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

Amber
This better include the replacement of the coupler that is causing the knocking noise…after all in order to even get to the connections in the steering column they probably will have to remove the plastic coupler, and what were they going to do place the bad coupler back on there. Ive had my sonata for less then a year now and this is the 4th recall Ive had. This is terrible.
John
I picked my ’11 Sonata up from dealer after sitting on their lot for 7 weeks due to the blown engine recall. Luckily it was covered by recall. After driving away from dealer, I noticed issues with steering and a noise. I took it back to dealer after rotating and rebalancing the wheels. The service guy told me my car was not in the recall for ’11 Sonatas doing the same thing. After speaking with the service manager, he gave me the little bushing. It’s less than $2 for the part. I found a video on YouTube where the guy was replacing the bushing in less than 30 minutes. I know what I’ll be doing this Saturday.
DEAN
Mine is a 2011 Sonata made at the right time frame for this to be an issue! I brought it back to the dealer ship here in Pittsfield with paperwork off the internet that showed the plastic gear in the steering column. He acted like he did not know about this problem. The service tech. had it looked at and said it need a ball joint in front and had loose end links in the back and was going to cost $ 416 to fix ! I jacked it up and looked at everything and nothing was wrong with the right side ball joint or rear end links ! At this point he knew about the plastic gear. Seems fishy to me !
Donna
Clicking noise when steering, told by a hyundai dealership it’s the coupler. Cost to fix it $350! I dont understand why this is not under the list of many recalls with the 2011 sonata. Im putting in a complaint no way should a problem this dangerous should be ignored.
julie
I think it IS related to steering problem recall. Had the recall fixed. Drove out of the dealer parking lot and noticed the steering was VERY loose; extreme play, but I had been there awhile; had the dog, blah,blah and just kind of got used to it. But going in to dealer wednesday. It also does the clunk noise others have mentioned. Dealership said they were sure it was the coupler. It seems like a big coincidence to me that it all went bad while it was in for the recall??? Car has 34,000 miles first owner.
Roy in NJ
Sept 12 2016 Brought car (2011 Sonata-122,000 miles) to dealer a month ago to get the Power Steering Circuit Board replaced under the recall. We soon started to notice the car was making noise when steering, and also had a notch in the steering wheel. We just brought the car to our local mechanic who thinks, based on the TSB, the problem is the $20 Bushing (with 3 hours labor). Could the problem be related to the recall ?
Michelle
Also have the 2011 sonata and its costing me around 350 dollars to repair the coupler in steering column, i also reported to hyundai and the man said he gets and has heard NUMEROUS reports personally over this coupler issue but there is No recall yet. This is pitiful, other people laugh at me because i get a new recall on my sonata every other month and i watch it fall apart with problems NOT COVERED by hyundai yet every other sonata driver is having the same issues. ILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER HYUNDAI AGAIN.
Ed
ADD ME TO THE LIST —STEERING PROBLEM -SHOULD BE A RECALL BEFORE SOMEBODY GETS KILLED
Karen
In January 2016 I paid $2.38 for a coupler and 322.68 for labor. Now September 2016 I’m told I need the bushing in the steering wheel replaced for $350.00. Is there a difference in the coupler and bushing or shouldn’t these been replaced at same time if the problem is the same complaint?
sherry
Our 2011 Sonata has 20,000 original miles on it. We recently took it to the dealer (approximately 4 weeks ago) because of the recall and it was repaired/covered under warranty. Three (3) days ago, my husband noticed a clunking sound when turning the steering wheel. Same dealer today, claimed it was a bad bushing. The repair cost us, out of pocket, $345. You can’t tell me Hyundai wasn’t aware of this issue as well, yet simply ignored it. Way too many recalls on a vehicle that originally rated as 2011’s mid-size car of the year. This family will never again buy another Hyandai product. At this point, I’m genuinely concerned for our safety. Perhaps NHTSA should be made aware of this issue as well. A lousy piece of rubber between the car owner and the highway!
