10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
10 / 2
Injuries / Deaths:
9 / 1
Average Mileage:
39,904 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.

Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2013 Hyundai Sonata:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #116

Dec 062016

Sonata

  • 107,000 miles
While driving down the road, whether it be on the highway or city streets, the steering wheel sticks at the center position and it needs to be tugged on to get it to move. It started out not that noticeable but as time has passed it has gotten worse. Because of this problem of the steering wheel sticking the car swerves quite a bit while driving. I was told by the Hyundai dealership that it was the steering column that needs to be replaced and it will continue to worsen if not repaired. This item is not covered under the extended warranty and I can't see how it cannot be a danger to drive the car in this state.

- Picayune, MS, USA

problem #115

Nov 212016

Sonata

  • 100,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. While the vehicle was being operated, the steering wheel shook severely. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who suggested that the vehicle be taken to the dealer to address a manufacturer's recall for the power steering failure. The contact scheduled an appointment with the dealer. The dealer and the manufacturer indicated that the vehicle was excluded from NHTSA campaign numbers: 16V190000 (steering), 10V457000 (steering), and 10V426000 (steering). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.

- Pike Rd, AL, USA

problem #114

Nov 272016

Sonata

  • 50,000 miles
At various speeds, when turning the steering wheel, a loud knocking sound can be heard. On the highway, the steering column will shake if the vehicle reaches high speeds. This has been an ongoing issue.

- Forney, TX, USA

problem #113

Nov 102016

Sonata

  • miles
Like many other complaints I've read recently, I am also having trouble with the 2013 Hyundai Sonata steering. When driving over 60 mph the steering doesn't center, instead the car wanders to the left, there is a blank space in the steering, and when you go to turn right it doesn't catch right away, then over-corrects, which then causes you to turn the steering wheel the other direction, so it's a constant, exhausting battle while driving. My forearms get tired. It was barely noticeable when I first purchased the car used with low mileage. At first I thought it was my imagination, but now it's worse and tiring. Current mileage 25,000. I took it in to my local dealership (who is great) and they said exactly what I have been reading previously, that it's the electronic steering system instead of hydraulic, that there isn't much they can do, and to get used to it. They did try, and reprogrammed the car to the sport steering mode, which does help the overall handling of the car, which I appreciated, but the problem is still there. They said there is no imminent danger, which I was relieved to hear, but driving long distances does not excite me any longer. I'm afraid this could be damaging for Hyundai as the complaints are starting to stack up. It sounds like a recall for the steering coupler needs to happen, but I hope by registering my complaint, something may get done about it. If anyone knows a direction to go with this please let me know. They did not offer to replace the steering coupler. Each day that I drive it it seems to be more difficult to control the car from side to side increasing risk of sideswiping other cars or obstacles.

- Cornville, AZ, USA

problem #112

Nov 052016

Sonata

  • 84,000 miles
While running the vehicle and turning the steering wheel it makes a loud clacking sound which has gotten worse and it seems like the steering wheel is going to come off! at first it was just a light clack sound but now it has become more and more louder. This is really scary and life threatening. I am afraid of having my daughter drive the car because of the life threatening situation it presents.

- Houston, TX, USA

problem #111

Oct 032016

Sonata

  • 91,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. While driving various speeds or making a turn, the steering wheel made an abnormal noise. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the electrical steering failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 91,000.

- Nacogdoches, TX, USA

problem #110

Apr 012013

Sonata

  • 2,000 miles
My car can not stay in a straight line. I am having to constantly correct my steering. Long drives actually make my hand hurt. Car feels loose like I'm going to drift into someone else's lane. I get nervous when cops come behind me because it actually looks like I'm drunk. Terrible.

- Upland, CA, USA

problem #109

Sep 152016

Sonata

  • 41,000 miles
It started as a clicking when turning and then a thumping. Come to find out it was a recall on vehicles in 2011 but not 2013, which is horrible because it is affecting my car now.

- Columbus, GA, USA

problem #108

Oct 042016

Sonata

  • 35,000 miles
Just purchased my vehicle a week ago. Didn't get to test drive it at high speeds. After taking it on the interstate I noticed that the car tends to drift left and right and doesn't center. Also, the steering wheel sticks when driving higher speeds so when you attempt to move the steering wheel left or right you have to pull harder and then end up over correcting. Dealer told me it's just the electronic power steering and it takes some getting used to. Absolutely ridiculous excuse and it's very dangerous to drive at high speeds on the highways and interstate. Yesterday I had to drive it in high winds and it was a nightmare just to keep it in the middle of the lane. This car only has 35,000 miles on it. Hyundai needs to step up and fix this issue before more accidents start happening. After noticing the issue and googling the problem there are forums all of with similar issues.

- Lincoln, NE, USA

problem #107

Aug 012016

Sonata

  • 61,000 miles
Steering coupler wore out, my understanding is that I would have lost steering while operating the vehicle. I understand that this is a known issue and Hyundai should have issued a recall and offered to pay for any owner who has had to pay for this repair.

