Hyundai Sonata Recall Issued Due to Steering Problems with 2011 Vehicles

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About 139,500 Hyundai Sonatas from the 2011 model year have been recalled due to steering problems that could cause a loss of control.   

According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), which announced the Hyundai Sonata recall on September 23, connections in the steering column were either improperly assembled or insufficiently tightened on certain vehicles. The manufacturing defect means that the driver could suddenly lose the ability to steer the vehicle, possibly resulting in an automobile accident with a potential for property damage, injury and death. 

The NHTSA opened an investigation in late August after at least two customers complained that the steering shaft came loose on their Sonatas, causing them to completely lose the ability to steer the vehicle. The Kia Soul, which has different parts but is also made by Hyundai, is also under investigation after an owner complained of the same problem. The number of reports for the Sonata has since grown to a total of eight, according to company officials. There have been no injuries or accidents reported. 

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The recall affects certain 2011 Hyundai Sonatas manufactured between December 11, 2009, and September 10, 2010, at the company’s Montgomery, Alabama facility. The recall of the vehicles is expected to begin during October. 

According to the NHTSA, Hyundai dealers will inspect the steering column’s intermediate shaft universal joint connections to ensure they are properly assembled and have the correct amount of torque. Dealers will also update the power steering software. Hyundai owners with questions can call the Hyundai Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-633-5151.

Photo Courtesy of IFCAR via Wikipedia Public Domain

Tags: Auto Accident, Auto Recall, Hyundai, Hyundai Sonata
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172 Comments

BRUCE
I bought a 2011 Hyundai sonata in July of 2012 with 34000 miles on it. Over the past 11 years the car has had approximately 10 recalls for various reasons But none of which included the steering column bushing. After contacting the dealership and talking to the head mechanic he told me worst case scenario if that bushing completely fails you will lose control steering control of the car. He also told me that Hyundai did not issue a recall on it nor did they contact owners of the 2011 sonatas But in fact issued a warranty extension the extension but they didn’t inform me of that extension so I had no clue or advisement to bring that car in to the dealership to be fixed or addressed. I just found out today that my extension has expired and for me to bring that car in and have it fixed it will cost me between 550 $1000. The problem will only get worse and renders the car on drive along right now As loss of steering on any vehicle would likely end in the death of the driver.
Arjun
I bought 2011 sonata since 7 recall for under 30,000 miles within 5 years. now 2021, 10 yrs old car got 45000 miles & steering get lock while driving, it make knockings sound when try to make turns. call dealer they said it not under warranty, to fix it cost $500 to 1000 depending parts & labor involved. I will spread news that no one should buy any hyundi.
Lindsey
My engine went in my 2011 hyundi sonata and I had it replaced paid for it out of pocket $3000 dollars. Then a year later got a recall notice saying that they would rembuse me for it, if I filled out and signed the documents they sent to me and it’s been 6 months and nothing. Now my steering column is also acting up. Just have had a horrible experience with this car and company really thinking about suing them.
Kathryn
I have a Kia Soul 2012 that has 98000+ miles on it . The steering started knocking while I was coming home from Charleston,SC. Had to take to a Ford dealer because it was to bad to drive. Kia says they will not pay for repair and now the car doesn’t want to start and will not hold a charge. I have the steering that was removed and you would not believe the shape it is in. I could have gotten killed. Is there a class action law suit against Kia. There was supposed to be a recall 2 years ago on this vehicle. I did not get a notice.
Yolanda
I’ve had my 2013 Hyundai Sonata for almost 6 years. I love my car! I’ve not had any issues until 2 years ago with my engine which was replaced under the recall. Now my steering wheel shakes and rattled if I go about 60, so I’m contacting Hyundai Motor America. I saw recalls for the 10 and 11 for the steering column intermediate shaft so hopefully they fix it
David
2011sonata clicking in the steering wheel the coupler was broke fixed myself for 2 bucks not a easy job.Then went in for 5 recalls and one was updateing the steering softwear.That changed the steering completely its so easy to turn now its real hard to keep it from drifting on the highway.I asked the dealer what they did my steering is slopppy put it back the way it was they said we cant its a recall on the electric steering.Nobody will buy the car after they drive it they come back with big eyes shaking their heads.
