FaultScore

2017 Hyundai Sonata steering problems

173 of the 1,000 complaints about the 2017 Hyundai Sonata are about the steering — 17% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 53,000 miles.

C

173

Complaints

5

Crashes

1

Fires

1

Injuries

Exactly what failed

Steering 172 99.4%
Rack AND Pinion 1 0.6%

Steering across every Hyundai Sonata year

2001 10 0.4%
2002 24 1.0%
2004 13 0.6%
2006 35 1.5%
2007 12 0.5%
2009 26 1.1%
2010 15 0.7%
2011 1,174 51.1%
2012 301 13.1%
2013 342 14.9%
2014 65 2.8%
2015 74 3.2%
2016 33 1.4%
2017 173 7.5%

What owners said

Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.

Bellmead, TX

STEERING

I was driving and all of a sudden the traction lights turned on and the sterring wheel is hard to turn. Almost go in a car accident. The windows just stopped working and the brakes light constantly keep getting burned out.

NHTSA complaint #11752817 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

North Easr, MD

STEERING

The RED light is lit on the dashboard for the airbag. Unable to use steering wheel electronic features which helps with and was designed for hands free controls. I am unable to cycle through the electronic features or engage the cruise control due to the steering wheel electronics are in-op. Please help and get a recall started. This is not on the consumer.

NHTSA complaint #11743557 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Carmichael, CA

STEERING

While driving around 45 mph, the steering wheel locked up and car came to a hard stop. Luckily cars swerved to avoid me. This was the second time it happened. The first time I was in a parking garage and the steering wheel locked up. After restarting the vehicle, the steering wheel worked again. The dash showed no fault codes or engine light. I found out there is a service bulletin and took it in to the dealer. Once there, the confirmed it was the power steering and is covered by the service bulletin and extended warranty. However, because the bulletin requires the dealer to clear code to try and reproduce it, I have to pick up vehicle because they could not reproduce the fault code. So now I have to drive the vehicle knowing their is a service bulletin for the problem and have it happen again before it is fixed. There is an extremely high likelihood of injury considering you lose all power at wheel and car continues to move.

NHTSA complaint #11717972 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Powhatan, VA

STEERING

Was just driving and lost steering, basically very hard to turn the wheel. Traction control light and a red steering wheel light came on.

NHTSA complaint #11715392 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Fort Myers, FL

STEERING

My car steering is locking up while driving on highway and regular roads. Resulting almost in not being able to control and crash. I also had a recall for my engine which was already replaced and now having same issue with oil burning and not leaking.

NHTSA complaint #11706062 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 59,011 miles Spring Lake, MI

STEERING

The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving 10 MPH in a parking lot, the steering wheel seized. The contact was unable to turn the steering wheel. The vehicle was restarted. The vehicle became sluggish and snagged while driving to the residence. The steering wheel symbol in red was displayed on the instrument panel. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 59,011.

NHTSA complaint #11703779 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Lake Wales, FL

STEERING

While driving my vehicle I have lost power steering twice completely. The first time I was in a five-story parking garage turning into a parking space, when power steering went out. The second time I was pulling into my driveway and the power steering went completely out. At other times my car would pull to the right just a little at one point or maybe even harder at other points. I never know when I'm going to have a problem sometimes I don't have a problem, car drives normal this problem has existed for the last 3 weeks. Like power steering sometimes is harder to turn to the left around a curve are a corner. When the steering goes out warning lights do come on one like a hazard sign one like engine light and others. I take really good care of my car my personal mechanic has called Hyundai so he could get information on how to fix my vehicle they have informed him that I have to bring it into them and would not tell my mechanic what the problem was. I would say the problem exists 20% of the time 80% of the time the card drives great no problems but while driving these things change.

NHTSA complaint #11698482 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

San Jose, CA

STEERING

- I was reversing from a car space, and do a K-turn, the steering wheel locked when moving forward. When the steering wheel locked, the red steering wheel light on the dashboard is on. I have to turn off the engine to reset the power steering. It's available for inspection upon request. - I cannot move the car in the parking lot. The other drivers in the lot do not know what happened. - I don't know exact step to reproduce the problem. - The 2015 Sonata may have a faulty EPS (Electronic Power Steering) motor, or a failed torque sensor. It would be helpful for Hyundai to confirm the 2017 Sonata model does not have these issues/recalls.

NHTSA complaint #11681203 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Palmer, TX Crash 1 injured

STEERING

Power relay has been replaced several times, air bags did not deploy with either wreck and loss control of steering causing a crash which bent the frame. Hyundai never once contacted me regarding this defective car they replaced motor in because of knock sensor and im lucky to be alive. On one of the accidents in February there was an error message that popped up right before I had the wreck and it was an error message wrong with the cars transmission system or something like that I had the dealership who said there was no codes on that car and I had my own personal mechanic who had codes pop up on that car that the dealership hid

NHTSA complaint #11680709 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Scottsville, VA

STEERING

Steering wheel warning light comes on traction control light comes on. Steering becomes difficult

NHTSA complaint #11671367 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Morrisville, NC

