7.8

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$300
Average Mileage:
77,600 miles
Total Complaints:
35 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. replace coupling (17 reports)
  2. not sure (12 reports)
  3. dealer repaired (1 reports)
  4. had part fixed (1 reports)
  5. part replaced (1 reports)
  6. repair steering (1 reports)
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This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Hyundai dealer.

problem #35

Jan 102019

Sonata

  • Automatic transmission
  • 95,000 miles

It started with a small click and has escalated to the point I'm scared to drive it anymore. Its clicks, rattles, and grinds going straight, terrible when hitting bumps, and always when turning. It seems as if the steering wheel is going to disengage. The vehicle is in good shape otherwise. Driven a short distance to work and for pleasure. Never used the car in a rough way to cause any damage to the steering.

- Nancy W., Gordonsville, VA, US

problem #34

Jun 152019

Sonata SE 2.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 178,600 miles

After engine replacement done, when the car is moving or stationary, I turn the sterling wheel from side to side and it makes clunking/noise. I'm afraid to drive the car, but technician from dealership told me it's safety to drive.

- Sergey I., Southold, US

problem #33

Sep 012019

Sonata V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 75,000 miles

Steering where makes loud clicking noise when turned left and right. Also, when going over bumps, sounds like steering wheel is coming apart. I do not feel safe when driving it; I would like to get it repaired, but do not feel that I should be paying for something that Hyundai knows is a defect

- Cindy R., Columbusc, OH, US

problem #32

Dec 052017

Sonata GLS 2.0L 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 105,000 miles

I went to dealer about the clicking and they told me that because I was just over 100,000 on mileage they wouldn't repair. Should be a recall for this since its obviously a common problem. I'll never buy another Hyundai again. Everything breaks down just after the 100,000 miles. motor froze up, have to manually lock and unlock doors. Just waiting for something else break now.

- Vailele P., La Habra, CA, US

problem #31

Jun 032019

Sonata GLS 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 109,000 miles

The problems I am having is when I turn the steering wheel to the right or left there is a clicking noise. Also, when a small bump is hit in the road the whole steeling column makes a large bumping noise that sounds like the steering column is going to come loose. It is very scary. I am scared to drive my car until it is fixed but after looking online at all the complaints I feel that a recall should be issued to fix this problem. The 2011 models have been recalled for it so why not the 2012's. Well from the looks of things, there have been over 30,000 complaints for this problem. Hyundai is usually really good about taking care of their customers and covering items that have been a problem with so many people. Not sure what the issue is with this but you are definitely not taking care of your customers on this. I do not understand why you recalled the 2011 models but have not recalled the 2012 models. If I am not mistaken the two models have many of the same components on them. I know I purchased my 2012 in the later part of 2011 and 2011's were made during the early part of 2011. So it seems to me that 2011 and 2012's should have a recall for this problem.

I was going to be a repeat customer because I was so satisfied up til now but not sure now. Look at your analysis on covering this under a recall compared to the number of repeat customers you will lose if you do not cover it. Customers are going to purchase where they are taken care of when the issue is no fault of their own.By not covering this issue, you are going to lose more sales than it would ever cost you to cover it under a recall. Just saying, hold up to your reputation that you have established. Satisfied customers is what produces repeat customers. Just issue a recall and take care of the issue like should be so you do not lose sales and customers.

- Deidra C., Diboll, TX, US

problem #30

Mar 012019

Sonata GLS

  • Automatic transmission
  • 67,000 miles

Clicking in steering when turning the wheel. Took it in and the dealer said the 2011's had been recalled but not the 2012's and it would be a warranty item. However, the 60,000 mile warranty would apply and mine had 68,000 miles on it. Was quoted $260.00 to fix. Didn't have it fixed because I wanted to check out the problem online to see if it was a simple fix. Found thousands of people are having the same problem. Also, even after people get it repaired by the dealer, they have further problems with the steering column seizing completely and end up having to have the entire steering column replaced! The dealer fixed another recall item and changed the oil, and when I got home I noticed on my receipt that the service man who took my info did not even mention my complaint of the steering problem on my receipt, so there's no record of it. P.S., he also told me that it was "not a safety issue," so I didn't need to worry if I didn't have it fixed right away.

- Ann W., Newbury Park, CA, US

problem #29

Sep 192018

Sonata 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 88,313 miles

I have already had 5 recalls, seat belt, engine check,and now this clicking when I turn my steering wheel....

Update from Oct 6, 2018: Hyundai Lebanon, TN repaired problem

- Veerapol C., Gallatin, US

problem #28

Jul 012018

Sonata GLS 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 95,000 miles

Currently at the Hyundai dealership in Puente HIlls, I had brought my car here before to report the same issue, also to get an oil change and for a Recall issue. So when I mentioned to the Service Advisor about the clicking noise he said he'd check. Very nice. Well, it said it was coupling. They replaced and it was fine, so was not sure maybe last year 2017.

