52 of the
1,162 complaints filed about the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
are about the steering —
4% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2011.
While traveling 40 mph, car flashes a warning, "Check Hybrid System", and then the car shuts off. No power steering and brakes are difficult. The warning is only 3-5 seconds before everything shuts down. This is definitely a hazard to myself and others. If in traffic at higher speeds, there would certainly be an accident with devastating results.
NHTSA complaint #11702030 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Driving the vehicle, I was turning right on exit , the steering wheels turn extremely hard. It turn so hard have to pull over on side of the road. Steering light and traction turn on. Cycle the key and vehicle reset light nothing happen. Vehicle do not give fault code after key was cycle.
NHTSA complaint #11659977 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
When outside temperature drops, car starts in morning with several warning lights illuminated, indicating fault with several safety systems including airbags, brake, power steering, front camera, blind-spot collision warning system, traction control and smart cruise control. Car key fobs have consistently failed, disabling access to the vehicle. The vehicles 12V reset recently failed which required Hyundai Roadside Assistance (10/25/24). According to BlueLink application, cars 12V battery has been reset dozens of times, which is information visible to the service centers. However, at several past service appointments it has been verbally stated that "problem can not be replicated" and was not documented. Problem was confirmed by Hyundai service center on March 13, 2024. Problem was not resolved at the time of service, vehicle was returned back without resolution. With temperatures now dropping at night, said issues are occurring daily with warning indicators for failing safety systems illuminating upon cold start and electrical system failing daily.
NHTSA complaint #11622160 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated that upon starting or reversing, the steering wheel seized. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where an unknown diagnosis was provided. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer informed the contact that there was no warranty coverage on the vehicle for the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.
NHTSA complaint #11610520 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Total loss of power steering while driving, wheel locks up randomly. Hyundai dealer said the battery was old, I put a new hyundai battery in it and the steering locked up leaving the dealership. VERY DANGEROUS.
NHTSA complaint #11592080 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly, noticing an excessive amount of understeer. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the steering column. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 80,000.
NHTSA complaint #11583265 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owned a 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 MPH, the steering wheel became firm while navigating a turn, and the vehicle crashed into a tree. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was unconscious and woke up to being treated by an EMT. The contact sustained injuries to his chest and fractured ribs. Medical attention was provided at the hospital. The air bags deployed as needed. A Police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot. The vehicle was deemed a total loss. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 13,000.
NHTSA complaint #11509548 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated that after the vehicle was taken to a local dealer for an unknown recall repair, there were abnormal knocking, clicking, and flapping noises heard intermittently coming from the engine compartment. The contact also stated that the vehicle had reduced power steering assist and was stalling while driving uphill. The check engine warning light and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer on three different occasions; however, the mechanics were unable to duplicate the failure. The contact stated that the wiper blades and key fob were replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 15,000.
NHTSA complaint #11492626 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My wife and I have been having an intermittent but constant problem with our steering mechanism which our dealer says they cannot replicate and therefore cannot resolve. This constant problem is one that MANY Sonata Hybrid owners have reported online. Our experience is having the steering wheel seize, flashing lights during which the red steering wheel icon with an exclamation point remains on. Our experiences have been in our mobile home park when we are turning left. The last two incidents were when we were blocking our street and vehicles could not pass. A prominent feel in the steering wheel of clicking, clunking, and play in the wheel accompanies these incidents. I had to, as others, to turn the car off and restart to carefully, amidst clicking and clunking, to return the car to our driveway where it will sit until we take frontage roads to our dealer. We recently received a notice from Hyundai that the steering wheel mechanisms' warranty has been extended 15 years from the ending date of the original warranty. The notice indicated that our Sonata Hybrid "may exhibit reduced power steering assist and/or motor driven power driven steering (MOPS)." We believe this is suggesting that MANY complaints have been sent to various authorities regarding this same issue. We now have a much delayed (due to our dealership's backed up service appointments) appointment to again address this problem which they say is not happening because they cannot replicate it. Many online comments indicate that people are scared that themselves, loved ones or others will be involved in a fatality due to this "intermittent" problem. We could not find a Hyundai Regional Manager with whom to correspond. We feel abandoned by Hyundai but hopefully not by the NHTSA.GOV. We are scared and disappointed. Is Hyundai really "committed to providing vehicles of outstanding quality and value" as its August, 2022, EXTENDED WARRANTY NOTIFICATION said. Please help. Hyundai dealers won't.