- Clearwater, FL, USA

problem #106

Jul 032016

Sonata

  • 75,000 miles
My steering coupler is danadged and my steering is shifting while driving due to this defect. Hyundai is asking me to pay $300 to fix it. Even my car is just 3 years old they are not covering the issue under warranty.

- Raleigh, NC, USA

problem #105

Oct 012016

Sonata

  • 71,000 miles
Steering is making a clicking noise while driving and while sitting and rattles loudly when I drive over bumps. Steering is loose and has a lot of play. This started at around 70000 miles. Took it to dealership and was told a coupler needed to be replaced. I believe this is an issue that Hyundai has had a recall on in a previous year and still is an issue in the make and model. Dealer wants $220 to fix this problem when diagnosed today.

- Johns Island, SC, USA

problem #104

Jul 012016

Sonata

  • 59,500 miles
Brake light stays on and steering column is very loose. Also it is in recall for powertrsin and air bags.

- Charlotte, NC, USA

problem #103

Jul 012015

Sonata

  • 30,000 miles
1. when exit the stationary vehicle, beeps at me. Have to get back in, start engine and turn off again before can exit without the beeping."?" happens frequently. 2. steering - pulls to left. Requires constant steering correction. Does not need alignment. Very annoying when on long distant trips...could be dangerous. 3. driver's seat heats up automatically. Very uncomfortable in summer time. Has been checked out by dealer at least two times and they find nothing. Started having above problems at approximately 30K miles on brand new vehicle. Now have 43K.

- Riverside, AL, USA

problem #102

Jun 282016

Sonata

  • 50,000 miles
While driving on a residential road the steering column 'froze' and became impossible to steer correctly while going around a sharp left hand turn. This caused the car to veer into the guard rail causing damage to the front and side of the car (passenger side). The car regained steering capability and was immediately parked in an adjacent parking lot.

- Allentown, NJ, USA

problem #101

Aug 252016

Sonata

  • miles
For the past couple of weeks my steering wheel is making a loud clicking sound whenever I move slightly it even does it when I go over bumps in the road.

- Chesapeake, VA, USA

problem #100

Aug 312016

Sonata

  • 65,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. While making a turn at an unknown speed, an abnormal thumping sound emitted from the steering wheel without warning. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 65,000.

- Jonesboro, GA, USA

problem #99

May 112015

Sonata

  • miles
Does someone have to get hurt for Hyundai to do something about the steering problems. Are they waiting for the car to be out of warranty. I have a 2013 Sonata. I have been having the problem since I purchased the car in April 2015 used with low milage from a dealer. It had only 12,000 mile when I purchased it cash. I realized the car had a problem the first week and took it back to then for a recall that was not done and also to have then fix what ever was wrong with the steering. When I returned to pick up the car they told me it was the electronic steering, that I needed to just get used to it. It has been back 2 time and they still refuse to fix the problem. They say they can't find anything. I have driven several electronic steering Sonata's newer and none have the problem. It is dangerous and very tiring when driving at high speeds on the hi ways. You have to keep over correcting the steering that keeps pulling to the left and then sticks you have to actually tug slightly on the wheel and after a few hours of driving your arm hurts. I have owned a Hyundai 2003 for years and have never had this problem. What good is a 100 thousand mile warranty if they refuse to fix things it. I am taking my car to have it looked at by an independent repair person and have the car diagnosed. Can you please help with this? I have the dealership papers showing the three times I took the car. To be. Checked for the same problem. They tried telling me the car had to be aligned and needed front tires I got both done. When it still had the steering problem I took it back to them and they said the same that they couldn't find anything with the steering. I'm sure the steering needs to be fixed hundreds of people can't have the same problem and be wrong. Just search on the internet and you will see under 2013 Hyundai steering problems. We all can't be imaging the same problem.

- Inverness, FL, USA

problem #98

Aug 172016

Sonata

  • 40 miles
Steering wheel makes a clicking noise while driving and shakes when you go past 60 mph

- Jacksonville, FL, USA

problem #97

Jul 162016

Sonata

  • 11,000 miles
When the 2013 Hyundai Sonata gls is driven over 60mph on the highway the car wanders left and right requiring constant steering correction. The steering does not seem to have a center. Had the dealer change the steering mode setting from "soft" to "sport" mode which I was charged $66. The change made no difference. The dealer stated that is the way electronic power steering (eps) is and I just have to get used to it. The issue is dangerous and fatiguing to constantly correct the steering. I looked down to change the radio station and my car drifted into the other lane. From my research on this issue it appears Hyundai and the dealerships are aware of the issue but will not address a fix. The dealer stated that about 2% of the 700,000 2013 Sonatas manufactured have the issue. If that is accurate that would be about 14,000 cars with the issue. That is not including the owners who have not made a compliant. I think there is a lot more cars with the issue. I have followed Sonatas down the highway and observed the car wandering left and right well knowing the driver is under stress having to constantly correct the steering. Hyundai needs to address the issue with a fix before someone gets killed if that has not happened already. Help!!!

- Port Saint Lucie, FL, USA

Read the next 20 complaints »