Today I bring my vehicle in for another recall and replace a part, and I mention to Service Advisor about the clicking noise. Not sure what was it was the last time, but I told him it was repaired under warranty. So he said okay he'd check it. He walks out to my car and comes back in and says he thinks it's the axle. I say how do you know that? He said because he moved my steering column, so he knows. Then he has me sign something and as I'm looking at it, I ask what is this. He said, we're going to inspect, so not to worry if you decide not to get the work done. It will only be $130. I said wait a minute, it's that coupling that you said. He said it sounds like the axle. I was not happy. I said I don't have extra money to spend, I'm a single mom. He said not to worry, it's covered by warranty 99 percent of the time. If not, you'll only have to pay your deductible either $50 or $100.

I said okay, I guess. I said my concern is I don't want to pay anything. He said don't worry, we will work something out for you. He said wait time about 2hrs. So I come to their computer that they have here for customer use, and I go on this site and I find out I'm not the only person with this problem and that it's a coupler issue, most of the complaints.

I call him from where I'm at here in the dealership and I express my concerns to him, saying I'm online and I'm seeing that the issue is the coupler, from complaints that I'm reading online. He said it's not coupler, I went outside and checked it. I said are you a mechanic? He hesitated and asked okay, so what do you want me to do? I said I just don't want to pay anything. Why can't you just change the coupler? He said we did. I said, then? He said not to worry I will work with you, it's not the coupler.

I went out and it doesn't make a noise. I said you didn't hear anything? and he said no. I said, really? cause I hear a noise. He said, it's the axle. He said, you no worry, I work something out with you, you go live your life. I take care of you. So we shall see what the diagnosis is.

- rashe5959, Ontario, US

problem #27

Mar 062018

Sonata GLS 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 23,843 miles

Clunk like noise coming from steering wheel when turning.

- walterot, Artesia, CA, United States

problem #26

Nov 012017

Sonata GLS

  • Automatic transmission
  • 66,624 miles

The car has a loud rattling under the car when going over bumps and the steering wheel clicks when turning.

- Kimberly B., Baltimore, md, US

problem #25

Aug 092017

(reported on)

Sonata 2.4L Dohc

  • Automatic transmission
  • 84,397 miles

Upon obtaining my state inspection a couple weeks ago, my mechanic pointed out a slight "thunk" when turning the steering wheel and said to check for recalls. Since then it has become increasingly more noticeable. It "thunks" or clicks just to the right or left of center. First I only noticed it when parked, now I notice it when driving AND the steering column rattles very loud when I go over even a small bump in the road. I am concerned that it is getting worse and trying to get an appointment to have it looked at. I see where this was a big problem with the 2011 model and now is starting with the 2012 around similar mileage.

Update from Aug 19, 2017: I took my car into the dealership on Monday following my post. The tech recognized the symptoms immediately ... the steering coupler. He said he had seen about 2500 such incidents in the last couple of years! I am one of the lucky ones ... even though I bought a used car, the dealership offered an extended 100k warranty and the repair was covered! It is fine now.

- Liz S., Newport News, US

problem #24

Jan 152017

Sonata Limited 3.2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 28,000 miles

Clicking and rattling noise in steering column, not only while turning, but small bumps will make it rattle. Took it to the Hyundai dealer and they confirmed the problem being steering coupler. Estimate was approximately $400 but they advised me to wait a few more weeks because they felt that Hyundai was going to issue a recall.

- Robert P., Tomball, TX, US

problem #23

Jun 012016

Sonata

  • Automatic transmission
  • 84,000 miles

This problem seems to be very common and it seems like no one wants to do anything about it. My steering wheel makes a popping noise and it has locked up twice already and would not let me turn off my car!!!??? Im very upset and this needs to be fixed ( and not with my money). This should be a recall. They have recalled only half and they know this is a problem across the board. Every year since 2011 it seems that people are having this same issue. How do they get away with this? Can we not all get together and get a lawsuit gong so we can get our vehicles fixed??? Do we have to wait until their are many deaths from this " should be a recall" situation? If a lawyer is reading this and wants to help thousands of people with this issue, then please contact us. Some people have paid 500.00 for this problem to be fixed so I am sure they would like to be compensated as well.... You would have an awesome lawsuit on your hands b/c there are many of us out there! Thanks.

- Kelly K., Murfreesboro, TN, US

problem #22

Oct 012016

Sonata SE 2.0L T

  • Automatic transmission
  • 80,100 miles

Heard steering clicking, looked up the problem, and quickly determined this is an issue with these cars. Many complaints and a repeat cost between $300 to $500. Part is like $5 yet dealers charge you $40, at least my local dealers I called. This is ridiculous. It makes my steering feel like I am steering in sand and it has a quick release when it corrects. I have jerked over in the next lane a few times when I releases. Seems like a accident waiting to happen yet I haven't seen any concerns from Hyundai. At least when I have complained about it. This is not the only issue I have had with this car. WILL NOT BUY ANOTHER! WILL NOT BUY A KIA EITHER.

