wheel
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer recommends rack and pinion assembly replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner aware of previous recall for same issue in earlier Elantras.
Synthesized from 25 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had steering trouble with your 2015 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 2015 Hyundai Elantra?
It's a meaningful issue. 25 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $700.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Across the 15 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 15,000 and 64,000 miles, with the median around 44,300. A quarter of owners report trouble before 15,000; a quarter make it past 64,000. 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/2015/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.