STEERING

When turning the steering wheel to the left, the steering wheel jerks and pulls to the left, gets stuck some and the jerk back into place when coming out a left turn or curve to balance steering wheel position. Searched for recall and took to Hyundai but they could not find anything. They say maybe purchase tires, rotate your tires and/or wheel alignment. I have done it all. They said they heard others say that but don't see a recall or know what would cause it. Went on Reddit, and others are having the same problem. Therefore, there is a problem this jerking issue. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11647048 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Princeton, MN

STEERING

Experienced total loss of power steering when entering a parking lot. Was extremely hard to turn wheel to get into a parking spot. Red steering wheel icon with exclamation point was flashing on the dash. Shut off car, turned back on, and the light went off. Still had car towed, owner’s manual states to have it inspected by the manufacturer, don’t drive. Of course, Walser Hyundai Service Center in Coon Rapids could not duplicate the issue - so nothing was done. A C1102 code was detected meaning low voltage, however, when checking the battery and alternator, both tested good. Was told that there are 4 different parts to the steering, each one being very expensive to repair. Also, my display has been going out intermittently for the last year. Possible voltage too? My display did NOT go out when the power steering went out. ??? Computer Issue Maybe ??? Car already has 3 Extended Coverage issues - Power Steering, Fuel Filter Assembly, and Engine Failure, not to forget the excessive oil consumption problem (1-2 quarts per week). No recalls, just wait to see if it happens to you. Some of these issue are extremely dangerous, there should be recalls!!! They need to be fixed. I am now fearful to drive this car, it’s either going to kill me or someone else, especially if I lose the power steering at high speeds. Lost complete faith in Hyundai as a vehicle manufacturer, they do not stand behind their product.

NHTSA complaint #11636772 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Cincinnati, OH

STEERING

Lost power steering in heavy traffic. Was able to move safely to a parking lot and stopped. A light came on with a steering wheel at the same time the power steering went out. Turned off vehicle and when started again no light on the dash and power steering was ok. After 2-3 more miles of driving lost power again with the light came back on. Was able to park safely. Started it the next day and all seemed ok but did not drive. 2 days later started ok and no light on dash, within 1 mile light came on then 10 seconds later the power steering stopped working. Was able to drive slowly to the mechanics and he confirmed that it needs a new module inside the steering wheel.

NHTSA complaint #11627540 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Pittsburgh, PA

STEERING

Steering makes nocking noise when turning the wheel. Steering has locked up while driving losing all control of steering the vehicle.

NHTSA complaint #11626111 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 55,000 miles Melbourne, FL

STEERING

The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly, requiring increased effort to maneuver the vehicle. The EPS and ESC warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who observed a failure code on the OBD scanner but was unable to duplicate the failure during a test drive. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V190000 (Steering), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 55,000.

NHTSA complaint #11622582 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Philadelphia, PA

STEERING

My engine burns oil like crazy. At least 1 qt every 1,000 miles or less. Took to dealership and was given a hard time about it having an issue. Now my power steering light keeps randomly coming on. I'll feel the steering start to get hard to steer. Thought I needed belts so I replaced both serpentine & water pump belt but it still happens. When my power steering light comes on and steering wheel locks up, I have to put the car in park & rev the engine to get the light to turn off. Mechanics said all pulleys are in good shape so not sure what's doing it. My lights also start to flicker when power steering light comes on. I have a new altenator and battery so it's not caused from that. I have no idea what's causing it but it's extremely dangerous!!

NHTSA complaint #11617961 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Philadelphia, PA

STEERING

The power steering on the vehicle keeps locking on its own! The dealership say they can’t do anything because once you turn the car off for a certain amount of time it stops and goes back normal. Not safe for driving happens on highway can cause deadly accidents

NHTSA complaint #11617595 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Seaside, CA

STEERING

When you start the car and take off.... the power steering goes away. Very difficult to steer car. Its happened a few times now in a short period of time. When you turn off the engine...and restart, The steering comes back. I see there are many people on the internet that have the same problem. Someone is going to get in an accident and get killed if this is not address immediately. I see down below in the form to fill out it has a date. The last one was on

NHTSA complaint #11602712 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Pearland, TX

STEERING

Complete steering column replacement is required (COLUMN & SHAFT ASSY-STEERING 56310-C2700). When turning all the way, like to turn 90 degrees or enter a parking space, the steering wheel locks. Car must be turned off and restarted. Sometimes you have to do this a couple of times for the steering wheel to unlock. Hyundai dealer agrees that the steering column has to be replace, unsafe to drive vehicle. It is June and have been waiting six months for Hyundai to provide the part. Hyundai USA corporate says they don't know when the part will be available, they will not provide a date, could be next year according to some employees at the Hyundai dealer. Hyundai says it is not a manufacturing defect, even though there are many comments on line, and previous models have issued recalls for this same defect.

