At the shop, Hyundai steering issues have a recognizable signature. 4,394 documented complaints across 123 year-model entries from 2005 to 2025 is consistent with what we see come in. 2011 Hyundai Sonata tops the list, but the pattern repeats across years. Multiple generations are affected. 6 fatality reports on file with NHTSA tied to this category on Hyundai vehicles. That elevates this from nuisance to safety-critical. Across the 2,484 complaints reporting odometer mileage, the median failure lands at about 67,371 miles. Average shop fix runs about $700 — not catastrophic, but it adds up over time. Steering does not have a graceful failure mode. Take any "unintended movement" complaints seriously and check for open recalls on the EPS module.
Hyundai steering problems
4,394 owner complaints filed with NHTSA against Hyundai vehicles for steering issues. 9 active recall campaigns. See steering across all makes →
Worst-affected Hyundai model-years for steering Top 25 by complaint volume
Active recalls — Hyundai steering 12 on file
Certain passenger vehicles may have been built with threaded portions of the steering gearbox assembly's left and right inner ball joint assemblies that contain internal cracks in the material structure
If the inner ball joint assembly was to break as a result of the internal crack, the tie rod end assembly would not longer be attached to the steering gear box. This would prevent steering control of that front wheel by the separated tie rod which could result in a crash.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2017 Elantra vehicles
Loss of power steering assist would require higher steering effort, especially at lower speeds, which may increase the risk of a crash.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Elantra vehicles manufactured June 1, 2008, to April 30, 2010, and 2009-2010 Elantra Touring vehicles manufactured November 1, 2008, to April 30, 2010
If power steering assist is lost, greater driver effort would be required to steer the vehicle at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
Hyundai is recalling certain model year 2011 sonata vehicles manufactured from december 11, 2009, through september 10, 2010
Improper assembly or insufficient tightening of the connections could result in a complete separation or compromised attachment of the connections, such that the driver could experience a loss of, or reduction in, steering capability increasing the risk of a crash.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2023 Xcient vehicles
A loss of steering control increases the risk of a crash.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport vehicles
A steering wheel separation while driving can cause a loss of vehicle control and increase the risk of a crash.
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2015 Sonata vehicles manufactured May 2, 2014, through May 23, 2014
The reduction of power steering assist can increase the steering effort needed, increasing the risk of a crash.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Accent vehicles
Loss of steering control can increase the risk of a crash.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2026 Kona vehicles
A loss of vehicle steering control increases the risk of a crash.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2024 Tucson and Santa Cruz vehicles
A loss of power steering assist can increase the risk of a crash.
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2011 Sonata vehicles manufactured December 11, 2009, to October 31, 2010
With a loss of power steering assist, extra steering effort will be required, especially at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
Hyundai is recalling certain model year 2011 sonata vehicles manufactured from december 11, 2009, through september 10, 2010
Improper assembly or insufficient tightening of the connections could result in a complete separation or compromised attachment of the connections, such that the driver could experience a loss of, or reduction in, steering capability increasing the risk of a crash.
Common questions
How many Hyundai steering complaints are on file with NHTSA?
4,394 complaints across 123 model-year entries from 2005 to 2025. 9 active recall campaigns cover steering issues across the Hyundai lineup.
Which Hyundai model has the most steering complaints?
The 2011 Hyundai Sonata leads with 1,168 complaints in this category. Next: 2013 Sonata (340) and 2012 Sonata (300).
What does it cost to fix Hyundai steering problems?
Independent shops average $700 for steering repairs across the Hyundai lineup. Dealer pricing tends to run twenty to forty percent higher. Specific cost depends on the failure mode and parts availability.
Are there Hyundai steering recalls?
Yes — 12 active recall campaigns cover steering on Hyundai vehicles. Recall fixes are free regardless of mileage or warranty status. The list below shows current campaigns with their NHTSA numbers.