NHTSA complaint #11484986 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated while pulling out of the driveway, the vehicle drove over a minor bump in the roadway and the steering wheel made an abnormally loud rattling sound. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to continue driving. However, the steering wheel was shaking and making abnormal rattling sounds continuous while turning the steering wheel or driving over bumps in the roadway. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that an unknown plastic part that maintains the steering wheel in position was fractured. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
NHTSA complaint #11476109 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I lost the ability to steer my car any more than 15 to 20 degrees in any direction while traveling at a maximum speed of 25 mph and within approximately 300 yards of driving. Once steering control became limited a warning was displayed on my dash very briefly saying my high beams were not functioning properly. Then my dash showed 7 different warning icons. My safety and that of others was most definitely put at risk. The dealer told me they had to replace the steering column. He also told me that this type of malfunction only occurs on the Hybrid models of the Sonata.
NHTSA complaint #11437102 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
DRIVING ON DRY ROAD, IN MIDDLE LANE OF THREE LANES GOING 65 MPH. SUDDENLY, RIGHT REAR TIRE "POOFED" BUT I KEPT CONTROL, STARTED TO LOOK RIGHT TO GET OFF ROAD. TOOK FOOT OFF GAS, DID NOT PUT ON BRAKE. SUDDENLY, LEFT REAR "POOFED" AND THEN AN EXTREMELY LOUD-METAL ON METAL- SOUND OCCURRED BACK LEFT AND MY CAR JACK KNIFED INTO THE PASSING , FAST LANE. A DUMP TRUCK TRAVELING IN THAT LANE STRUCK ME, FRONT END AND MY DOOR. THE TRUCK HIT ME AND I ROLLED INTO THE GRASSY MEDIUM, ROLLING OVER SEVERAL TIMES. THE SAFETY DEVICES WORKED FABULOUSLY AND MY ONLY INJURIES WERE FROM THE SEAT BELTS WHICH SAVED MY LIFE. I AM LUCKY TO BE ALIVE AND I HOPE THIS DOESN'T HAPPEN TO SOMEONE ELSE. I WAS IN ICU FOR 5 DAYS AND HOSPITAL FOR A TOTAL OF 9 DAYS, I AM WILL BE RECOVERING AT HOME FOR MONTHS. I WOULD LIKE IT INVESTIGATED THAT EITHER A MECHANICAL ISSUE OR TIRE ISSUE CAUSED THE ACCIDENT. I ONLY HAD 2300 MILES ON THE CAR.*DT
NHTSA complaint #11415571 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ON FRIDAY NIGHT, OCTOBER 23, 2020, I WAS DRIVING EAST ON E. MAIN STREET IN MESA, AZ HEADED TO THE RED MOUNTAIN 202 FREEWAY. THE LIGHT WAS GREEN AS I APPROACHED THE INTERSECTION AND I MADE A RIGHT TURN ONTO THE FREEWAY FRONTAGE ROAD TO HEAD SOUTHBOUND. I WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH AS MY CAR'S STEERING BECAME RIGID AND FELT LIKE MY POWER STEERING HAD GONE OUT. I COULD BARELY COMPLETE THE RIGHT TURN CAUSING MY CAR TO CAREEN INTO THE CONCRETE SIDE BARRIER CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. MANY OF THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS WERE ON WITH MANY DIFFERENT ALERTS AS I PULLED OVER WITH MY PASSENGER. WE PULLED OVER IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE COLLISION TO ASSESS THE DAMAGES AND OUR WELL BEING FOR A FEW MINUTES. I THEN PROCEEDED TO DRIVE TO MY PLACE OF WORK A FEW MILES AWAY AND PARK THE CAR SO I COULD CONTACT THE DEALERSHIP WHO HAD WORKED ON MY CAR THREE DAYS PRIOR. THE NEXT MORNING, OCTOBER 24, 2020, I CALLED THE HORNE HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP AND LEFT A MESSAGE AT THE SWITCHBOARD FOR A SERVICE MANAGER TO CALL ME. I INFORMED HER THAT I HAD BEEN INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT. ON MONDAY MORNING, OCTOBER 26, 2020 I DROVE THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP TO BE INSPECTED. ON WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2020, I WAS INFORMED BY MATT COLTON, SERVICE MANAGER FROM HORNE HYUNDAI, THAT IT WAS NOT THEIR ISSUE AND THAT I 'NEEDED TO TURN IT INTO MY INSURANCE.' AS A RESULT, I HAVE NOT DRIVEN MY UNREPAIRED CAR, IT IS SECURELY PARKED AT MY PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT AS TO PRESERVE IT FOR INSPECTION.
