2012 Hyundai Elantra Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 88about this part
- Share
- 13%of 654 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 67,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 88 complaints about the steering of the 2012 Hyundai Elantra, 13% of the 654 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 67,000 miles. 9 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I live in missouri where they still have vehicle inspections to renew tags for legally driving. Got in the vehicle and started it I then try to use the steering wheel controls to change radio station would not work then tried the other side of the steering wheel to make a phone call and it wouldn't work then I tried the horn and it would not work. …”
NHTSA complaint #11396101, filed 2021-02, 145,000 miles“When coming to a stop a pulsating motion, similar to a warped brake rotor, was felt. The steering flex coupler partially disintegrated causing approx. 1/4 turn slack in steering wheel. Coupler was replaced on 8/5/2020. I did not suffer any damage,but I absolutely believe that this design is far more dangerous than the toyota air bag design.”
NHTSA complaint #11343615, filed 2020-08, 107,000 miles“As I backed out of a parking place and attempted to stop the car in reverse to check the area behind me, the car stalled out completely, the engine stopped and the brakes would not respond and seemed stuck. I put the car back in park and turned it off, then finally on the third try, the engine engaged and I had control of the car, moved back into the parking place and then managed to back out normally and proceed.”
NHTSA complaint #11197216, filed 2019-04, 36,000 miles“Steering is extremely difficult to turn while driving and making loud thud and clicking noises. I understand the rubber coupling may be to blame and Hyundai refuses to pay for cost of repair. This should be a recall as it's placing people's lives in danger. I drive with my 1-year-old son in this dangerous situation. It's appalling that Hyundai has not recalled this problem with the immense amount of documented complaints.”
NHTSA complaint #11204888, filed 2019-04, 130,000 miles“My 2012 Hyundai Elantra has started with loose steering and a loud clunking noise each time the wheel is turned either way. I have contacted the dealership and they said my warranty is not covered (64,000 miles). I have read a number of complaints about the same problem from other owners. They want $135.00 to look at it, I'm sure it's a manufacturing problem and should be recalled or covered. This occurs when in motion and stationary.”
NHTSA complaint #11254424, filed 2019-09, 62,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10180981Sep 9, 2020This bulletin provides information regarding replacement of the column-mounted Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) system as separate components.
- 10179244Aug 10, 2020This bulletin provides information regarding replacement of the column-mounted Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) system as separate components.
- 10170896Jan 3, 2020This bulletin provides information regarding replacement of the column-mounted Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) system as separate components.
- 10160106Apr 22, 2019This bulletin provides information regarding replacement of the column-mounted Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) system as separate components.
- 10140446May 15, 2018On some Elantra (MD/UD), Elantra GT (GD) and Veloster (FS) vehicles, a noise may develop in the steering rack. This bulletin does not address any steering function related…
- 10110926Feb 27, 2017Hyundai has announced an extended warranty for the motor driven power steering (MDPS) coupling on the following vehicles: ? 2011-2014 Sonata (YFa), 2011-2014 Sonata Hybrid (YF…
- 10110922Feb 27, 2017The MDPS (motor driven power steering) assembly contains a flexible rubber coupling which may wear over time resulting in a slight "clicking" or "thud" type noise when turning…
- 10042600Nov 1, 2011Hyundai: information has been provided relating to the software update for the electric power steering (eps) on some elantra vehicles.
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 5% |
| 2024 | 7 | 13% |
| 2023 | 3 | 3% |
| 2022 | 2 | 2% |
| 2021 | 5 | 4% |
| 2020 | 20 | 8% |
| 2019 | 9 | 4% |
| 2018 | 16 | 6% |
| 2017 | 71 | 9% |
| 2016 | 19 | 6% |
| 2015 | 26 | 10% |
| 2014 | 28 | 7% |
| 2013 | 271 | 21% |
| 2012 | 88 | 13% |
| 2011 | 75 | 17% |
| 2010 | 195 | 51% |
| 2009 | 133 | 52% |
| 2008 | 55 | 17% |
| 2007 | 34 | 13% |
| 2006 | 3 | 2% |
| 2005 | 6 | 4% |
| 2004 | 5 | 3% |
| 2003 | 16 | 7% |
| 2002 | 16 | 5% |
| 2001 | 24 | 8% |
| 2000 | 2 | 1% |
| 1999 | 2 | 2% |
| 1998 | 1 | 2% |
| 1997 | 2 | 2% |
| 1996 | 1 | 1% |
| 1995 | 6 | 5% |
| 1994 | 3 | 4% |
Other parts of the 2012 Hyundai Elantra
139 complaintsElectrical system
126 complaintsAir bags
124 complaintsBrakes
99 complaintsOther or unknown
67 complaintsSuspension
45 complaintsElectronic stability control
44 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
40 complaintsVehicle speed control
27 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
19 complaintsFuel system
18 complaintsExterior lighting
17 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 Hyundai Elantra
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology