My wife and I bought a new 2013 Hyundai Sonata GLS in August of 2013, which is now over eleven years ago. In late September 2024, with still fewer than 100,000 miles on the car, I noticed a snapping sensation/clunk sound in its steering column when changing the direction of steering (from left to right/right to left.) I researched this symptom and, with the confirmation of a Hyundai Dealer's Service Manager, diagnosed the problem as a failing soft coupler between the car's steering column and "Motor Driven Power Steering" motor. NHTSA is aware of the problem, and Hyundai was compelled to issue an elusively brief warranty extension. Having taken delivery of the car over 10 years ago, that warranty extension does us no good, and I'm being told that at the Hyundai Dealer, the job will cost us between four and six hundred dollars, including a complete wheel alignment they say will be made necessary by the repair. I found that a modestly skilled, able bodied, and properly equipped "shade tree mechanic" can buy an aftermarket replacement of this soft coupling for less than fifteen dollars and, with care and a little luck, can complete the repair for ostensibly less than that. (...Unless the job truly creates a need for a wheel alignment.) Since learning all of this, while I've considered whether my bad back is up to the cost-saving job, we've needed to keep driving the car. I estimate we've put another 1,600 miles on it and, especially lately, the coupler's deterioration has obviously been accelerating. My wife and I have agreed I'd best not tackle this as a DIY project so, at Great Lakes Hyundai in Streetsboro, Ohio, we have an appointment for its replacement and subsequent wheel alignment, but we worry about it lasting until then. We feel lucky to be able to afford the ESTIMATED costs, but shouldn't have to. This is a premature and DANGEROUS component failure. A recall should be issued. Hyundai should pay for all of it. ~ [XXX], Ohio INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA),

- Ravenna, OH, USA

My car suddenly stopped while in drive, with a forceful jerk like someone hit me from behind. This nearly caused a 3 car crash. It grinds when you put it in park but the car doesn't move in drive nor reverse.

- Chester, VA, USA

The steering wheel makes clicking and grinding noise. Steering wheel coupling may be broken. And sometimes head and interior lights turn on and off when I make turns

- West Bloomfield, MI, USA

The electrical has been an issue for this vehicle. The head and tail lights continuously go out. Sometimes they work, and other times they do not. Since the lights have been an issue, the electrical issue is also now inside the vehicle. The radio and other controls in the vehicle do not work any longer, as well as the lights in the radio, air conditioning, and other controls inside the vehicle. The steering wheel is also loose now and jiggles when driving the vehicle. There have been no warning lamps about these issues, and I had an auto shop confirm that there are electrical and steering issues. I did receive a letter about a recall for electrical for the year, type, and model of my car, however, the dealership said that my VIN number is not associated with the recall and will not fix the issues.

- Aaronsburg, PA, USA

I own 2013 Hyundai Sonata limited. It has 37000 miles ( Approximately). When I drive the car and move the steering wheel to rt or lt, it makes clicking noise. At times I felt I can't turn or take exit. It is scary and afraid that steering wheel will freeze. I called dealer where I bought the car, they want me to leave the car for 5 days. They will do the diagnostic work costing $214. They didn't promise just tell me that they will call the company and see if they will for the work. will reply from you before I drop the car because the repair work will cost me about $800. Please help. A B

- West Bloomfield, MI, USA

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35-65 MPH, the vehicle decelerated unintendedly. In addition, while turning the steering wheel to the left or the right, there was an abnormal clicking noise coming from the steering column. Most recently, while driving at unknown speeds, the brake pedal required excessive force to bring the vehicle to a stop. The contact stated that it was discovered that an unknown liquid was leaking underneath the front of the vehicle with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that all the drive belts had fractured, and there was a fracture in the oil line and the radiator. The brakes had failed due to the calipers sticking and failed choppers and readers. The mechanic recommended that the radiator, electronic steering bushing, front calipers, pads, and readers be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V312000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

- Bristol, CT, USA

This particular model had recalls for the steering washer for previous model years. The 2013 was never included. I have photos of how this washer looked before and after. RIDICULOUS!!! This year, make and model needs to have a recall! I know of others who have the same problem.

- Eldersburg, MD, USA

My electrical system is giving me constant issues and I have to change light bulbs frequently. Also the recall is for the fuel line system which the dealers are not contacting me back about getting repaired which is why I am submitting this report.

- Bristol, CT, USA

Steering flexible coupler failed @ 150000 miles causing severe clunk in the steering wheel leading to steering play.

