Problems · by component

2012 Hyundai Elantra steering problems

90 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2012 Hyundai Elantra cite steering, 13% of all 676 complaints for this model year.

Complaints
90
13% of all complaints
Crashes
9
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
5
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the steering

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“My steering wheel started making loud rattling and clunking noise. This happened when I turned or slowed down or went over a bump. It got worse very quickly. I suddenly could not steer at all. So I ran into a pole. Thankfully it wasn't another car or a person. Many people have this same issue. This needs to be recalled ASAP. It's either the pinion and rack issue or the steering wheel issue.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 3, 2024Steering, WheelsCrash reportedODI 11628690
“The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly after the steering wheel briefly jerked back and forth, requiring increased effort to maneuver the vehicle. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became regular. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the rubber coupling. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin 17-ST-002. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 14, 2024SteeringODI 11625251
“Steering wheel locks up when trying to start car. Have to jiggle steering wheel to get it unlocked. While driving steering wheel make clicking sound and catches back and forth while driving”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 4, 2024SteeringODI 11618077
“The steering wheel is locking up and unable to turn key/ignition while parked. This has happened multiple times. I jiggle the steering wheel while trying to turn key. It takes much effort and time until it finally unlocks. The first incident happened perhaps 2 years ago. This week it has occured 3 times within the past 3 days. I do not see any warning lights on my dashboard.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 11, 2024SteeringODI 11614108
“Since day 1. Brakes have failed. First recall took years. They “updated my software “ brakes still failed. They failed to believe me “Couldn’t find a problem “ there’s no warning lights no nothing. Out of nowhere. The Brake goes to the floor. Makes a grinding sound and your either going towards on coming traffic or a ditch. Brakes failed at numerous intersections. How I’m alive is beyond me. The best part, either the seat belt is too baggy or strangles you there’s no in between. My entire steering system is junk. wasted money on tires alignments brake pads brake censors. Dealership has another recall on these brakes with no remedy. I’ve sadly driven this car over 10 years with failing brakes. I drive with my right hand on the e brake ready to yank it at any given times. I’m honestly traumatized by this car. Engine and transmission are junk. Nightmare”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 16, 2024Steering, Service brakes, EngineODI 11589017
“The steering coupler is damaged and is causing unstable steering while driving. It’s causing the wheel to be wobbly with uncontrolled pulling which causes the car to suddenly pull to either side of the lane abruptly when driving. It is causing issues with the stabilizer bar and severe uneven wear of the tires; the right front passenger wheel feels like it will fly off at any time. The car isn’t safe to drive right now because it has progressively gotten worse with time. I’ve been advised by our mechanic that it is a wide range problem that is known about and should have been classified as a recall because it’s not safe. I am on a fixed income and cannot afford to get this fixed fight now so my car is sitting inoperable.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 25, 2024SteeringODI 11567904

Showing 6 of 90 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page

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