2011 Hyundai Sonata Steering Problems
Steering complaints make up 1,171 of 3,376 total complaints (35%) for the 2011 Hyundai Sonata, the highest share of any model year. NHTSA lists 21 crashes and 6 fires tied to steering issues, with a median failure mileage of 65,000. Three related recalls cover the EPS control unit and steering column universal joint connections.
- Steering complaints
- 1,171
- 35% of 3,376
- Crashes reported
- 21
- Fires reported
- 6
- Injuries reported
- 6
- Median mileage
- 65,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 3
Typical steering symptoms owners report
- Owners describe the steering wheel suddenly locking or seizing while driving at speeds ranging from 25 to 65 mph, sometimes leading to a crash.
- Some report the vehicle failing to turn even though the steering wheel was turned, resulting in collisions.
- Others describe excessive play or looseness in the steering wheel, making it hard to recover control after hitting road hazards like ice.
- Several complaints mention a sudden pull or shift of the vehicle to one side at highway speed.
- A few owners report steering feedback loss occurring alongside stability control warning lights and smoke or burning smells.
When 2011 Hyundai Sonata steering complaints were filed
First complaint Mar 29, 2010, latest Sep 3, 2026.
Steering recalls for the 2011 Hyundai Sonata
- NHTSA 16V190000Apr 5, 2016Steering173,000 vehicles
Steering:electric power assist system
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2011 Sonata vehicles manufactured December 11, 2009, to October 31, 2010. In the affected vehicles, the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) circuit board may be damaged and result in a loss of power steering assist.
Risk: With a loss of power steering assist, extra steering effort will be required, especially at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EPS control unit, free of charge. The recall began May 30, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9640. Hyundai's number for this recall is 143.
- NHTSA 10V457000Oct 1, 2010Steering60 vehicles
Steering:gear box:shaft sector
Hyundai is recalling certain model year 2011 sonata vehicles manufactured from december 11, 2009, through september 10, 2010. On some of these vehicles the steering column intermediate shaft universal joint connections may have been either improperly assembled or insufficiently tightened.
Risk: Improper assembly or insufficient tightening of the connections could result in a complete separation or compromised attachment of the connections, such that the driver could experience a loss of, or reduction in, steering capability increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the steering column intermediate shaft universal joint connections for proper assembly and torque. In addition dealers will update the power steering software free of charge. The safety recall began on october 11, 2010. Owners may contact hyundai customer service center at 1-787-999-3333.
- NHTSA 10V426000Sep 20, 2010Steering138,354 vehicles
Steering:gear box:shaft sector
Hyundai is recalling certain model year 2011 sonata vehicles manufactured from december 11, 2009, through september 10, 2010. On some of these vehicles the steering column intermediate shaft universal joint connections may have been either improperly assembled or insufficiently tightened.
Risk: Improper assembly or insufficient tightening of the connections could result in a complete separation or compromised attachment of the connections, such that the driver could experience a loss of, or reduction in, steering capability increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the steering column intermediate shaft universal joint connections for proper assembly and torque. In addition dealers will update the power steering software free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during october 2010. Owners may contact hyundai customer assistance center at 1-800-633-5151.
Steering complaints by Sonata model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- Is steering a common problem on the 2011 Hyundai Sonata?
- Yes. Steering accounts for 1,171 of 3,376 total complaints filed for the 2011 Sonata, or 35% of all complaints, the largest share of any model year for this issue.
- Is there a steering recall for the 2011 Hyundai Sonata?
- Yes. NHTSA lists three steering-related recalls: campaign 16V190000 for the Electronic Power Steering control unit, and campaigns 10V457000 and 10V426000 for steering column intermediate shaft universal joint connections.
- At what mileage do steering problems usually appear on the 2011 Sonata?
- NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 65,000 at the time of steering failure, though sample complaints range from under 4,000 miles to over 100,000 miles.
- How serious are the steering complaints for the 2011 Sonata?
- NHTSA associates 21 crashes and 6 fires with the steering complaints filed for the 2011 Sonata, along with 6 reported injuries.