- Mosinee, WI, USA

The steering is very loose and the steering wheel has a clunking noise when turning. The steering wheel itself feels a little loose as well

- New Berlin, WI, USA

Steering sticks at top dead center. 2013 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.4 L engine (63K original miles, still under warranty until end of 2023). Steering column coupler was recalled, then replaced under warranty in 2019. When driving at any speed, steering wheel "sticks" at top dead center. When you go to correct steering (as road path changes), you have to over-correct to get steering to respond. This begins a repeating cycle of adjusting the steering (say, to the left, ) only to have to then adjust the wheel to the right. It is not an alignment problem. I took the vehicle to the Wilson County Hyundai dealership. Two important take-aways: #1) the Dealer advised this steering issue is NOT covered under Warranty, PERIOD. #2) Dealer advised that the "play" in the steering wheel is considered "normal wear & tear" (for a car with 63K miles). Further, if I wanted to get the steering back to what was once the original/best & easy steering ("one-finger" steering), I would have to replace the steering column at 100% my own cost. Although this issue has been reported by many others, it has yet to be declared a factory defect (thus, not yet a recall issue). I was advised by the Dealer (Service Desk, 'Chris") that it was not a safety issue. To his credit, I was NOT charged for the inspection (originally, I was told it would cost $175 to diagnose). Kudos to the Dealer for not making matters worse by charging me. It will surprise me if this problem is not eventually deemed a recall issue.

- Mt. Juliet, TN, USA

There is a clicking noise in my steering wheel every time I go over a bump or turn my steering wheel left. I was told by the mechanic that it is a coupler and should be under warranty or recall. It is becoming a hazard to steer the wheel

- Telford, PA, USA

I had the steering coupler replaced on 5/9/22 at the dealer. Now the steering coupler is clunking again & the dealer will not cover the repair. My car is now out of the 10 year warranty and the replaced steering coupler only had a 1 year warranty on it. This part should not have to be replaced yearly.

- Broad Brook , CT, USA

Steering in my vehicle has been very sloppy and hard to keep in a straight line. The engine just went out on me a few days ago and almost caused a wreck due to the car almost dying on the freeway.

- Olympia, WI, USA

Plastic Steering coupler wore out. Causing metal on metal rubbing. The mechanic I use for car maintenance/repair told me the part cost $10. The part is small but the labor is more intensive. I was charged $454 to replace a $10 part.

- Bronx , NY, USA

Rubberized steering coupler worn prematurely. Hyundai extended warranty "to 10 years from the date of original delivery or the date of first use, or 100,000 miles, whichever occurs first, " but this remains a safety issue.

- Sacramento, CA, USA

The steering feels loose while driving at any speed. When traveling over a rough road, speed bump, or pot hole, the steering wheel rattles and makes a noise that sounds like a loose screw in a cup. A clicking noise can be heard when the car is sitting and not moving. After taking car to mechanic he did his research on this serious issue, I'm quite surprised to see there has been no recall, due to the high number of complaints, especially when this could result in death if the driver is not able to control the steering.. It is a plastic part looks like a gear (flexible steering coupler) Mechanic gave it to me all chewed up and 2 teeth are completely gone-??

- Heidelberg, PA, USA

My 2013 Hyundai Sonata Gt was a part of the Class action lawsuit in which the engine was replace. Within a year, I've had the vehicle checked and serviced at two different auto repairs shops for an extremely rough ride, loud rumbling-thumping and also a squeaking noise. The vehicle still drifts after having two separate wheel alignments. The steering wheel rattles and shakes with the slightest bump in the road. It feels like the underneath is falling apart and I'm going to lose control of the vehicle. With the sounds it makes and how it drives, it feels like I'm now driving a military tank instead of a car. I've spent over $2,000 for replacement-repairs of the: Tie Rods, U-Joints, Bushing, Brakes, two alignments and four new tires. I called the Ofallon IL Hyundai dealer who said there were no recalls or warranty left on these parts. After not getting any assistance from Auffenberg Hyundai, I researched online and found hundreds of complaints involving the suspension, Steering coupler, defective coil springs puncturing tires and causing motor vehicle accidents and serious injury. There were no warning messages prior to any of these symptoms. I feel that these mentioned parts contribute to maintaining control of the vehicle. I'm sure this could lead to a serious accident which could cause fatalities to eveyone involved!.........

- Carlyle, IL, USA

Hyundai is at it again for not repairing safety defects! I filed the following claim with Hyundai but was first the claim was accepted and allowed then denied when Hyundai objected! The attached documents show my efforts on both the steering issue and fire issue!

- San Antonio, TX, USA

The steering feels loose while driving at any speed. When traveling over a rough road, speed bump, or pot hole, the steering wheel rattles and makes a noise that sounds like a loose screw in a cup. A clicking noise can be heard when the car is sitting and not moving. After doing research on this serious issue, I'm quite surprised to see there has been no recall, due to the high number of complaints, especially when this could result in death if the driver is not able to control the steering causing the vehicle to travel into a different lane of travel or into a crosswalk. As a retiree, am unable to afford high repair costs.

- Elkridge, MD, USA