- Brian S., Canton, GA, US

problem #21

Jul 222016

Sonata GLS 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 73,000 miles

My steering wheel is making a knocking noise when I turn it in place its not making the noise when I am driving I have now I have 75000 miles

About 6 months after buying the car new on Aug. 2011 model year 2012 I received a recall notice for the steering wheel issue when I took it to the dealer I was told that my car is not affected and nothing was done then.

Now after 4 and half years later I started having this problem I was planning on going back to the dealer and talk with a manager about this to see if they will cover the repair

Update from Feb 27, 2017: When I was at the dealer i was told that my car has not been recalled i ended up paying over $400.0 since they told me that a wheel alignment is needed as well since they messing with the steering wheel they have replaced the plastic part the cost probably under 10 dollars what a money making scam for the Dealers

- pspringer11, The Woodlands, TX, US

problem #20

Dec 012016

Sonata 2.0L T

  • Automatic transmission
  • 49,000 miles

My 2012 Hyundai Sonata started clicking bad from left to right when the steering wheel is turned. It started when it had 49,000 miles it has 50,000 now. I called the dealer and asked if there was a recall for this issue, they said NOPE but it will cost you $300 to fix it. I said so every Damn 50,000 miles I'm gonna have to replace a part that is less than $5. but it's gonna cost me $300 and they gave me the complaint 1-800 #. This is a PISS POOR design and it's on the KIA also. A Steering Coupling made out of cheep ass rubber. I will not ever buy another Hyundai, they brag on their 100,000 mile warranty. There needs to be a RECALL and change out that cheep ass piece of rubber Coupling. FREE!

- Michael W., Paris, TN, US

problem #19

Dec 272016

Sonata SE 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 81,000 miles

Same common steering coupler issue, getting loud clunks when turning left and right, also making a loose rattle noise when going over larger bumps in the road. The overall issue can't be safe, as it worsens there's more play in the steering and you have to think it could cause more serious issues if left unchecked. Cost me $370 to replace the $5 rubber piece that will obviously happen again and again over time. It's a very bad design flaw and should be recalled.

- Bruce C., Bro, OK, US

problem #18

Oct 122016

Sonata 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 82,115 miles

I purchased this car and at 32,000 miles sold it to my daughter. At 82,115 miles my daughter told me she was having issues with the steering. When the steering wheel is turned either left or right there is a loud clicking noise. Since my grand daughter is riding around in this car that I thought was a safe vehicle I did some research and discovered that this is a common problem. I do not know why a recall has not been issued. I called Allen Turner Hyundai where I purchased the car and was told that they will fix the car for $276 but that it was not covered under warranty and there is no recall. I asked about the cost of the part and was told that it is less than $3.00. I am going to purchase the part and fix it myself. I think for the dealer to remove the instrument cluster and take out 3 screws on the power assist motor to replace the $3.00 steering coupler for $276 seems like the dealership is making a killing on a manufacturers defect. This problem will lead to loss of power steering assist which could cause an accident. What does it take to force a recall this needs to be done ASAP.

- pappy277, Milton, FL, US

problem #17

Sep 012016

Sonata Limited 2.1L Turbo

  • Automatic transmission
  • 140,000 miles

Hyundai Service is so aware of this problem, they have the defective $2.00 part (per service manager) sitting at their front desk of the service department because of the many complaints. Then they tell you "you can either pay $340 now or $1400 when your steering column goes out and we have to replace the entire thing"..heehee." Yes the dude actually chuckled. Sad part is the dealership personnel has driven my car a couple of times for oil changes and other work I had done and never mentioned this noise as a problem, until my tire dealer mentioned it.

- Andrea F., Spotsylvania, VA, US

problem #16

Oct 182016

Sonata LX 3.2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 99,990 miles

A few months ago, a loud clicking started when I would make hard turns. Now, my car is clicking with every small turn in the wheel and rattling if I am on the interstate. It rattles if the road is rough, bangs if I go over a speed bump, and is downright scary.

I called Hyundai, but my car is out of warranty because I am the second owner (of course). This exact same problem has been recalled on the 2011 version, but not the 2012 (of course). It is a very expensive fix and my mechanic said that it would have been extremely dangerous for me to keep driving with the current problem. I am irritated because the actual part that they need is fairly inexpensive to manufacture, but Hyundai is charging $385.00 just for the part and they know they should just do a recall ( I spoke with them on the phone!)

Now my car is out of commission for at least a week, I can't drive it while we wait for parts because it would be dangerous, and all of this is coming out of pocket because they won't just issue the damn recall. I love my Hyundai, but this has been a really terrible experience.

- Maggie T., Atlanta, GA, US

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