Brenda
Steering coupling made of rubber…pathetic. Part $12 labor $390 I’ve been the owner of 3 Sonatas and this 2011 will be my last.
Dale
Steering coupling on my 2011 Hyundai Sonata went bad common problem part was $9.93 labor to replace $441.00 well over a thousand complaints should be a recall
Chelsea
Just got notified I need to get my steering coupling replaced. This is seeming more like a complete scam for companies to get more money out of us. They purposefully make parts like crap so they need to be replaced at our own expense.
Jason
I have a 2011. There is a popping noise in my steering and none of my buttons work on the steering wheel! I’m going to take it to the dealership today.
velta
I have a 2011 sonata and my steering is slipping and jerking. Since that recall doesn’t fall under my Vin They are refusing to fix my car nor will they furnish rental while they fix my car so I’m having to pay for their mistakes. Ridiculous
Robert
I have a 2011 Hyuandi Sonata having problems with the steering column, popping and jerking.
Shirley
I have a 2011 Sonata….my steering has gotten stiff….has anyone else experienced the symptom?
Damaris
I took my sonata to the hyundai dealership by appointment they werent trying to be helpful or take a chance to diagnose they try to take money out of your pocket like that trying to tell you your not under warranty up to 65k miles thats not true. if you have extended warranties you should still ask for them to call the 1800 # to check and see if the part is under warranty. And it is. they fixed mines today! so you can go get it checked out and fixed.
Jonathan
Same Problem with my vehicle. No longer under warranty and my vehicle was made 1 month outside of that recall window…
lynn
Well my 2011 it wasn’t my intended vehicle. I was set on a jeep Cherokee. But this time last year I was in a bad way. I had issues with the fuses and the electrical system. then I had to have the motor gutted from the car cause it seized up due to that recall . Now there’s a embarrassing clicking noise every time I turn left or right I know the motor have a warranty on it, but I brought my Hyundai sonata from a private dealer and I wonder if it’s the steering couplar. Or cv boot
Shane
Same problem with my 2011 Sonata. I called Hyundai and they said my car was produced after all the ones with the same exact problem were produced. Last time I buy a Hyundai. I was the original owner!
ronnie
I too am having the same problem with my 2011 sonata I have the platinum warranty and I called to see if it was under that warranty and they told me it was covered I will be taking my car in tomorrow to get the couplar fixed and this will be my last hyundai
Katrina
I’ve had the exact same problem with shaking steering wheel (above 70), so much so I couldn’t drive the highway. I paid for balancing and alignment, but then noticed steering wheel was lose and clicking. It even appeared to shift quickly to one direction while driving without steering that way. Today, when i I brought it in to a local Hyundai dealership to service the most recent recalls for the 2011 Sonata, I probed some more about the steering column. I learned my car was under that recall and was serviced in 2010 before i purchased the car. The recall appeared to be the shaft and he was adamant to say it was the couplar that’s the current issue, that the two were not related and I will have to pay out of pocket. My hypothesis is Hyundai issued the recall for the shaft, but it has not fixed the actual problem with the couplar and steering column, but are now refusing to fix the main steering problem claiming it’s not under warranty or a part of the recall. I’ve escalated to customer affairs but its been extremely frustrating this past year with the steering wheel.
Dan
Ditto to all the above. Hyundai appears well aware of this issue, and charged me $360 out of pocket for repair. Steering linkage issues are not trivial. I suggest all file complaints with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration and request investigation. I am guessing that if they do internal Hyundai repair search for this defect they will find oodles of issues and realize that this is a manufacturing defect and hopefully issue recall, crediting those individuals who were forced to pay up front as well.
