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 7 of 15)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #175

Nov 152017

Sonata

  • 43,000 miles

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

Noticed knocking sound coming from behind the steering wheel when turning the wheel left/right from center position. The power steering seems to be working fine and able to turn the vehicle while driving. Several forums and online posted videos describe the flexible rubber coupling in the mdps (motor driven power steering) assembly getting worn out which causes the gear tooth to have a metal-on-metal contact. Check this video on youtube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?V=D7K17liy6B0) and other related video describing the issue and fix.

- Arlington Heights, IL, USA

problem #174

Sep 182017

Sonata 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 53,400 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. While driving 40 mph, the steering wheel and column shook and a rattling noise was heard when a bump in the road was encountered. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic or dealer for diagnostic testing or repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 53,400. Updated 8/28/18

- Philadeplhia, PA, USA

problem #173

Nov 222017

Sonata

  • 123,000 miles
All of a sudden I have excessive play in the steering wheel with a clunking sound at the end of travel in both directions. Feels like the steering wheel is gonna fall off in my lap. Help!

- Bakersfield, CA, USA

problem #172

Jun 012017

Sonata

  • miles

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

Steering coupling is a known issue with Hyundai for 2012 Sonatas as admitted by the dealer. It is a faulty piece and can cause the steering to buckle while driving making the steering wheel inoperable. The steering wheel is loose, shaking, creating a clunking noise when attempting to turn. It is anytime the car is in motion whether it is city or highway.

- Temecula, CA, USA

problem #171

Nov 082017

Sonata

  • 2,423 miles
I am having a clunking noise coming from the steering coupler when turning right or left, primarily at a stop or low speeds. I have read numerous complaints from earlier years, but the owners were told that no recall has been required by the NHTSA. I am experiencing a potentially dangerous situation on a 2012 vehicle with less than 2500 miles on it. A recall should be activated by the NHTSA.

- Newport News, VA, USA

problem #170

Nov 212017

Sonata

  • 108,000 miles
Above approximately 60 mph steering column develops a shudder which builds and wanes - steering becomes more challenging as a result. The greater the speed, the more pronounced is this condition. This is a suboptimal condition that is not typical for a functional vehicle, and is unrelated to wheel quality, rotation or balance. It is a temblor-like shudder which clearly will interfere with safety if it continues or progresses. Perhaps this is related to NHTSA id number: 10110926, but this vehicle is now at 108K miles, so that doesn't cover it, does it. Further, I have no record of notification of receiving manufacturer communication number: 5np-F8M5G-03. I will be contacting the dealership contending inadequate notice, and needing this to be repaired to assure safety.

- Olathe, KS, USA

problem #169

Oct 092017

Sonata

  • 58,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. When the steering wheel was turned to the left or right, the contact heard an abnormal noise. The vehicle was not yet inspected and diagnosed by a dealer or independent mechanic to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign numbers: 16V190000 (steering), 10V457000 (steering), and 10V426000 (steering) for the 2011 models. In addition, the manufacturer issued three tsbs on the steering for the 2012 models, but there was no manufacturer recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 58,000.

- Hebron, KY, USA

problem #168

Sep 212017

Sonata

  • 93,585 miles
There is something in the steering which is loose and getting worse. At first it was just a bit loose but now it constantly rattles over bumps and the whole steering wheel is loose.

- Lakewood, NJ, USA

problem #167

Sep 282017

Sonata

  • 73,800 miles
Steering column makes very loud clunking sound when driving over uneven roads or when traveling in excess of 20 mph. It literally feels like the steering wheel is about to come off in the driver's hands and the sound is unbearable. There is also a fair amount of "play" in the steering, with a loud "clunk!" sound at either end of the "play" zone. Clunking sound while driving in excess of 20 mph lessens when wheel is engaged in a turn.

- Hanover, PA, USA

problem #166

Sep 052016

Sonata

  • 151,000 miles
The engine was repaired, and while the engine was being worked on I repaired the steering, not knowing it was a recall. When I found out I went back to the dealership that did the work and got a printout of receipt showing that I paid for that recall, also advised that I has having problems with the lighting system for the car. Well it has been months later, can't seem to get a response from in regards to my refund and I was advised that I would have to pay to get the lights checked. I have had my lights to go completely out while driving on the highway. That includes interior and exterior lights. I nave had the inside lights to go off and come back on seconds later. I have had just the outside lights to go out for at least five minutes while driving on the highway going home. I have had the lights replaced and they keep going out.

- Lakeview, SC, USA

problem #165

Apr 112017

Sonata

  • 75,000 miles

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

Steering wheel/column makes very loud clunking sound when driving over uneven roads or when traveling in excess of 20 mph. It literally feels like the steering wheel is about to come off in the driver's hands and the sound is unbearable. There is also a fair amount of "play" in the steering, with a loud "clunk!" sound at either end of the "play" zone. Clunking sound while driving in excess of 20 mph lessens when wheel is engaged in a turn.

