2011 Hyundai Elantra Steering Problems

My steering wheel began to make clanking sound and lost the tension that allows for smooth turning of the wheel for both left and right. I looked it up and have found that this is a known issue that Hyundai has not addressed. Hyundai had a batch of bad steering wheel couplers that were installed in numerous models. This steering issue could cause someone to over compensate when turning the steering wheel. Since it does not have tension, it feels like the steering is disconnected from the car. I did have a quote from Hyundai. It was between $400-$600 depending on how long it took. My car is available for inspection at any time by the manufacturer, police, insurance or other. There are no warning lights or symptoms of the problem. You are litterally driving down the road and you go to make a left or right turn and it feels like a rubber band just busted and steering becomes unpredictable.

NHTSA ID

11754930

Incident

Jul 12, 2019

When ever I am turning my steering wheel in either direction there is a clicking noise. It started low and now the noise became loud even when I am going over bumps on the road. I went to a reputable certified shop and I am told it is my steering column bushing and I was advised that there is a recall on it but when I further investigate my car I do not see no recall. This is a problem a lot of people are having with the 2011 Hyundai Elantra .

NHTSA ID

11682584

Incident

Apr 15, 2025

Unknown but my car shakes and makes a loud grinding noise

NHTSA ID

11657547

Incident

Mar 11, 2025

Steering wheel makes clacking noise when turning left or right, especially if making sharp right angle turn or when parking. I think I noticed it first in early November 2024 while parking. Since then it has been occurring with greater frequency as well as both directions. I called a repair shop 2 weeks ago & was told it was a common problem with Hyundai's. I went to a different repair shop last Thursday, Dec 5th, 2024, for a tire repair & asked for estimate on steering issue. They told me it was a really big project to replace some sort of ball like piece & required taking the whole steering assembly apart. He said when it goes I'll loose steering & likely have an accident as a result. He said that as my car has less than 29,000 original miles on it (28,630), I should go to the Hyundai dealer as they should pay to repair it as it's a huge safety issue & shouldn't happen to such a low mileage car. I tried to go there but they'd moved & I didn't have a phone to query new location. At home I called and got VM for a man in service dept. Left msg. No one responded so I called again Fri, Dec 6, 2024 & was put throughto a differentman in the service dept's VM & left another detailed msg, this time incluing VIN#. Now is Monday 12/9/24 & still no reply. I looked online & saw there was a recall for this vehicle from 2008-2010, but nothing came up when I entered my VIN on this NHSTA site. I believe my vehicle should be included and I don't think I should have to wait until an accident has occurred, or have to spend thousands out if pocket to repair an Issue that appears to be more widespread that initially considered. Can you help please? I prefer bring proactive and not incurring any damage to life, limb & property for my self, any potential passengers, or anyone else who might be harmed should I experience power steering loss. Thank you.

NHTSA ID

11629686

Incident

Nov 5, 2024

A steering coupler is failing and will eventually cause a loss of steering control while driving. The steering problem was diagnosed at a local Car- X by a certified mechanic. The vehicle is available for inspection. I took the vehicle in for inspection because of a clunking and rattling vibration while driving. The rattling and clunking and vibration caused me unexpected alarm distracting my focus while driving, also I have noticed while turning right or left there's slack or oversteering. The problem started approximately two months ago. There were no warning lights.

NHTSA ID

11592007

Incident

Feb 29, 2024

I am not able to steer my car. I was taking my 5 year old son to school and I was not able to turn onto the street of his school. I had to slow down in traffic an forcably strain and pull the wheel to the right and pull over on the side of the road. I as very scared I was going to be hit or cause and acident. There was a recall for this problem with this car but it ended for cars that where built as of 2010, but ny car is a 2011 and the issue is still happening.

NHTSA ID

11576926

Incident

Mar 12, 2024

The steering coupler started making noises at about 80, 000 miles but I did not know what it was at the time . When I brought the car in at over 100,000 miles, I was informed of the loose couplet, to cost about &400 to fix andit wasn’t covered, because over the 100, 000. I did not have it fixed at that time.(I believe mileage was about 110, 00 at that point). I never received any info on this issue, and feel it should have been covered and that Hyundai should still cover it. There is approximately 128, 000 miles now.

