Problems · by component
2016 Hyundai Sonata steering problems
34 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2016 Hyundai Sonata cite steering, 5% of all 728 complaints for this model year.
Complaints
34
5% of all complaints
Crashes
1
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
2
Reported by owners
What owners say about the steering
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“I am filing a formal safety complaint regarding severe vehicle instability, structural safety risks, and dealership workmanship negligence following a federal safety recall engine replacement. My vehicle received a new engine block under a federal campaign at a local dealership. Immediately upon picking up the vehicle, the front suspension developed a severe, heavy mechanical knocking and bumping noise over road surfaces under 20 mph, making the vehicle structurally unstable and hazardous to drive. To perform this engine swap, technicians were physically required to drop the front subframe framework and disconnect the lower suspension linkages and steering column components. The dealership is actively trying to deflect safety accountability for an assembly error. They issued a new estimate attempting to charge me over $3,200 to replace the entire front strut and rear shock assembly, claiming it is a 'pre-existing wear-and-tear' issue due to mileage. However, I hold the dealership's official Multi-Point Vehicle Inspection report from when the car was first dropped off for the engine failure three weeks prior. In that mandatory baseline safety report, their own…”
“The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 5 MPH and making a turn into a parking lot, the steering wheel seized, and the vehicle came to a stop. The contact was able to push the vehicle to a parking space with assistance. The vehicle was then pushed on to a tow truck and was towed to a Cadillac dealer but was not repaired. The vehicle was then towed to Goose Auto Repair, where it was diagnosed and determined that the front driver's side wheel hub had fractured, causing the wheel to separate from the vehicle. The vehicle was repaired. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed; however, no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 144,000.”
“Steering sticks and releases under pressure at 60/65+ mph on interstate. Very difficult to keep vehicle in lane consistently. Constantly correcting both right & left to maintain straight line is extremely fatiguing especially on long trips. Safe driving at highway speeds is compromised and presents safety concerns for occupants as well as motorists nearby in addition to the apprehension it creates wondering if you're able to correct the steering drift before having an accident. There aren't any dashboard warning indicators when this happens Reported to dealer in central Florida on March 22, 2024 and dealer ordered parts Ref TSB 23-ST-003H. Hyundai Extended warranty TXXO. Factory has sent some parts to dealer twice that I know of and each time vehicle has been taken to dealer I've been told they were not what was needed. On most recent appointment of 12/19/24 I was told the needed parts were unattainable from Hyundai. On 3/20/2025 the dealer has offered to put in some of the parts they have as a possible solution but repair has not been scheduled. Dealer said they had another vehicle that took over a year to repair. This has been 14 months. We're only using this…”
“I am reporting multiple serious issues with my 2016 Hyundai Sonata Sport 2.0, which has only 30,000 miles. Despite the low mileage, the vehicle is experiencing major safety and quality problems. The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) light stays on constantly, indicating a system failure. On startup, the car sometimes applies the brakes by itself, and there’s a loud noise like something is stuck or grinding. The traction control light also comes on during this. While driving, the car will suddenly slow down on its own, even when I’m not braking. When I press the gas pedal, it barely responds or takes too long to accelerate. Sometimes, this happens at the same time as the ESC warning, which feels extremely unsafe — especially on highways or in traffic. The push-to-start button often delays before the engine turns over, which is abnormal. The A/C system only blows warm air, regardless of temperature settings, and no cold air comes out. I also have a serious issue with the paint peeling off in large chunks from the body of the car. It’s happening despite proper care, and I’ve seen other Hyundai Sonatas of the same year with the same issue, which suggests a…”
“Intermittent loss of steering with my Hyundai Sonata 2016 since April 2024. Vehicle randomly loses power steering while turning and 2 warning lights appear (power steering light (eps)and traction control). This has put me and my passengers at risk several times- almost crashing into other cars and objects. I went to the mechanics two times- they have recalibrated steering angle and reset codes, but the problem continues, and I lose power steering intermittently. This is a very big safety risk and I am afraid to continue driving my car.”
“I took in my 2016 Hyundai Sonata to Anaheim Hyundai in California for 60,000 mile service. The Sonata was having power steering issues where time to time the power steering would go out. I bought the extended warranty so it was cover under the warranty but Hyundai stop making these parts according to the dealership. I don't understand how Hyundai can stop making a power steering parts to Sonata models from 2016-2019 when there are so many on the road with potential power steering safety issues. I was told by the dealership there are so many issues with these Sonata's, the power steering parts are hard to find. They had no idea if they could get OEM parts or even find after market parts. I was originally told on [XXX] when we took the car in it would take 2 to 3 days now two and half weeks later they have changed their story to "not sure when they are going to get the part" I don't understand how this was not a recall from Hyundai similar to Hyundai Sonata recall in 2016 for Sonata's made in 2010-2011. It appears Hyundai has multiples models with power steering issues and yet they stop making the parts, why? I would like someone at NHTSA to review the power…”
Showing 6 of 34 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.