Donna
Recently my steering wheel has been making a loud clunking sound when I turn it to the right or to the left in my 2012 Hyundai sonata curious how much it’s going to cost to fix it when the part is only a few dollars from what I understand it’s the coupler, it’s concerning because I’m a single mother with a 10 year old daughter who rides in the car every day with me and I’m wondering how dangerous it is if I can’t get it fixed right away I don’t even have the car paid off yet February will be two years since I bought it, what should I do is it possible it would be covered through Hyundai is there a recall for this I hope somebody can give me some answers or tell me what I should do
Dennis
My sonata steering wheel make a lot noise, and it has a short in it because I had to disconnect my horn because it kept blowing, but they keep telling me that there is no recall, what’s the problem somebody lying, I’m wondering who.
David
Same problem clicking in steering $2 coupler and they want 400 to fix .Idid it myself and its a pain in the butt.1 year later now steering is very very easy to turn to easy 2011 sonata
Lashunda
I have a Hyundai Sonata 2012 I have been having problems with this car since I got it. Started with several recalls I have took it to the dealership and the only thing they gave me was an engine that make. Noise still the car sound bad I took it back to the dealership in Jackson Tennessee and they said it was the tension puller only to find out it the steering wheel coupler that cost 6.99 it’s really sad because I’m single mother with 4 children I’m still paying a car note I fix on this car every month from break lights don’t work when it rains my car barley stop and yes I have new brakes and I have to stop my car a head time on top that I have been in out of court’s 6 times I have got pull over by police 10 times about this car I to have pay court fines and fee the car also has electrical problems as well so many hazards the only place I can go take and my children work and school Lord. Please make sure we get home safely someone please Help
jean
steering click very common on hyundai s they know it…. its just cheap quality parts sonatas and elantras between 2010 and 2015 a least…. the problem is a coupler (rubber like) cheap price but cheaper is the quality…… replacing it myself if not its a 400.00 job if there is no lawsuits nobody cares……dangerous may be have you ever heard about CUSTOMER CARE OR SERVICE IS OUR TOP PRIORITY what a sad sad joke ….. lots of …how to repair on internet….. if you want to try repairing !!!!!!!!
Anne
I have a 2012 Sonata Ltd with 12,000 miles and garaged. My son and I both noted the knocking or clicking noise when we turn the wheel. I called the dealership yesterday, was transferred to service manager and left voice mail. Still no response. This is very dangerous! If there’s a Recall, there should not be a charge. I’ve always bought Accords but do like my Sonata if the company steps up to the plate rather than risk the lives of customers or try to make money. It’s a defect. No cost should be involved.
John
12/10/2018 Just had steering column coupler replaced at cost of more than $400. Second time. No mention of recall. How do we get a lawsuit started, seeing there are hundreds of people with same problem?
Jeanette
I am having the same issue with the knocking in the steering and the airbag light is on. They are replacing the cable to the airbag to make it longer. That will not fix why the light is on. The knocking in the steering happened just after I had an oil change and some other recall done. We shall see if they call Hyundia and get the steering covered under the warranty my husband found on line about the recall with something not being tightened. Mine sounds like a bolt came out of one end. They had a recall on the engine and said mi e was fine and didn’t hear the sound I said it was making. 2 weeks later my husband was driving when the engine blew. They fixed finally under the warranty they were fighting not to fix. I wanted to tell them I told you so but I did not. Praying they fix this steering issue on a recall warranty. I am over the 100,000 original warranty. I have had many vehicles and never had a problem with the steering. Faulty parts or careless work. They just called me and claim it is a bushing. They see it all the time. All the vehicles I have owned and never had a bushing in the steering column, which is sealed, go bad.