NHTSA complaint #11594287 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Fremont, CA

STEERING

On [XXX] at [XXX], my 2017 Hyundai Sonata Sport lost power steering while I was driving 60 mph on [XXX] in San Leandro, CA. The MDPS warning light came on and my steering wheel became very tight and difficult to control. I remained calm and maintain control of the steering with both of my hands and got off the freeway safely. I parked at the nearest exit and turned off the engine. I waited a few seconds, then restarted the engine and the MDPS warning light disappeared and the power steering came back. The MDPS malfunction happened on local street before, but that was my 1st MDPS malfunction experience while I was on freeway and it was very scary and dangerous. I reported the incident to San Leandro Hyundai dealership on 5/31/2024 because Hyundai is aware of this malfunction and extended the MDPS warranty to 15 years. The mechanic from San Leandro Hyundai acknowledged the issue and found a fault in the MDPS. However, the dealership refused to repair or replace the MDPS because the dealership claimed the part (56310-C2700), steering column & shaft assembly, is not covered by the extended warranty. San Leandro Hyundai dealership knew there was a problem, but disregarded driver safety on highway. Please see MDPS warning light from my pictures and I have video recording of the incident if needed. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11592293 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 122,000 miles Mastic Beach, NY

STEERING

While driving the power steering stopped working and it was difficult to safely navigate the vehicle to a safe location. It was determined that the power steering module (PSM) stopped working and needs to be replaced. This will cost approximately $850 because the PSM is located in/under the dashboard and a lot of the steering column has to be removed as well as the driver’s side airbag. The cost will be upwards from $850 depending on how many hours it takes to disassemble and reassemble the car to fix the PSM. There are many complaints on Hyundai’s PSM, so why hasn’t a recall been issued?

NHTSA complaint #11588746 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Calvert, TX

STEERING

tHE POWER STEERING (WHICH IS ELECTRIC) JUST STOPPED WORKING. THIS IS VERY HAZARDOUS SINCE STEERING IS VERY DIFFICULT. COULD CAUSE ACCIDENT WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE, CAUSING INJURY OR DEATH. HAPPENS SUDDENLY WITHOUT WARNING.

NHTSA complaint #11587120 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Round Rock, TX

STEERING

Power steering stops working while driving. Feels like steering wheel locks up while driving, extremely dangerous and frightening. It's a intermittent issue and hard to duplicate at the Hyundai dealership. This is a known issue and Hyundai is making it difficult to people to get their cars fixed and safe again because their mechanics cannot duplicate the issue at will at the shop. This excuse is not acceptable. This serious issue is legitimate and will cost someone their life.

NHTSA complaint #11585922 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

College Pk, MD Crash

STEERING

I was pulling into a street parallel parking space and the wheel suddenly locked and became hard to turn- causing my to side swipe another vehicle. Almost a week later my daughter was driving onto a highway on ramp and the wheel wouldn’t turn. She took her foot off the gas and drifted into the shoulder brakes.

NHTSA complaint #11584485 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Wooster, OH

STEERING

My son was driving the car, and completely out of nowhere it seized to have any compression and steering/accelerating became disabled. I have been given an estimate up to $7,000 for an engine rebuild due to this happening. I have reached out to Hyundai and they denied my claim due to car being out of warranty. This should have never happened when the car has been well maintained,even with the motor burning through oil faster than it should be, which I have always kept a close eye on. This car is defective and unsafe.

NHTSA complaint #11584184 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Bluffton, SC

STEERING

When making minor steering corrections, driver inputs require more than normal force, until the resistance suddenly gives way. The car then responds to drivers input, causing a need for the driver to correct in the opposite direction. The result is a car which seens to weave from side to side as the driver attempts to stay within lane. The side to side movements become particularly dangerous when traveling aside large vehicles. Multiple internet conversations concerning this steering problem can be found. The service manager at the local dealer states he is aware of the problem but will do nothing about it as no recall has been issued.

NHTSA complaint #11575632 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Feura Bush, NY

STEERING

Power steering failed as I was pulling in parking lot, with my son , have not brought to dealer yet costly to fix been told by mechainic,no warning whatsoever ever on gauges, luckily it didn’t happen on highway that I had just gotten off of 65mph could have been worse

NHTSA complaint #11571945 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Kansas City, MO

STEERING

I was stopped at a red light. Once light turned green I went to make a left-hand turn. My vehicles power steering shorted out, almost causing me to hit a pedestrian and child.

NHTSA complaint #11566802 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Ship Bottom, NJ

STEERING

Power steering failure almost resulted in a fatality. Could not steer away from a pedistrian

NHTSA complaint #11563085 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Fresno, CA

STEERING

Problem 1: I made a right turn at a red light. As I turned my power steering light turned on and my steering wheel locked up and I lost control of the vehicle. After stopping and turning off the vehicle, I restarted it. At this point I was able to regain control of the car. A few days later the same thing happened again as I made a right turn from a parking lot into the flow of traffic. One again I stopped the engine and restarted the car, then I regained control of the car. Problem 2 (May be related): My passenger side headlight was replaced a year ago. Recently the light went out again. I took the car in to a mechanic to repair it. It was repaired so I thought. Two days later the light went out again. The mechanic believes their may be an electrical issue. Problem 3 (May be related): My driver side brake light was replaced about a year ago as well. It has now gone out again. I have had my vehicle serviced twice by a Hyundai dealership at least twice since the first incident.

NHTSA complaint #11562856 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other 2017 Hyundai Sonata problems

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