NHTSA complaint #11378688 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ON 7/17/19 MY CAR LOST POWER WHILE DRIVING ON CITY STREET. UNABLE TO STEER OR CONTROL VEHICLE. TOOK TO DEALER WHO SAID THERE WERE NO ERROR CODES SHOWN AND THAT IT WAS THE ELECTRIC OIL PUMP. ON 8/12/19, THE SAME THING HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING ON EXPRESSWAY. COMPLETE POWER FAILURE WHILE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. UNABLE TO STEER OR CONTROL CAR. TOOK BACK TO DEALER. AGAIN, NO ERROR CODES FOUND. THEY LATER CLAIMED THAT A RELAY HAD MELTED AND THAT WAS THE PROBLEM. ON 12/28/19, AGAIN DRIVING 70MPH ON BUSY EXPRESSWAY, VEHICLE LOST ALL POWER AND I WAS UNABLE TO STEER CAR. TOOK TO DEALER ON 12/29 AFTER IT HAPPENED A SECOND TIME IN TWO DAYS. THERE WERE UNABLE TO LOOK AT VEHICLE THAT DAY AND TOLD ME TO BRING BACK NEXT DAY. IT STALLED AGAIN WHILE I WAS LEAVING PARKING LOT, I ASKED THE MAINTENANCE TECH TO COME AND LOOK TO SEE WHAT WAS HAPPENING, HE REFUSED. DROPPED CAR OFF ON 12/30. ON 1/2/20, DEALER CALLED TO SAY NO ERROR CODES FOUND, AFTER DRIVING 100 PLUS MILES, WERE UNABLE TO DETERMINE CAUSE OF PROBLEM AND I SHOULD PICK UP MY VEHICLE. I EXPLAINED THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE. THEY CALLED ME BACK LATER CLAIMING IT IS THE ELECTRIC STEERING COLUMN PORTION OF MOTOR CONTROL POWER STEERING RACK AND WANT $1800 TO FIX. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE, LOOSING COMPLETE POWER AND ABILITY TO STEER WHILE DRIVING. DEALER HAS DONE NOTHING TO REASSURE ME THAT THIS IS THE ACTUAL PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #11299316 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
MY VEHICLE HAS 65000 MILES AND THE STEERING WOULD FREEZE UP WHILE DRIVING ON A LOCAL STREET AND ALMOST HAD A COLLISSION. FIRST TIME I NOTICED THE PROBLEM WAS WHEN MY VEHICLE HAD 55000 MILEA AND IT WAS UNDER WARRANTY. THEY REPLACED A PART AT THAT TIME AND NOW JUST 2 MONTHS LATER I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM BUT THE DEALERSHIP REFUSE TO FIX THE PROBLEM. IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND IT STARTED WHILE UNDER WARRANTY. CAN YOU PLEASE HELP ME WITH THIS MATTER.
NHTSA complaint #11233915 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
CAR GETS VERY WOBBLY WHEN GOING 79 MPH.. I CAN HEAR A RATTLING IN THE STEERING COLUMN WHEN I GO OVER A BUMP. STEERING WHEEL IS LOOSE AND DOESN'T ALWAYS ENGAGE RIGHT AWAY.