- Providence Village, TX, USA

problem #164

Jun 122017

Sonata

  • 54,358 miles
Power steering and non-requested activation of traction control_ I was pulling into my carport about 2 months ago when I lost power steering on my car. I called the dealership about 20 miles away and they told me to bring the car in the next day. The next day the power steering worked as normal so I called the dealership back and they suggested to bring the car in if it happened again. I was leaving my doctor's appointment on June 12th and the car had no power steering again. I called the dealership and told them I was nearby and I was on my way to them. I got about 200 feet from the doctor's office when my car started shaking and I couldn't control the steering. Luckily it was a 35 mph speed zone so I was able to get to the shoulder quickly. I thought the engine died but it was still running. I turned the car off and restarted it to see if the problem fixed itself, but the traction light was on and I still had no power steering. I made my way slowly the 5 or so miles to the shop. My vehicle had 54,358 miles on it when this happened the second time. Out of warranty because it is over 50,000 miles. This sort of issue should not happen on a car with so few miles and I take very good care of my vehicle, oil changes, tire rotation, brake inspections, etc.I had to pay out of pocket for the $1310 in repairs to replace the upper part of the steering column where the 'power steering unit' is located. I contacted Hyundai usa and they couldn't do anything to help me. I disagree. My car has low miles and this type of danger should prompt a recall and re-imbursement of most, if not all, of my expenses. I commute to work on interstate 5 and if I had been going the 65 mph speed limit when this happened, I could have been killed and maybe the drivers around me. I am not entirely sure that the problem has been really fixed. I feel uncomfortable driving my own car.

- Wilsonville, OR, USA

problem #163

Aug 052017

Sonata

  • 57,000 miles
I own a 2012 Hyundai Sonata when turning the wheel left or right there is a knocking sound I brought my car to be looked at by a mechanic who said this week alone he had 4 Sonata's with the same problem he said it should be a recall as was done with the 2011 Sonata's that had the same problem this is a safety issue as previous claims on the internet have stated loosing their steering all together the car only has 57,000 on

- North Port, FL, USA

problem #162

Jul 102017

Sonata

  • 90,000 miles
When turning the steering wheel, a series of clicks will start to happen whether or not the car has been turned on. Whenever on the interstate, anytime I get near 60 or 70 mph the wheel starts shaking uncontrollably.

- Murfreesboro, TN, USA

problem #161

Jul 102017

Sonata

  • 77,000 miles
With the car just running I can move my steering wheel and makes a clanking noise. It also makes really loud noises when hit bumps or go over railroad crossings. It doesn't feel safe and is very scary when seeing 2011 had recall for same thing and many 2012 have had same complaints. This is my only transportation and I have children. I had it checked out and was told same problem that I have read about with steering column and steering shaft. Please advise best way to get this taken care of.

- Hamilton, OH, USA

problem #160

Jun 302016

Sonata

  • miles
There is a problem with the steering coupler. The steering wheel has a lot of give and makes noise while driving. There is also a problem with the lights on this car. I have replaced the lights at least 4 times in the last couple years. It is going to cause an accident.

- Acworth, GA, USA

problem #159

May 042017

Sonata

  • miles
Takata recall engine rod bearing, this car has had 7 recalls. The engine can go now. I just want to get out of the car into something where the manufacture didnot rush to put together. This is the second time I've taken the car for the engine noise and the clicking. Oil is not staying in the car. "help"

- Durham, NC, USA

problem #158

Mar 092017

Sonata

  • 90,000 miles
Play in steering wheel while remaining stationary and also when in motion. Also, when making a turn there is a clicking or some sort of noise when beginning the turn.

- Huntley, IL, USA

problem #157

Apr 032017

Sonata

  • 90,000 miles
There is an issue with the steering column. When driving, it makes loud noises and then at higher speeds it starts shaking. This is clearly a safety concern.

- Austin, TX, USA

problem #156

Sep 172016

Sonata

  • 49,000 miles
I have a 2012 Hyundai Sonata and there is a clicking in the steering wheel. Turned left or right the click is there weather the car is moving or not. I reported this problem a month after I brought this car and was told that it wasn't on the recall list only the 2011 models, but my 2012 is having the same issue. I got this car last year with 49,000 miles on it and now the problem has gotten worse. It shakes so bad now if I hit 65 mph. I have small kids and every time I get into this car there is a fear of me losing control. I see so many of the same complaints, but nothing is being done about it. Hopefully it does not take for a couple of deaths to occur before Hyundai realize that there is a serious problem with the steering. All of us that own a Hyundai with these problems are scared for our lives something has to be done and quick. We gave our hard earned money to have a Sonata now Hyundai needs to look out for us recall these cars please our lives depend on it!!!!!

- Swainsboro, GA, USA

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