10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
6 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
2 / 0
Average Mileage:
57,174 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2012 Hyundai Sonata steering problems

steering problem

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2012 Hyundai Sonata Owner Comments (Page 12 of 15)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #75

Apr 012015

Sonata

  • 80,872 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the steering wheel emitted an abnormal noise while driving various speeds. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 80,872.

- Zebulon, NC, USA

problem #74

Apr 012015

Sonata

  • 68,000 miles
Whenever I'm driving for the past 5 going on 6 months since I purchased the vehicle I've noticed the steering column makes a loud clunking noise. No matter the speed I'm traveling the steering column continues to make this noise. I have noticed the on going issue has affected a lot of other consumers on numerous other Hyundai Sonata year models! I'm afraid that if this issue is left unresolved that steering column may detach and cause serious injury and or death!! I would like to know what could be done to resolve this issue asap!!!

- Zebulon, NC, USA

problem #73

Oct 272015

Sonata

  • 86,000 miles
The steering wheel began clicking whenever I turned the wheel and became progressively worse. Now it shakes when going down the highway. Hyundai said the steering wheel bushing has gone bad which is the exact same problem the 2011's were recalled for.

- Port St Lucie, FL, USA

problem #72

Jul 312015

Sonata

  • 103,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the steering column shook uncontrollably and emitted a loud abnormal noise. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 103,000.

- Hemet, CA, USA

problem #71

Aug 152015

Sonata

  • 54,700 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while making a right or left turn at approximately 5 mph, there was an abnormal noise coming from the steering wheel without warning. In addition, while driving over a bump, the steering wheel shook violently. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 54,700.

- Corpus Christi, TX, USA

problem #70

Sep 152015

Sonata

  • 72,000 miles
My 2012 Sonata steering making a clicking noise and at slow speeds feels like there is a gap turn right to left and visa versa. The vehicle is stopped I turn steering wheel left to right and right to left there is a clunking noise?

- Kings Mountain, NC, USA

problem #69

Oct 022015

Sonata

  • 80,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Steering wheel locked temporarily twice. Once when making a turn in the parking lot of a local grocery store. I was able to come to a complete stop then the power steering returned. The second event occurred when exiting a major us highway at approximately 60 mph. Since the exit angle was shallow, I was able to drift into the adjacent lane while stopping then the steering returned. Either event could have resulted in a collision or injury to a pedestrian. After the second event, I noticed a popping noise with a loose feel in the steering wheel. I took it to the local Hyundai dealer. They found and replaced a worn mdps coupling. The service advisor stated they were having several of these repairs lately.

- Birmingham, AL, USA

problem #68

Jul 152015

Sonata

  • 87,000 miles
The steering wheel shakes violently and there was an abnormal noise while driving at 30-70 mph. The failure occurred on numerous occasions. I have to reduce the speed to be able to bring the steering wheel under control. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering column coupler failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number. The approximate failure mileage was 87,000. The manufacturer has advised that there are several reported issues of this same problem, similar to the 2011 model recall.

- Waco, TX, USA

problem #67

Mar 262015

Sonata

  • 87,500 miles
There has been a licking sound when I turn my steering for about 8 months now. I took to the dealership on two separate occasions and was told that when they test the vehicle they did not hear any sounds. About two weeks ago he sound was more noticeable as soon as the steering was turned. I soon noticed a knocking sound on the drivers side whenever the road is rough. I took it back to the dealership on Monday September 21 2015; I was told that my vehicle was unsafe to drive because both coupling was completely broken off. The reason that forced me to bring it in on Monday is that I was driving on the high way to work and I stepped on the breaks and the steering started to shake really bad and I had a hard time controlling the car. I called Hyundai and reported the problem, I was told that they have gotten a lot of complains but they have not opened an investigation on it as of yet therefore there is no recall. I asked what if I had gotten in an accident; the response was if that should happen there would be an investigation and if Hyundai is at fault then they would compensate. This is unacceptable and a very serious issue that will eventually kill someone, if something is not done soon. I asked how is it possible that the coupling broke completely off and my car is a 2012 car which makes it only 2 1/2 years old and they said because of the high mileage. That does not make sense; I have seen cars 10yrs old and do not have this problem. Not only that but 6mths ago I also had to change my gas pump.

- Neptune, NJ, USA

problem #66

Sep 152015

Sonata

  • 33,302 miles
Steering wheel became loose and made clunking noise. Dealer said this was common with 2010 to 2013 Hyundai Sonata and could create a safety problem of the car being hard to steer. He said there should be a recall as he has had many warranty claims of this problem. Dealer replaced worm shaft flex coupling part # 56315F00 and 56315-2K000-fff. Hyundai supposedly redesigned part in 2014 model

- Boynton Beach, FL, USA

problem #65

Feb 152015

Sonata

  • 92,487 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. While driving at approximately 30 mph, the steering wheel wobbled and vibrated. The contact also stated that at stop, the steering wheel and the handle bar shook uncontrollably. The vehicle was taken to a dealer who diagnosed that the steering column and the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 92,487. The VIN was not available.