Sarina
It seems as if there’s no decent people left on earth, between basil and Hyundai i dont know whose worse- their just giving me the run around and asking for money on the cars recalls– i have airbag light on…coupler in the steering wheel. And its just dishonest business dealing amongst many Business here in America-
Dalton
I had just had my engine replaced and ever since it got replaced I’ve had a knocking in my steering column called Hyundai to figure out what was going on after hearing what the recall to find out that they are not going to fix it but since I have a recall on my airbag that i would have to talk to the dealer.even though the steering column is on recall along with my airbag you would think that the company would fix the problem that they had this is not making me very happy with this company and I’ve never had a problem with them so now I’m going to have to try and figure out how to come up with money to fix the steering column or wait until my car crashes and then sue because I have no other way of transportation. This is very sad from a company do not stand behind their product after all the recalls they’ve had
April
Bad rattling in my 2011 Sonata. Told by Mechanic that it was a bad coupler and the whole air bag had to be removed to get to part. Over 400.00 to repair it…..
LaDonna
I have a 2011 Hyundai sonata that have a nocking sound in the steering well called Hyundai only to hear they well not honor the recall. There saying my car is not cover because of the mails on it my air bag light is on also and they say that, that’s is what’s wrong with it (they never look at my car to see if it was) however the air bag light is also on recall but with that they don’t no how to fix it and I was told that there was nothing that they could do into they can find out how to fix it.
Emad
I had the problem of pulling to the right lane all the time they couldn’t solve it . Then the engine stalled on highway at 120 km. Speed loosing the brakes and steering assistance . They changed the engine after 3 month I had to rent car cost me $3500 they refused to cover the cost because I am Canadian . Steering has a coupler joint smashed and they will not cover it Alternator give whistle noise And water pump too after installing the new engine . The Horn working fine
Lewis
Replaced the steering coupler.. about a $2 rubber thing the size of a quarter.. then engine went at 80k miles… no problem there as they rented me a car and replaced engine free of charge …. but now it’s steering column and they say no warranty … but clearly there is a recall.. going to pursue further with an attorney if need be
Amy
I have a 2011 Hyundai Sonata and I can’t WAIT to get rid of it. I have 115,000 miles on it. A few months ago the starter died and had it replaced. Then I took the car in as it’s consuming oil way too fast (but no leak). Had brakes replaced (I know this is an age thing) but then I had to replace the struts and 3 weeks later I have this steering coupler that needs to be replaced. My Sonata has had so many recalls but after getting screwed by my dealer, I refuse to go back to them. Therefore, I’m going back to a Honda or Toyota
Jameela
This is so terrible. I will never buy another HYNDAI. I took my care to the dealership in JUNE for the recall because of the steering wheel was knocking, then Aug then engine failed, they had my car there for over a month. Took it off the lot and drove it right back to the dealership-the starter was acting up. Then took it home drove it for about a week or so then, the gear wouldn’t shift. Then the steering wheel locked on me. I took it the dealer once again for the 4th TIME!!!! They told me that I needed a steering column and a brake switch… You have to be kidding me. They told me I wasn’t covered under warranty and the cost of this 4th issue would be roughly around 1200.
Bill
I have a 2016 Sonata the power steering went out for about a 1/2 mile it was hard to turn right or left . I have less than 10,000 miles on the car not good !!!! Doesn’t sound like they have fixed the problem.
Tee
I have a 2011 Hyundai Sonata and I’ve had one problem after another. I had the flexible coupling replaced 2 years ago, This year they have a recall, I paid $350 and they’re only going to reimburse me $207… I took my car in for a couple of other recalls only to be told the cv axle needs to be replace ( my car makes a noise when I pull off at a low acceleration), both back lights in my car burned out… the seat belt light wont go off…, I’m so frustrated with this car. I really am thinking about selling it.
Arlene
It is just down right pitiful that a car that makes so much money want to do there customers this way, took the car for the steering problem said they can’t fix it. Call the recall number said it can’t be covered because it is happening after 100000 miles if it would have been done right the first time it wouldn’t matter about the miles, I am highly pissed I guess they wait for someone to have a accident and get hurt to repair problems they know exist.
