2011 Hyundai Sonata Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 1,171about this part
- Share
- 35%of 3,380 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 65,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 1,171 complaints about the steering of the 2011 Hyundai Sonata, 35% of the 3,380 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 65,000 miles. 21 of these say a crash was involved and 6 a fire, according to the filers. 3 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Was driving about 30 MPH when the car began accelerating without me applying pressure to the gas. I was coming to a light to make a red turn and when I applied the brakes they would not slow down my vehicle so my speed increased. The steering wheel then locked and before I knew it a car had collided with me crossing in front of me. My car was totalled.”
NHTSA complaint #11319095, filed 2020-03, 147,000 miles“My engine light has been on for 6 months and I had the timer sensor replaced twice. And it is still on. My car steering wheel vibrates at times. The steering wheel makes a cracking noise while parking or pulling out. Also my airbag light has been on continuous for 6 months over the steering wheel. Keep taking it to the shop and told to check recalls but my car is never listed.”
NHTSA complaint #11376773, filed 2020-11, 108,433 miles“Steering coupler recall needed! Front dash crack randomly appeared I read it could be due to the damaged coupler. I had a wreck and my car was about $400 from being totalled. The insurance refused to fix the coupler and it is now my responsibility. It sounds awful and it is scary driving around with my steering wheel sounding like it is going to fly off the dash.”
NHTSA complaint #11245159, filed 2019-08, 125,000 miles“Steering wheel makes a noise. When turned. Car ride is bumpy on inspection mechanic said I need steering column replaced and I need left front lower control arm replaced, front sway bar links need replacement. Almost $2000 expense. This car has 132000 miles on it . I took care of car rotate the tires did preventive maintenance.the vehicle has very bumpy ride when turned makes noise.”
NHTSA complaint #11344163, filed 2020-08, 132,000 miles“My steering wheel makes a clicking sound when I turn it and when ever I go over bumps. I received a safety notice in the mail about this problem so I took it to glendora Hyundai where I bought the car and they told me they couldn't fix it because my warranty had expired. What is the purpose of the safety notice if you're not going to fix the problem!”
NHTSA complaint #11063611, filed 2018-01, 115,000 milesRelated recalls
- 16V190000Apr 5, 2016Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2011 Sonata vehicles manufactured December 11, 2009, to October 31, 2010. In the affected…Covers: Hyundai Sonata 2011
- 10V457000Oct 1, 2010Hyundai is recalling certain model year 2011 sonata vehicles manufactured from december 11, 2009, through september 10, 2010. On some of these vehicles the…Covers: Hyundai Sonata 2011
- 10V426000Sep 20, 2010Hyundai is recalling certain model year 2011 sonata vehicles manufactured from december 11, 2009, through september 10, 2010. On some of these vehicles the…Covers: Hyundai Sonata 2011
Related 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.
- 10144430Aug 30, 2018On some Sonata (YF, LF), Sonata Hybrid (YF HEV, LF HEV), Santa Fe (NC), and Azera (HG) vehicles, a yoke noise may develop in the steering rack. This bulletin provides information…
- 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…
- 10081120Apr 12, 2016"effective tuesday, april 12, 2016 hyundai motor america will be identifying vins with open recall campaign 143 on webdcs."
- 10076438Apr 12, 2016WEBDCS: RECALL 143 2011 Sonata Electronic Power Steering (EPS) Control Unit Cover Unit Replacement - Remedy Not Yet Available Identification
- 10060972Feb 1, 2014Summary to be provided on a future date.
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2 | 4% |
| 2023 | 2 | 2% |
| 2021 | 2 | 1% |
| 2020 | 7 | 4% |
| 2019 | 6 | 4% |
| 2018 | 9 | 2% |
| 2017 | 173 | 23% |
| 2016 | 33 | 5% |
| 2015 | 74 | 6% |
| 2014 | 65 | 9% |
| 2013 | 342 | 18% |
| 2012 | 301 | 19% |
| 2011 | 1,171 | 35% |
| 2010 | 15 | 4% |
| 2009 | 26 | 6% |
| 2008 | 6 | 1% |
| 2007 | 12 | 2% |
| 2006 | 35 | 3% |
| 2005 | 6 | 4% |
| 2004 | 13 | 6% |
| 2003 | 9 | 5% |
| 2002 | 24 | 8% |
| 2001 | 10 | 5% |
| 2000 | 8 | 3% |
| 1999 | 6 | 5% |
| 1998 | 2 | 4% |
| 1997 | 1 | 2% |
| 1996 | 1 | 4% |
| 1995 | 2 | 3% |
| 1993 | 3 | 12% |
| 1992 | 2 | 9% |
| 1991 | 1 | 3% |
Other parts of the 2011 Hyundai Sonata
968 complaintsElectrical system
444 complaintsAir bags
419 complaintsExterior lighting
249 complaintsOther or unknown
217 complaintsBrakes
175 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
173 complaintsSuspension
149 complaintsFuel system
133 complaintsSeat belts
107 complaintsVehicle speed control
95 complaintsBody and structure
73 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2011 Hyundai Sonata
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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