RoadVitals

2009 Hyundai Elantra Steering Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the steering system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Steering reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
130
Latest Jul 28, 2026
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
52%
of 250 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
5
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
3

What this page shows

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2009 Hyundai Elantra submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 130 reports on file name it.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Owner reports naming steering

The 25 most recent of 130, in the owner's own words

Steering
Filed Jul 28, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID
11753249
Incident
Nov 13, 2023
Mileage
118,000 mi
Steering
Filed Mar 31, 2026

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,

NHTSA ID
11728159
Incident
Feb 10, 2026
Steering
Filed Nov 9, 2024

About 3 years ago the EPS light came on. Brought it to the dealer who said it needed 3500.00 dollars worth of work to replace the steering column. Refused the work and they reset the light. Now after checking i see this was part of a recall 127 . My car was checked and stamped fine so out of luck. Car works good for 3 years now it is doing it again. Just driving straight down the road and power steering stops working, then starts working. Right now steering is fine and the PS light is on all the time. Any help would be appreciated. Car only has 120,000 miles and is in great shape except forthe steering.

NHTSA ID
11624328
Incident
Nov 6, 2024
Steering
Filed Oct 30, 2024

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD MY EPS LIGHT CAME ON AND POWER STEERING STOPPED WORKING. THAT IT INDICATES A PLROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE'S POWER STEERING SYSTEM. I HAVE SHARCHED AND READ THAT THERE WAS A RECALL. ON MY 209 HYUNDIA ELANTRA BUT WHEN I VIN IT SAYS NO OPEN RECALLS. DOES THIS MEAN IT HAS BEEN FIXED BEFORE OR IS MINE NOT COVERED UNDER ECALL. MY VIN IS [XXX] ANY HELP WOULD BE HELPFUL. I AM A DISABLED MAN. THAT THIS IS MY ONLY CAR TO TAKE CARE OF MINE AND MY DISABLED SON NEEDS. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11622643
Incident
Oct 20, 2024
Steering
Filed Sep 25, 2024

This vehicle is part of RECALL CAMPAIGN 127. This vehicle had a software update to "Fix" problem but is now recurring. The dealership says they will not fix it.

NHTSA ID
11616478
Incident
Sep 10, 2024
Steering
Filed Aug 12, 2024

On several occasions, starting in the Fall of 2023 and occurring most recently on 8/9/24, I observed my Elantra's red EPS warning light turn on, and the steering wheel became very "stiff" while driving. Power steering was instantly disabled, resulting in momentary loss of control of the rate of turning in the vehicle. These symptoms are in accordance with Hyundai Recall Campaign 127, but a VIN search revealed the vehicle has been serviced for the recall. I have reached out to Hyundai customer service and a dealership, neither of which attempted to fix the issue.

NHTSA ID
11607980
Incident
Aug 9, 2024
Steering
Filed Mar 1, 2024

The contact owns a 2009 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the electric power steering warning light was illuminated. The contact attempted to turn the steering wheel but was unable to do so. The contact stated there were other unknown warning lights illuminated, that were unrelated to the failure. The vehicle was at the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V100000 (Steering) as a possible solution however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 311,500.

NHTSA ID
11574834
Incident
Mar 1, 2024
Mileage
311,500 mi
Steering
Filed Feb 21, 2024

I purchased this vehicle in December of last year and the steering was fine. The next day I took it to the Waco Hyundai dealership and was told they didn't have the software to do the EPS recall. A few days later, the power steering went out. I called Killeen Hyundai and made an appointment two weeks out to have them look at it. Long story short, after almost 2 months of them having my vehicle they were unable to update the recall. I was told I had 24 hours to pick it up. Where do I go from here?

NHTSA ID
11573185
Incident
Dec 13, 2023
BrakesElectricalSteering
Filed Dec 20, 2023

For the past month I have broke down multiple times. Used all my aaa tows. Everything turns off while driving 60mph with kids in the vehicle. Absolutely no power steering. I haven’t had interior lights, radio etc in 6 months. 8 belts since March. I’m a single mother stranded again freezing

NHTSA ID
11561035
Incident
Dec 1, 2023
Steering
Filed Oct 30, 2023

The contact owns a 2009 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 MPH, the power steering failed to operate as needed. The contact stated that the red "EPS" and "EST" warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the electric power steering assist had failed, and that the EPS module needed to be replaced. The contact was advised by the mechanic about NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V100000 (Steering) which was associated with the VIN, and to take the vehicle to a dealer for the recall repaired. The contact had driven the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the EPS module needed to be updated; however, the recall was only for an update to the EPS not a replacement. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 154,000.

NHTSA ID
11552733
Incident
Oct 26, 2023
Mileage
154,000 mi
Steering
Filed Oct 27, 2023

When driving my eps has gone out over two dozen times. It is random. I could be driving for 2 hours or it could happen when I start the car. Issue is resolved temporarily when I turn off my car for a few minutes and restart. I brought it to my normal shop and at first they had no idea what it was and realigned the column. This worked for a couple weeks and the issue started again. They believe it may be the motor now and I have to go to a dealership. This started completely random, my car drives fine until it comes on. The eps light clicks and comes on, making it hard to steer. I can't drive in the highway for my safety and the safety of others. I've had my power steering go out mid turn, in the rain. It's unpredictable. This initially started on 08/20 and is ongoing despite an attempt to fix it.