Amy
I have a 2013 and it has the same problem – clicking when steering. Wonder if they are doing a recall for that year.
Robyn
So I have my car, 2011 Sonata, at a dealer right now for the steering problem. Bad coupling. It is covered under recall. When I first got notice of this recall I had taken my car to a different Hyundai dealer who said they fixed it. I wasn’t having issues at that time so I didn’t know if they actually fixed it or not. Apparently they didn’t! I had the whole popping, loose steering and it only got worse and I was afraid to drive my car. Thankfully this dealer is fixing it. Said it would take about an hour and a half. I hope they dont come back and say it was already fixed by recall. That will be a hell no moment! Also a few days ago the buttons on the steering wheel that function the stereo have gone haywire. Try to change the station, it mutes my radio. Try to turn up volume, it turns it down. Try to turn it down, it opens the phone function. Ugh.
Denise
Just took my 2011 Sonata in for the recent recall to the steering. Was so disappointed when they told me the steering coupling is bad. $225.00 to fix. Of course I said not to fix, wasn’t planning on paying out that day, it was suppose to be for the recall. Now I look and see the part is about $1.50, and if you pull up on google the video on how to replace, it is very simple. Not $250 worth, I don’t think. I will be looking around for a better quote. Seeing these comments, this is a big problem, should also be a recall on this steering coupler.
George
I just had my 2001 Sonata in for a recall on some other issue. I asked about the clicking in the steering column. The rep said it is a $500 job for a part that costs about $1.00. I watched a video which possibly was a Hyundai dealership. It took about 10 min for the tech to repair this problem. The rep at West Broad Hyundai said that the part is at the bottom of the steering column and after the work it is repair the front end has to be checked for alignment to make sure it is done right, BS. This should be a recall.
CP
My 2011 Hyundai sonata have steering noise. Dealer suggested to replace steering column which will cost $1300. Agree, no more Hyundai car in life.
Brandon
Have same problem and they said it costs $500. No more Hyundai in my life!
Renee
I have a 2011 sonata and I’m having a problem with steering wheel had someone to look at my car and they said if was the coupler the part cost 2.86 and labor cost is 285.00. Called the dealer and ask if there was a recall call on the steering collar and they said it was back in 2010 and that it had already been fixed but the lady couldn’t tell me exactly what part in the steering collar was fixed they would have to look it up when I came in. This car has had way to many recalls I have had to get a alternator which should have been a recall because the piece they put on there is plastic and it shouldn’t have been. Also when I called the dealer to inquire about the steering collar which was today they also told me that there is a recall for the senor unit and for the assembly board so for those who have 2011 sonatas better call the dealership to see if there is recalls on your car i will never ever buy another sonata if this many people is having problems with the steering collar then there must be something wrong!!!!!
Kevin
This is happening in my car. Took it to the dealer and they told me it is the intermediate steering shaft. My car was manufactured between these dates out of this facility yet my VIN is not eligible for a recall. Absolute bullshit.
hung
i owned 3 of hyundai sonata..and 2 of 2011 hyundai sonata..2011 sonata had steeling clicking noise ..now get more worst metal bumping noise now. they putting a plastic piece of crap in their car and never try to listening when i call them. Hyundai chooses to screw us all over! i am not going to buying anymore hyundai…..
R
Disgraceful …I have a 2011 Sonata and the dealer demanded $175 just to look at the problem, because I am past the warranty period. I went to my own mechanic and it cost me $20 for the coupler and 238+tax for the labor! Hyundai should be ashamed of itself, putting a plastic piece of crap in their car, possibly causing death! This is a safety issue, the dealer should have fixed it for free, ESPECIALLY since they had already worked on the steering column because of a previous recall. This is the only Hyundai purchase for this family!
Bruce
I also have a 2012 Sonata and had the same thing happen. Steering Coupling went out. Agree there should be a recall!!
stephanie
I have a 2012 Sonata and had the same thing happen. Steering Coupling went out. Why not issue a recall for that, since it seems to be happening to cars older then 2011
Jay
That’s great amber. I too have the same issue and left the dealer today after they said that it will cost me around $400. How many miles?