Bren
I just took my 2011 Sonata to the dealer because I thought that the steering wheel was coming off. It felt like I could pull it off. It also shake when I got to a certain speed and mash the brakes. We bought our 2011 new in 2010. We didn’t drive it very much until 2013. A representative told me immediately that it was the steering coupler and that there wasn’t a recall on it. He said it would be ($462).That’s too much! It is very scary taking my daughter to school in that car. WHAT if something goes wrong around the children and I injure one of them. I have printed some of the recalls out on the steering that I found and plan to take them with me when I return Monday to see what they say. I really don’t trust people that lie like that. They may say they are going to fix the problem and don’t!!! I am not a mechanic and I wouldn’t know maybe until something goes very wrong!!! Husband passed away in 2013!! Feel taken advantage of!!
Chris
My vehicles was one of those recalled for steering repair in 2011. However within the last couple of months the clicking or catching sound has arisen. When I asked dealer to look at it after bringing car in for starter arm ( a whole other issue which numerous people have had at $350) the representative told me it was the coupler without even having the mechanic looking at it. Instead the mechanic told him it was the coupler. Cost would be $400 + to repair.
steve
Yes the steering column is clicking like everyone here. They need to fix this asap. Very upset. 2011 Sonata T2.0.
griffinmic88
Bought an extended warranty, and my VIN is not under the recall. Dealership immediately knew this was an error when I brought it in. Seems like a defective design. Being charge $240 for parts an labor….seems like a scam to me. VERY upset since this is a known issue and faulty design. I have filed a complaint, my ODI is 10808834 with NHSTA. I recommend you all do the same.
solo14sy
I purchased my 2011 Hyundai Sonata in November of 2014 and the steering wheel clicks when I turn in and vibrates violently when I reach high speeds above 50 miles per hour. I took the car into the Hyundai dealership and it failed inspection due to a loose steering column caused by a defective rubber coupler that apparently disintegrates over time. The dealership charges $1.60 for the coupler part and $448.48 for the labor. I cannot afford this and I have two small children (3 and 4 years old). I am very much afraid to drive this vehicle with this problem. Now I am without a vehicle because of the failed Virginia inspection and I don’t know what to do. I’ve contacted Hyundai so far to no avail. I need help.
Jford
You no I have 2011 sonata I will be bringing the recall you there attention along with the engine recall theysuppose to let the dealership no about repairs by Nov 2ND will see tomorrow.
Paula
I purchased a 2.0 T Hyundai Sonata 02/2011. It was new. I have had two brake switches put on it. It wouldn’t crank! Now, there is a popping noise in the steering wheel. I was told it was a rubber boot/coupling. The price for this was only $1.60, but the labor would be $243.00. I saved for three weeks and took it to the dealership in Jasper, Alabama. I was told that it was not the problem that I needed a steering column, and the part and labor would be $1167.00. I found this site that says there are issues with the stirring column. I called Hyundai customer service and I was told that I do not have a recall on my car, but I have a “campaign 927” for my car. I asked what that meant. I was told that there was a problem with “tracking” with the steering. I was asked if I had problems with it pulling. I told her my car pulls to the right all the time. I called Jasper back after this. I got no help. I was told this was not a recall just a campaign. Well, in the meantime I will be driving a dangerous car. I don’t have the money to fix it. My car has 89,000 miles on it, so I don’t have a warranty. I think I will look for an American made car next time, since Hyundai will not fix “their” defective products.
Deborah
10/19/15 October,2012,I purchased a 2011 Sonata from a local dealership in the Raleigh/Durham,NC area. November 8,2013,I had my radio system replaced.Luckly, I purchased an additional warranty to cover the cost of $3,203.00. I had to pay a $100.00 deductible. August 31,2015, I had an alignment done and was told I had two bent rims;one could be repaired. The other may have to be replaced. I was given the price of $150.00 for the repair and $380 plus tax for replacement.I was also told my steering coupling needed to be replaced at a cost of $360.00 plus tax. On October 19,2015,I had an oil change and inspection done. I was reminded about the steering coupling needing replaced now at a cost of $365.00. If this was a recall matter,Hyundai should have taken care of this. I am disappointed in the service of this car and I am having problems with the radio again. This will be my last one.