NHTSA ID
11552342
Incident
Aug 20, 2023
Steering
Filed Oct 20, 2023

The contact owns a 2009 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving 80 MPH, the steering wheel seized and became inoperable. The contact stated that the vehicle was recently serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V100000 (Steering). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was no longer covered under warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

NHTSA ID
11550968
Incident
Oct 19, 2023
Mileage
110,000 mi
Steering
Filed Sep 12, 2023

The EPS light is staying on flashing sometimes and now I can't steer to the left with assisted power steering..the steering is now locking up at times ..there was a recall I saw but now it's not showing up on my car..it's a 2009 hyundai elantra .I have pictures to show that it said my car is effected with this recall but now it's coming up on all systems as no recall open to it..I just bought this cat from someone in the month of July 2023 and this is now happening to me..I have put all I have into purchasing this car and contacted dealership in florence ky..they claim there's no open recall n I have provided the proof needed to show them that this was on recall..

NHTSA ID
11544023
Incident
Aug 15, 2023
Steering
Filed Jul 31, 2023

The contact owns a 2009 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that upon servicing the vehicle at the dealer, he was informed that the vehicle had experienced the failure related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V100000 (Steering). The dealer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 24,500.

NHTSA ID
11535613
Incident
Jul 24, 2023
Mileage
24,500 mi
Steering
Filed Jul 23, 2023

the power assisted steering quit. You cant hardly steer it

NHTSA ID
11533888
Incident
Jul 10, 2023
Steering
Filed Apr 17, 2023

The contact owns a 2009 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the steering wheel became firm, and the ESP warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over on the side of the road and turned off and restarted the vehicle, and the vehicle operated normally. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the mechanic stated that the power steering assist module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 135,000.

NHTSA ID
11517443
Incident
Apr 12, 2023
Mileage
135,000 mi
Steering
Filed Feb 24, 2023

On two separate occasions the electronic power steering turned off while driving the car. The red EPS dashboard indicator turned on and the steering felt very heavy. The power steering came back on after the car was turned off and on again. The car's software was already up to date and Hyundai's recall "fix" did not prevent the problem. This problem is intermittent and has only happened twice. It occurs while driving, leading to a potentially unsafe situation. There are no warnings or symptoms before the problem occurs.

NHTSA ID
11508932
Incident
Feb 11, 2023
Steering
Filed Nov 10, 2022

The contact owns a 2009 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering with the EPS warning light illuminated. The failure occurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was towed to the dealer; however, the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The dealer replaced the tie rods, spark plugs, wiper blades, cabin air filter, driveline belt, transmission coolant, throttle, oil plug, struts, and control arms, and performed an alignment; however, the failure recurred with the EPS warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who ordered the EPS sensor and was awaiting the replacement part. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V100000 (Steering) associated with the VIN; however, the contact had not yet received the recall notification. The failure mileage was 87,123.

NHTSA ID
11493069
Incident
Aug 15, 2022
Mileage
87,123 mi
Steering
Filed Sep 19, 2022

The contact owns a 2009 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while attempting to make a right turn, the power steering assist failed as the EPS (Electric Power Steering) warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. Due to the failure, the vehicle was initially towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle with a power steering assist failure which was linked to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V100000 (Steering). The vehicle was then towed to dealer where she was informed that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 139,000.

NHTSA ID
11485191
Incident
Sep 10, 2022
Mileage
139,000 mi
Steering
Filed Sep 9, 2022

EPS (Electronic Power Steering) light comes on on the dashboard . This prevents steering the vehicle from a dead stop or turning the vehicle is extremely hard. Vehicle has to be shut down and restarted, sometimes 1 to 2 times to eliminate the EPS light . Problem is repeatable every morning. Hyundai's number for this recall is 127. However at initial recall appointment only SW was updated. Per recall EPS unit may need to be replaced.

NHTSA ID
11483677
Incident
Sep 9, 2022
Steering
Filed Aug 13, 2022

I bought the car for my mom about a year and a half it drove fine to just recently the eps light came after She turn on to the road and the steering got real tight and was hard to merge to the side road luckily She was going at a low speed to get over. So I done some searching to find that there was a recall 127 for that problem in 2015 so I called the dealership and they requested to have the car scan and said it was a software update . So I got the update and the angle sensor calibration it drove fine for 2 months now it’s getting worst. So they said the electric motor andsteering colmun has failed but they can’t replace because the recall is not active anymore .so I’m not sure what to do

NHTSA ID
11479135
Incident
Jan 15, 2022
Steering
Filed Jul 28, 2022

Steering column has alot of play. Pops as you turn the steering.

NHTSA ID
11476333
Incident
Jul 28, 2022
Steering
Filed Jun 14, 2022

The contact owns a 2009 Hyundai Elantra. The vehicle had previously been serviced at the dealer under NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V100000 (Steering) however, the failure recurred. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost power steering assist, with the EPS warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering column needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.

NHTSA ID
11469235
Incident
Jun 14, 2022
Mileage
107,000 mi
Steering
Filed Apr 19, 2022

The contact owns a 2009 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while his daughter was driving the vehicle at approximately 45 MPH, the "Electronic Power Steering assist" warning light illuminated. The contact stated that his daughter was able to safely drive the vehicle to her residence where the vehicle remained parked. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V100000 (Steering). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000.

NHTSA ID
11461361
Incident
Apr 14, 2022
Mileage
102,000 mi
Steering
Filed Feb 8, 2022

*Power steering. Yes. *Very difficult to turn the steering wheel causing delay in timing. *No. There is a significant amount of reports, etc. regarding this recall on the internet. However, it does not appear to be associated with my VIN #. *No *No

NHTSA ID
11451005
Incident
Feb 8, 2022

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

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