I contacted Hyundai and wrote this message: We bought a Hyundai Elantra in 2004 that we are still using today. In 2010, we decided to buy a second car and purchased another Hyundai Elantra. We were so pleased with our first; why choose a different manufacturer? Unfortunately, the 2010 model is not living up to the experience we had with the 2004. We started to see little breakdowns of hardware and parts.

What is worse with only 44,434 miles on it, the steering column had to be replaced: A big disappointment. I have never owned a car new or used that needed a steering column replacement, and I have driven some for over 150,000 miles. My mechanic showed me the problem, one of the parts disconnected near a u-joint and lubricant was oozing out. If I had not noticed the play in the steering wheel, it may have ended in a tragic accident. I am writing to make you aware if this problem so others will not be faced with the possibility of losing control of their cars putting themselves and others in danger. I am due to replace the 2004 soon; it looks like I will have to rethink my choice of manufacturer.

I received a message back from Ayumi S., Senior Manager, National Customer Operations Hyundai Motor America: Thank you for taking time to work with one of our dedicated Hyundai Case Managers. At Hyundai, we are always looking for opportunities to learn and improve, and we often find that the best ideas come from customers like you. Please take this 30-second survey to tell us about your Hyundai Case Management experience. Your feedback is greatly appreciated.

However, I have never been contacted by a case manager. I have resent a message twice to make Ayumi aware that I was not contacted, but I have not received any replies.

This problem is extremely dangerous; someone with less auto knowledge might think of it's just an annoying noise. It's much than a noise and one could lose control of steering and put himself or herself and others on the road in peril.

The steering wheel started making a clicking noise while turning the wheel. Took the car to the dealer and they wanted $230.00 to fix. Looked online and found that the problem was a bad plastic piece called a coupler. all it is is a small black gear like thing. To replace it you have to remove the steering wheel, easier than it sounds. Once you've removed the steering wheel you open the metal housing that hold the coupler and you'll see a chewed up one. remove the old coupler and all the plastic shavings and install the new. put it all back together and your done. the part cost $7 on amazon "APDTY 112837 Steering Column MDPS Clunk Noise Rubber Flex Coupler"

I linked a video on how to fix the problem. Car has about 96,000 miles on it. I'm getting a thunk noise and feel when turning the steering wheel when not moving. It looks like this will cost about $400 to fix according to what I've been reading. Kind of disappointing, but I guess it could be worse.

Update from Mar 25, 2017: I managed to actually fix the issue. I found the part for sale on amazon.com. here's the link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B018WNMSBK/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I found a video on youtube, demonstrating how to fix it. It took me about 3 hours. The toughest part was just the fact that there are about 8 or 9 electrical connections that have to be undone before removal of the column. I also had to cut 3 zip tie like connections to free all the wires.

To the veteran who has this problem, I'd be happy to try to fix it for you at no cost. If you can drive to Arlington, TX, I'll work with you to fix your car. contact me at sethoneal@yahoo.com

I owned a 2004 Elantra before buying a 2010 Elantra. As soon as I got the vehicle, I complained about the tight steering and that steering doesn't feel right when turning. Dearlership tried but could not figure out the solution. So obviously, there answer was its normal...though the other new Elantra we drove for comparison felt very smooth.

Anyhow, I just got used to it...but lately since 2015 I I started feeling a play in the steering...It was not a problem for me as I already was used to the steering issues with this one. I mentioned it again to the dealer (different one) and they diagnosed it to be coupler issue and $400 estimate to fix it.

I tried explaining about the prior issues etc...etc...was asked to talk to Hyundai. I did. Opened a case. Hyundai closed the case saying that they never heard it from dealers hence not a manufacturing defect. LIE!!! because the first guy who opened the case admitted they heard this problem before...Check out the link below as well...

http://www.carcomplaints.com/Hyundai/Sonata/2011/steering/steering.shtml

They asked me to go back to the dealer and ask if they can fix it. I did. Dealer tells me I need to resubmit the case. :) right!!! they just jerk you around until you give up.

I took my 2010 Hyundai Elantra to the dealership to check the clunking noise in my steering and the service technician told me that it was the steering coupling. He pulled out a piece of cardboard showing a coupling phases from new to completely worn. He did not look at my car or turn the steering wheel to hear the sound. My car has 55.590 miles on it. He said it was an extensive job, having to pull out the steering column and loosen the motor bolts just get to the coupling. This service technician stated if I didn't get it fixed it could cause more damage to other parts of the steering column and lock up on me, but that it was not covered under warranty,

I took my car to another repair shop in town to get an estimate. This mechanic handed me a printed out "Hyundai Technical Service Bulletin Subject: MOTOR DRIVEN STEERING (MDPS) COUPLING REPLACEMENT (11 pages of how to replace this coupling). This mechanic advised me that he has not heard of a coupling going bad with this low mileage and that this coupling should be covered under warranty due to the extensive work that needs to be performed just to get to this coupling.

Hyundai IS aware of the steering coupling problem and IS NOT doing anything to satisfy their customers EXCEPT to charge them $275.00 plus tax to repair this problem.

I feel, if this coupling can cause the steering to lock up, accidents will occur and this is a SAFETY ISSUE and should be RECALLED AND COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY.

The closest Hyundai Dealer (50 miles away) stated over the phone, after I described the issue, that it sounded like a steering coupling. They said my warranty for that part ended about 6 mo. ago and that they wanted close to $398 to fix it. When I described it they knew right away what the issue is. I believe it is a common problem.

I will be 70 in a couple of months, and my wife is disabled. This was to be our last car. We don't have the money to fix what I believe is a common problem and a recall should have gone out long ago. The real problem I am having is that I know if I take it Samuel Allens Hyundai in Tyler they will fix the part but then come up with a ton of other items that have to be done to make the steering right. I don't have $398.

How am I or others to come up with what I know will be a more costly fix. My wife really loves this car. She can't drive anymore. I guess we will just drive till something snaps. Maybe we will live, maybe we won't. Guess it really doesn't matter. Just another Vet bites the dust.