Jen
I too took my 2011 sonata to the dealership after my regular mechanic pulled up the recall online. What the service manager quickly told me was they were not able to schedule this because the part is on back order and it will be at least a month, AND there are lots of people in front of me. I don’t trust them. Sounds like they don’t want to replace for free.
Mike
The clunky noise of my stering shaft is getting worse and worse.Took it to the dealership and they immediately knew what it was. I was told by TWO different service managers in TWO different occasions that there was a recall for my car (Sonata 2011) but for some reason my VIN wasn’t part of it. I called Hyundai customer service and they brushed me off by saying that I’m pretty much out of luck because my VIN is not listed for this specific recall. Something needs to be done
y isaacs
I have a 2011 Sonata purchase two years ago,car look beautiful but it is a lemon. Since last week it is a low rattling sound in the steering wheel, will be taking to the dealership, Hunydai need to do what is right by its customers and recall these car.Too dangerous for the road
Chris
2011 Sonata same issue. It was purchased new and had the recall and was told it was fixed. Now, 3 plus years later I have the knocking left to right in park and a vibration at higher speeds with what seems is a very unstable steering column. I really question whether it was really fixed or they just said it was. Is there a class action lawsuit anyone knows about? I would like to join if there is… Seems to me the problem continues and they don’t seem to care. Disappointed in the product and lack of assistance.
April
I purchased a 2011 Sonata in August 2014, from a dealership but not a Hyundai dealer–I also purchased an extended bumper to bumper 100k warranty. Sept 2015 my starter wouldn’t turn over which I had the car towed to Hyundai dealership for service I was informed it was a broken starter lever. They replaced it ( took 2 days) and all I had to pay out of pocket was my $100 deductable. My steering wheel/column area began showings signs of a clicking noise upon starting up around July 2014….it progressively got more noticeable while driving and turning the steering wheel. I took the car back to Hyundai service late Sept. & almost immediately I was told after a quick visual inspection it was a bushing in the steering coupling that went bad. I was unaware of any recall or other Sonata owners w/ this problem. Sure I got off w/ only paying my $100 deductible but that’s still not right…Hyundai needs to make this right!! I’ll be contacting customer service on Monday!!!
MARK
I have a 2012 Hyundai Sonata Limited and it just started thr same clicking sound in steering column as the other people on this thread. What a crock. $315 for something they know is a problem. Dealer I went to said a bunch of people have this problem. They knew what it was immediately.
Daniel
I have a 2011 Hyundia Sonata with the same problem, noise coming from my steering column. I took it to a repair shop as soon as he heard the noise he knew exactly what it was. He told me it was the coupler in the steering column that was going bad – See more at: http://www.aboutlawsuits.com/hyundai-sonata-recall-steering-problems-13090/?replytocom=87856#sthash.Gg7P3k0C.dpuf
Tommy
I bought my 2011 Hyundai Sonata in 2013 and about a year ago I also have experienced the same knocking noise in the steering wheel column. A few months back I was made aware of the transmission lever recall campaign which would stop my transmission lever from engaging to the next gear at times. I took it into the Red McCombs Hyundai dealership here in San Antonio for the lever recall and brought to the technicians attention of the knocking noise. He knew immediately what’s causing the noise. Like everyone else’s comments listed it is the coupler in the steering wheel. While he inspecting the car for the primary recall (transmission lever) he quoted me the price without even checking the computer. So I asked, ” is this a common issue?” He didn’t really answer.. I shined light on how was he so aware of the issue without proper diagnosis… No recall he stated… As of today ,September 28th, I contacted Hyundai Assurance about the campaign that has made nation news about effecting over 400,000 vehicles on the engine defect of bearings wearing. The representative stated he was not aware of the knocking noise… But created a case number. this matter needs to be resolved by Hyundai, not out of consumers pockets. I am an advocate of Hyundai despite of this worrisome issue. But will be changing if I will not be addressed with this matter by them Hyundai resolving this matter at their own expense.