NHTSA complaint #11229115 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
THE IS A CLANKING NOISE BEHIND THE STEERING WHEEL. LOCAL MECHANIC DESCRIBES IT AS NOTORIOUS HYUNDAI PROBLEM. THE INFORMATION FOR RECALL 10V-426 WAS GIVEN TO ME. HYUNDAI DOES NOT INCLUDE THE HYBRID WITH THIS RECALL. THERE ARE SEVERAL OTHER SIMILAR COMPLAINTS, ON THIS WEBSITE, THAT DESCRIBE THE SAME PROBLEM. I HAVE MADE THIS COMPLAINT BEFORE BUT NOTICE IT IS NO LONGER ON THE WEBSITE. THIS NOISE HAPPENS WHEN TRAVELING OVER BUMPS, EVEN SLIGHT SUBTLE BUMPS, OR WHILE TURNING THE WHEEL. IT CAN HAPPEN WHILE STATIONARY OR MOVING. THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM BUT JUNE 2018 IS WHEN HYUNDAI ACKNOWLEDGED THE PROBLEM DURING ANOTHER SERVICE CAMPAIGN. I CURRENTLY HAVE 129K MILES.
NHTSA complaint #11194985 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
WHILE VEHICLE IN MOTION, CAR JUST STOP OVERSUDAN WITH A SPOKEN MESSAGE: " HYBRID CELLS VEHICLE IS IN DANGER. CAR WILL STOP"AND AFTER THIS MESSGAE, CAR STALLS WITH NO CONTROL ON THE BREAKS AND STERINGWHEEL.
NHTSA complaint #11176211 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TAKING MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP ON DEC. 1 TO GET SEATBELT RECALLS ADDRESSED AND REQUESTED THAT THEY CHECK MY STEERING WHEEL ISSUE. THE STEERING CLANKS AND RATTLES WHEN TURNING AND WHEN GOING OVER ROUGH ROADS IT IS TERRIBLY NOISY. DRIVING OVER 60 CAUSES THE STEERING WHEEL TO RATTLE AND VIBRATE TOO. IT IS JUST A SCARY SOUND AND FEELING TO BE DRIVING AND THINKING YOUR STEERING WHEEL MIGHT FLY OFF AND YOU'LL GO HEADING INTO THE WOODS! THEY SAID THEY HAVE A LOT OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS SAME ISSUE AND I AM NOT ALONE. THEY DEAL WITH THIS HYUNDAI ISSUE DAILY. HOPING THIS WILL BE JUST AN EASY FIX OF THE GASKET OR WHATEVER HAS ERODED AND NOT BECOME SOMETHING GREATER. I AM GLAD I CAN SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO ADDRESS THIS CONCERN.
NHTSA complaint #11153104 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FIRST INCIDENT, SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2018. WHILE DRIVING, CAR SUDDENLY FLASHED WARNING LIGHTS, WITH MESSAGE PERTAINING TO THE BATTERY. CAR DECELERATED EXTREMELY RAPIDLY AND BECAME HARDER TO STEER. PULLED CAR OVER OUT OF STREET AS IT LOST POWER. IT STOPPED. LIGHTS REMAINED ON. TURNED CAR OFF AND THEN TURNED IT BACK ON. IT CRANKED UP AND COULD BE DRIVEN AS IF THE INCIDENT NEVER HAPPENED. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS OR WARNING MESSAGE WHEN THE CAR WAS RESTARTED. SECOND INCIDENT, MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2018. WHILE DRIVING THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR DIAGNOSIS OF THE PROBLEM, THE CAR SUDDENLY LOST POWER AGAIN, THE WARNING LIGHTS FLASHED AGAIN, AND AGAIN IT BECAME HARD TO STEER. THIS TIME DRIVER WAS NOT ABLE TO PULL THE CAR OVER; IT STOPPED IN THE STREET. DRIVER TURNED THE CAR OFF, THEN TURNED IT BACK ON AND DROVE TO THE NEAREST SERVICE STATION. A TOW TRUCK WAS CALLED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE DEALERSHIP STATED THE VEHICLE DID NOT REGISTER ANY CODE THAT THEY COULD DETECT. THEY HAD A TECHNICIAN DRIVE IT FROM WORK TO HOME EACH DAY AND THE VEHICLE NEVER GAVE ANY PROBLEM. THEY COULD NOT FIND ANY PROBLEM AT ALL WITH THE VEHICLE THAT REQUIRED SERVICE OR REPAIR. VEHICLE WAS PICKED UP ON SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2018. THE DEALERSHIP WAIVED THE DIAGNOSTIC FEE SINCE THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO DIAGNOSIS A PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TRADED-IN. THE ISSUE WAS REPORTED TO HYUNDAI MOTOR CORPORATION.
NHTSA complaint #11139292 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.