2012 Hyundai Sonata Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 301about this part
- Share
- 19%of 1,559 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 72,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 301 complaints about the steering of the 2012 Hyundai Sonata, 19% of the 1,559 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 72,000 miles. 6 of these say a crash was involved and 3 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Clicking noise when turning the steering wheel at 68,000 miles. Took it to dealer and was told that 2011's were recalled for this item but not 2012's, so it is a warranty issue, but it was beyond the 60,000 miles for warranty. Dealer said it's not a safety issue so I could keep driving it until I had the money to pay for the repair.”
NHTSA complaint #11194997, filed 2019-04, 67,500 miles“Clicking noise when steering,turning, and driving into a parking spot. Never heard any other car making clicking noise before this car and I have driven many different make and model cars! Hyundai should issue an order to recall this problem. I have seen many Hyundai Sonata owners experiencing the same problem. This problem started about 6 months ago.”
NHTSA complaint #11120684, filed 2018-08, 50,000 miles“Electronic steering failure a lot of noise and the steering column rattles when you hit the smallest bumps. This is a major safety issue as it is difficult to keep the steering straight and it is my wife's call driving my family to school etc. It will catch when attempting to turn increasing the risk of accidents in a situation where you need to be able to make quick moves.”
NHTSA complaint #11279942, filed 2019-11, 68,000 miles“Steering wheel clicks constantly and drive shaft giggles and makes loud clucking noises, especially on rough terrain it feels like the steering wheel is going to snap and I loose all steering and control of vehicle. I went to get it fixed and the mechanic stated he couldn't due to the severity of it.”
NHTSA complaint #11348445, filed 2020-08, 80,000 miles“Was changing lanes and tried to pick up speed. At which point my engine locked up and no longer turn over. This caused my power steering to fail, brakes to be applied despite me not pressing them. Then my car began to smell like it was burning. I was going 50 on a highway when this accrued during rush hour.”
NHTSA complaint #11268779, filed 2019-10, 125,521 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.
- 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…
- 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 2012 Hyundai Sonata
568 complaintsElectrical system
235 complaintsAir bags
170 complaintsBrakes
158 complaintsExterior lighting
141 complaintsOther or unknown
125 complaintsFuel system
114 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
97 complaintsVehicle speed control
84 complaintsSeat belts
75 complaintsBody and structure
39 complaintsSuspension
36 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 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