- Waynesboro, MS, USA

problem #64

Aug 012015

Sonata

  • 77,000 miles
When driving in the month of August, I went over a bump and the steering wheel started to rattle (make a rattling sound) and shaking. I noticed from then on that the sound and shake would start whenever I went over a bump and/or drove between speeds of 60-70mph. I took my vehicle into my local Hyundai dealer and as soon as I started describing the incident to the technician, he immediately identified it as a problem with the steering coupling and told me that this is a common problem with the 2011 and some of the 2012 Sonatas. I called Hyundai customer service and explained to them what was happening and asked if there are any recalls (there are none). They also told me to schedule an appt with the dealer to have the issue inspected in order to see if it was covered by warranty. After my second appt. With the dealer - it was concluded that there is an issue with the steeing coupling and of course, that part is no longer under warranty. Considering that this is a safety issue, which affects thousands of Hyundai owners, a recall needs to be initiated.

- Miami, FL, USA

problem #63

Jul 272015

Sonata

  • 75,000 miles
When sitting in my driveway with the car running, if I move the steering wheel back and forth it makes a clank noise. This happens while in park and also in gear. I have had a mechanic look at it and was told that it was the steering column intermediate shaft universal joint connections. He also said he knew there was a recall on the same body style as my car but a year older (2011). I feel this may be part of the same issue that cause the recall for the 2011 and may have been over looked.

- Parrish, FL, USA

problem #62

Aug 072015

Sonata

  • 136,564 miles
On August 7, 2015 at approximately 9:30 pm, I was coming back from running an errand with my 16-year old daughter in the car with me. I made a right-hand turn when suddenly, all of the lights on the instrument panel illuminated and the engine stopped. Additionally, I lost all power steering, etc. I was able to maneuver the vehicle to the side of the road immediately, but almost got rear-ended by a pickup truck that was following me. I turned off the car, let it sit for a few minutes, and started it up again. The car seemed fine at that point, and I was able to continue my short drive back to my home (approximately 1.25 miles). When I arrived at home and placed the car in park, the oil pressure light was flickering slightly. I turned the car off and went into the house for the night. The next morning (8/8/15), I checked the oil level in the engine, and noted that it was slightly above the fill line. I added some synthetic oil to the engine, checked the level and noted that it was adequate. I started the engine to go run some errands. The car seemed fine at first, but when I was approximately 5 miles from my home, the oil pressure light began to flicker again while the car was idling (at a stop light, etc.) I called my husband right away, who told me to bring the car home. I noted that the engine had somewhat of a ticking noise while driving it. When I was approximately a quarter-mile from home, the engine started knocking/banging very loudly. I immediately shut the car off, called my husband, and called for a tow truck. I had the car towed to my mechanic's shop. On Tuesday, 8/11/15, my mechanic removed the oil pan and informed me that the bearings were failing, which caused metal shards to clog the oil pump filter, and he also noted that the oil pan was full of shards. This car is a safety hazard and needs to be recalled!!!

- Pleasant Prairie, WI, USA

problem #61

Jul 012015

Sonata

  • 71,741 miles
My steering wheel has a significant click when I turn on it. I went to the dealership and they told me it was not covered under warranty. Hyundai of tampa told me it was a coupling in the steering wheel column and it is a common problem. I have 71745 miles on a 2012 Sonata. Hyundai had a recall with this problem on their 2011 model, but not one under 2012. I spoke to jessica with Hyundai customer connect center. She was polite but could not do anything except offer me a $35 coupon for maintenance.

- Tampa, FL, USA

problem #60

Jun 052015

Sonata

  • 35,000 miles
On our first trip on the interstate, noticed difficulty keeping the car from "wandering" the road starting just over 50mph. The steering wheel is straight as can be, but it's almost unsafe switching lanes on the highway. Read reviews of several other complaints with the same problem. Can't relax driving, as you are constantly keeping tight control of the wheel.

- Washington, IN, USA

problem #59

Feb 072015

Sonata

  • 12,000 miles
The front-end will wobble at certain speeds, around 25 & 45 mph. It has been to the dealer 3 times now. First, they fixed the alignment. Next, they said they couldn't detect anything wrong. Thirdly, I drove with the service manager, and he immediately detected a problem. He had the front 2 tires replaced, with alleviated the problem for a time, but within a couple weeks, the wobble could be felt easily again, at the same speeds as before.

- Cleveland, OH, USA

problem #58

Apr 252015

Sonata

  • 22,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that whenever making a turn, the steering wheel would make a loud clanking sound. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 22,000.

- Miami, FL, USA

problem #57

Jan 012013

Sonata

  • 10,000 miles
Vehicle requires constant steering correcting to maintain a straight path. Issue is most obvious at highway speeds, but occurs at any speed. Steering always veers to the left if steering wheel is released.

- Fenton, MO, USA

problem #56

Feb 092015

Sonata 4-cyl

  • 21,348 miles
Earlier that day the wrench was lit up on the dashboard, but it disappeared. I was driving out of my neighborhood at about 15-20 mph and the screen read "warning! do not drive! irreparable damage to ? I can't remember" it started to freeze the driving. Then I parked it and it would not start back up. It was towed to the dealer and they replaced the battery and hpcu. It scares me to think what would have happened if I was on the freeway. I bought this car April 20, 2014 and now can just get 2/3's what I paid for it. Sad, but true. When I get some money I will be trading this in as I am nervous driving this car now.

- Arlington, TX, USA

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