Problems · by component

2009 Hyundai Elantra steering problems

145 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2009 Hyundai Elantra cite steering, 51% of all 287 complaints for this model year. NHTSA also lists 1 recall on this component.

Complaints
145
51% of all complaints
Crashes
5
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
3
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the steering

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“The contact owns a 2009 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and stationary, the vehicle was started and the steering wheel was very stiff. The contact originally thought that the issue was battery related; however, replacing the battery failed to resolve the issue. Due to the failure, the EPS and TPMS warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V100000 (Steering); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and stated that the part was not available. The local dealer was contacted but was unable to receive the part. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 209,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 30, 2026SteeringODI 11774654
“The contact owns a 2009 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH on the highway, the vehicle lost power steering assist. The power steering assist warning light was illuminated during the failure. The contact pulled over to the side of the road, turned off and restarted the vehicle; however, the failure persisted. The contact was able to continue driving, although the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, the cause of the failure could not be determined; however, the mechanic associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V100000 (Steering) and referred the contact to the manufacturer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 46,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 22, 2026SteeringODI 11766100
“I am reporting Hyundai’s failure to complete open Campaign 127/NHTSA Recall 15V-100 on my 2009 Hyundai Elantra. I acquired the vehicle from a family member in late July 2026 after the previous owner died and the vehicle was delayed in probate. I sought recall service immediately after legal transfer. Component/system: The Electronic Power Steering (EPS) failed. Power steering assist is completely unavailable. The EPS warning lamp is illuminated and the EPS module reports DTC C1604. The vehicle and EPS system remain at [XXX] Hyundai in [XXX] and are available for inspection upon request. Safety risk: The vehicle was driven from [XXX] to [XXX] during transportation during its transfer to me, and the power steering failed en route. Loss of steering assist substantially increased steering effort suddenly& created a safety risk to the driver, passengers and other motorists. Dealer confirmation: Yes. The condition is recognized by [XXX] Hyundai. I presented the vehicle on XXX specifically for the open EPS recall, and it has remained there since. This is the second area Hyundai dealer that attempted to decline recall service. [XXX] states it cannot perform the…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 3, 2026SteeringODI 11762043
“Power steering assist motor stopped working, leaving the car with hard manual steering. Dealer inspection confirms the issue across several year models, inclding my 2009. There were 2 other year models with the same issue in their shop with mine that day. One was 2018. One was a 2023. Car is very difficult to steer around curves at any speed. Warning lamp on dash says "EPS".”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 29, 2026SteeringODI 11760582
“The contact owns a 2009 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. The EPS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. In addition, the contact stated that an unknown recall with a similar description of the failure was completed in 2023. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 28, 2026SteeringODI 11753249
“Vehicle has a major problem steering down the road as I am traveling, its also makes loud clicks while turning left or right, also if freezing up and getting stiff along the way, The item that's causing this problem is call EPS , my light will not go out on its own, My local dealership will not honor the warranty or the recall stated it was repair ed I am the 2 or 3 owner of said vehicle, I can see where it show data update March 30 2026 , , It was never fix and Bentley Hyundai in Huntsville Alabama, will not honor this recall for my vehicle,”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 31, 2026SteeringODI 11728159

Showing 6 of 145 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 9, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Related recalls

1 recall on this component

Steering: electric power assist system

Free remedy

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Elantra vehicles manufactured June 1, 2008, to April 30, 2010, and 2009-2010 Elantra Touring vehicles manufactured November 1, 2008, to April 30, 2010. The electronic power steering (EPS) electronic control unit (ECU) may sense a discrepancy in the steering input signals and, as a result, disable the steering power assist.

SteeringReported Feb 23, 2015NHTSA 15V100000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 9, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Other 2009 Elantra problem areas