Amber
I have 2011 Hyundai Sonata. I have the same knocking noise and excessive clunking when on rugged roads. I was told 3 months ago Steering Coupler had deteriorated and it would be $400.00 for the fix. After saving the $400.00 for the fix I try to call my local Hyundai dealership for one last shot at it being covered due to everyone having the same issue in their 2011 Sonata. And I’ll be, they actually told me that they would submit a “web acceptance” to Hyundai to see if they will cover cost and let me know in a week. I asked the manager at Hyundai what it takes to get approved because I assumed it was going to not get me anywhere no way, and he said based on things like the number of miles on your car and your loyalty with Hyundai They called me one business day later and said it was APPROVED, and I made an appointment for this Saturday-NO CHARGE!. I hope this helps some of you guys….
Catherine
I have a 2011 Sonata and so does my co-worker. We both have the same problem. The clunking in the steering wheel. Took my car to be inspected and the first thing he says when he gets in the car is you have a coupler going bad in the steering column. Right? A $20.00 part and two hours to repair at the cost of 211.00. I guess better than what I’m seeing here but this should be a recall on Hyundai? Why is it not if there is a possibility that one could loose control of the car? Really Hyundai step up and fix this part as a recall!!
felecia
My 2013 is having the same issue. I spoke with customer care and the dealership who say the steering wheel is only covered under 60k mile warranty. Yet they recalled vehicles manufactured before 2013 for the same issue. The dealership said eventually you will loose total control of the steering wheel. He went on to say the part cost $5 and the labor is $300 plus. Hyundai is despicable. They continue to make faulty unsafe vehicles and dont make improvements in later models. They keep using parts that aren’t built strong yet campaign on having genuine reliable parts. Its ridiculous
Pam
My 2011 Sonata has the same clunking problem as others posted here. My Sonata came from Alabama plant too. Dealership says coupler is not covered in recall. Cost to me $390. Until this, I have enjoyed this car more than I thought I would. Not sure what my next step will be.
Brian
My 2011 Sonata steering coupler is also shot. They want $400 to replace it. However, KIA has chosen to extend the warranty on the SAME PART on Kia Optimas to 100,000 miles in certain high-humidity states. But, Hyundai chooses to screw us all over!
Davis
please let me know what they say! Too have the same noise with the steering but my car was made after the recall dates. I cannot afford $400.
Latoay
I have the 2011 Hyundai Sonata also and my wheel just started making the same noise, I have a appointment next week but since I listen to some of these comments I am calling them tomorrow to demand they fix my car….. I am so disappointed
Norma
My 2011 Hyundai sonata made the same clicking sound that you all described. I now have to pay $400 to have it repaired but was advised to call Hyundai and complain and have them open a recall for the couplar since its a steering issue. Once the recall is out I will definitely get reimbursed. So we all should call and complain so they open a recall on it. I was advised by a different mechanic not by Hyundai that since the steering wheel was locking up because of the couplar that I was at risk to have an accident. So this is definitely a safety issue.
Leslie
Taking my 2011 Sonata in today for 3 different recalls only to find out I have to have the coupler replaced. It has been making a clicking noise when turning and the steering wheel shakes terribly when going over 65 miles per hour. Cost is $375. This should be a recall. This is terrible.
Kim
My daughter’s car is having this problem too and needs to be fixed and we were quoted the $425. If we get it fixed and they change it into a recall do we all get our $ back f or this repair??!!
bobby
My 2011 Hyundai Sonata is also rattling when I accelerate over 60 MPH. When my car isn’t in motion moving the steering wheel from left to right a clicking noise can be heard. How is there not a recall for this?
Souphon
I am extremely disappointed with my 2011 sonata !! There has been problem after problem . My steering wheel makes a noise and shakes when I hit a bump or am driving over 60 mph. Also, the backlights are both burned out. I will never purchase another Hyundai .
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