Greg
Have a 2011 sonata with the same problem in the steering as the rest of these comments . Live by St. Louis and my son has the car in collage in champaign Urbana . He took it to the dealer and they too told my son there was no recall. I guess I have to find a different solution to the problem. Definitely the last Hyundai I will purchase.
Glenda
I’m scared to drive mine and was just told yesterday that I shouldn’t drive any place in the car, I don’t have the money because I’m a single mom trying to stay above water!!! Anyone have an ideal how much this knocking is going to cost to get fix-I was told my warranty stopped at 60,000-I just reached 70,000! Help?
alejandra
I have a 2011 hyundai sonata. I bought. The car with no warrenty becaz i didnt have the credit score. So my steering wheel is very stiff. I cannt move it . what can i due i called the manufacturing company it doesnt have no warrenty but i see it had a recall..
Sarah
Hmm, I think I will look into starting a class action lawsuit! My husband’s 2011 Sonata just started having the same problem. I called the customer care number about 2 hours ago and was at first told that they were unaware of any steering column issues. Then, when I brought up this site and how many people were experiencing the same problems, they were suddenly able to find where there had been issues, but no recall. I call bull on that. I am not paying for repairs on their faulty car!
Crystal
I’m having the same problems is there any help for us?
LaToya
i too have a 2011 Hyundia Sonata with the same problem, noise coming from my steering column. I took it past the dealership and as soon as he heard the noise he knew exactly what it was. He told me it was the coupler in the steering column that was going bad. Then he proceeded to scare me into getting it done right then by telling me I would eventually loose control of my steering and that he could fix it right then for a mere $340. Me being a single parent don’t have that kind of money just laying around. I also pulled up the recall and was told that it wasn’t covered. I too believe something needs to be done. It’s not fair when something like this happens to several of the same cars when clearly it has something to do with the manufacturing.
Anthony
Bought car in June 2013,soon after that i was getting clicking sound when i made a hard right turn. Dealership replaced right cv joint. Thats after they told me it was not under warranty, I called the warranty company and they told me that was not true , no one had called them about this problem. soon after same problem , dealership fixed left cv joint, now im hearing clicking sound in steering wheel when i hit bumps,I’m at 96000 miles so im taking it in the next day or two, hope its covered. P.S. also had proublems with brake lights
Billy
I actually have a 2012 Sonata 2.0t SE and I just had a mechanic look at mine because it was making the same types of noises explained above. I wonder if this recall should have been expanded into other years as well.
Achristi
Well….. I thought I had a great car. Purchased the warranty ( I bought it used). Anyway, I had to get a starter replaced. Not too mad about that… It happens. However… the clicking into the wheel. They told me there was a recall, they “fixed” it and the clicking is still there. I’m like whatever….. Now! I drive it and when I turn into a merging road… the steering wheel locks. Immediately unlocks. Proceeds on like nothing happened. Soooo I was told at first it was a history that needed to be reset. A steering column sensor. Lol! Alright I entertained it and paid $61.00 for the repair. I thought the repair was complete and I was good. Lo and behold it did it again 13 days later. Now!!!!!! After diagnoses….. It’s the steering rack. Ok Hyundai. I hope this works. MY LAST HYUNDAI!!! GOING BACK TO FORD WHERE ANYONE CAN WORK ON IT!!!
Vincent
Wow! I cannot believe with all the complaints that I’ve just read regarding the same issues about the noise in steering wheel. I went to the dealer last week and mentioned the problem. Right away, without looking further, the agent told me that the problem was the steering coupling because according to him, had lots of complaints. Just this past weekend, I took my 2011 Sonata to my regular mechanic and after dismantling, he mentioned that the problem is the steering column. Dazed and confused…
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