2013 Hyundai Sonata Steering
Owner-reported problems and safety issues filed with NHTSA. Review common failures, severity levels, and complaint trends over time.
Complaint Timeline
Chronological view of owner reports
Took car to my local mechanic for a clunking sound when turning steering wheel side to side, while standing still. Mechanic states problem at steering knuckle. In addition he stated that there is a Hyundai recall for this problem. I haven’t been able to find the recall for the steering problem when submitting my VIN.
Steering wheel is making a clunk noise like somethings loose
Hyundai issued Extended Warranty directive TXX7 dealing with the "rubber coupling in the motor driven power steering assembly" The directive covered the replacement for 2011 to 2014 model year Sonata for 10 years from the date of delivery or first use or 100000 miles, whichever occurs first. Hyundai indicates in TXX7 that "wear of the coupling does not affect the ability to steer or control thee vehicle and is not a safety issue" I have a 2013 Sonata with less than 75000 miles but is clearly over 10 years since the "date of first use". The "thud" in the steering wheel began at about 70000 miles and seems to be progressively more pronounced. I have read that the wear can in fact be a safety issue. I have contacted Hyundai Customer care twice and in both cases they indicate that because I have owned the vehicle for more than 10 years, the warranty period has expired My contention is that - do they deem that the part fails because "time" or "usage (mileage drive or used). Simply because I have not driven the car over 100000 miles (25000 less) should not disqualify me from from TXX7.
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), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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
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.
Steering flexible coupler failed @ 150000 miles causing severe clunk in the steering wheel leading to steering play.
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
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.
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
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.
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.
The intermediate shaft broke causing excessive noise and safety threat while driving. Dealer had to replace the shaft completely. This looks to be the common issue on this model
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…
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.
No incident yet! I bought the car from a family elderly member who kept it in the garage! The car has only 7,600 miles! The steering wheel makes a clunking noise when making a turn! When i searched for recalls i saw it's a common problem with that year 2013 Hyunday Sonata! Everyone who complained is surprised that there is no recall issued! People with higher mileage are experiencing failure of steering/ Car when turning, fails and goes to next lane!
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while going over a speed bump, there was a loud noise coming from the steering wheel. In addition, the contact stated that the steering wheel felt loose. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The mechanic stated the steering column needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer or the manufacturer were not contacted. The failure mileage was 43,520.
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.
Car was stolen 6/20/22 and they where able to get in it in under a minute. Don’t understand how and why?
After starting the car and putting it in the reverse or in drive, the steering wheel gives jerks as if something is loose.
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving approximately 50-60 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to continue to drive the vehicle however, extra effort was needed to steer the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving and turning. The dealer was notified of the failure and an appointment was scheduled. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.
STEERING IS MAKING A NOISE WHEN DRIVING OVER BUMPS IN ROAD. STEERING WILL ALSO JERK AT THIS TIME!! THIS RECENTLY CAME ON GRADUALLY AND IS ESCALATING. THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN CONFIRMED BY AN INDEPENDENT SERVICE CENTER. THIS ISSUE NEEDS TO BE RECALLED TO PREVENT THIS PROBLEM FROM RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT. THIS IS UNSAFE AND NEEDS TO BE RECOGNIZED!!
Steering in 2013 Hyundai Sonata Limited “sticks” when driving down the road. Once the car is going in one direction, you have to unstick it to go on the path you want. This causes the driver to oversteer to bring it back to the path you intended and wobbling down the road as if you were inebriated. Have seen this same complaint in a number of online forums. No fix has been found that actually works, including replacing the steering column, for any length of time. Why has this issue not been recalled? I can envision someone possibly driving off the road, into a guardrail or into a bicyclist or another vehicle. You have to constantly.correct the steering, which is especially troublesome at interstate speeds.
Clicking noise while steering, safety at risk up too and leading to death. Problem confirmed by independent service center and authorized dealer. No warning, occurred randomly including vibrations. Was told known issue its the steering coupler part.
I love my 2013 Hyundai Sonata SE, but with that being said I hate driving it. When on the road the 2013 has the same exact issue that the 2011's had, it will constantly wander in and out of the lane making it nearly impossible to keep a straight line. Its very fatiguing having to keep moving the steering wheel back and forth just to keep it straight. And for two its a serious safety issue!! The slightest slip could send your car off the road or into another car! When bringing the car into my local dealership they blew me off and said its " a normal thing because of the electric power steering and how the car rides the grooves of the road." And they refuse to help me out further to fix the issue. PLEASE GUYS. I know I am not the only one to report this issue please ask Hyundai to create a recall on it.
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Quick Summary
The 2013 Hyundai Sonata has 259 Steering complaints on file. 5 crashes have been reported. Review the timeline above for detailed owner experiences.