NHTSA ID

11575737

Incident

Mar 6, 2019

The steering wheel recently started making a clunking sound. There is play in the wheel and it feels very unsafe to drive. It does not respond normally while turning. Seems to be a very common issue. My car is a 2011 with 55k miles on it and it is out of warranty. I wish they would make this a recall and fix it.

NHTSA ID

11574811

Incident

Jan 1, 2024

Starting in the summer of 2023 my car started making screeching noises when applying brakes, turning, etc. All 4 brakes and rotors were replaced. My car continues to screech. More concerning is that the steering wheel started clicking when turning in the Fall of 2023 and has progressively worsened, now clicking whenever moved left or right even a few inches. The steering feels very loose. Although the car is a 2011, it only has 36,000 original miles on it. This is very frustrating and feels very unsafe to drive. Repair/evaluation appointment with the dealership is scheduled for 2/1/24 to see what they say. My issues sounds VERY familiar to many other complaints on here and from other research I have done. I am not sure why this is not a recall to correct this common problem in the Elantra. Other Hyundai models have had steering column recalls. I see that the rubber coupling warranty in the power steering assembly was extended to 10 yrs/100,000 miles, however I was never informed of any safety or warranty issues when purchasing this vehicle in early February of 2020 which would have been within the 10 years. Extra disappointing is that the previous 2 owners were the sales manager and general manager of the dealership where I purchased it from.

NHTSA ID

11568824

Incident

Oct 1, 2023

The steering wheel usually vibrates when using the brake and it dies the same thing when going 60mph or 70mph.

NHTSA ID

11556243

Incident

Nov 21, 2023

On August 22, 2023, my 2011 Hyundai Elantra steering capacity started feeling loose and now clicks every time I turn the steering wheel - left or right.

NHTSA ID

11547924

Incident

Aug 22, 2023

My 2011 Hyundai Elantra has a steering problem. Just yesterday, The steering became loose and clicked when initially turning left or right. At a stop, I was able to turn it back and forth very loosely (no resistance) about 1-2" before a click and then the steering felt *closer* to normal (but not normal). The problem is also that the power steering is a little more difficult to turn either way after the click. This was very scary when it happened and thankfully we were close to home and drove directly there very cautiously. After doing some quick research, it seems this is a common problem. It is due to the failure of a cheap plastic gear inside the steering column where it attaches to the power steering motor. I say cheap because anyone can purchase the plastic piece for less than $10 on Amazon (today I can buy 2 steering couplers for only $6.59). There are online videos showing how one can do a self-repair in just about an hour. I received one quote from a local auto repair shop that it would cost around $350. I called another shop (a local shop of a major auto repair chain) who very quickly told me to only get it repaired by the dealer. Evidently, while the part could be done by me or a local auto shop, he informed me that once the steering column is dropped during the repair, it requires the power steering electronic module to be reprogrammed/calibrated and something that only an OEM dealer could perform. He was knowledgeable about the process because he had to refer many of his customers to get this repair done. He indicated that the reprogramming/calibrating would cost an additional $225. So this cheap plastic part will cost anyone approximately $575 to get fixed. Meanwhile, we'e afraid to drive the car with this loose steering and harder power steering (especially at lower speeds). Based upon what I've read online and after talking with the manager at the national auto repair chain store, this seems to be a common repair of these older Hyundai Elantras.

NHTSA ID

11547809

Incident

Oct 1, 2023

There is a clunking and or clicking noise when I turn the steering wheel in any direction. This issue caused my car to fail inspection last Thursday. I’m told by the Southern Team dealership advisor, [XXX] , that my 2011 Hyundai Elantra Touring is oit of warranty and it will cost between $400-$500 to fix this. I never received a letter since I purchased this car in 2015. I don’t recall the approximate date when this started, but it’s been going on for aboit a year at the least. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11542303

Incident

Jan 1, 2023

My safety was a risk on August 25th as I was driving back home from work. As I was about to make a right turn, the wheel was hard to turn for second which resulted in me making a wider turn. Thankfully no other cars were around. As I parked, the wheel would swing back and forth and make a swishing sound when touched. A couple of weeks prior to the incident, I had a family friend conduct an oil change. I had mention to him about my steering wheel problem and my tire light being on— all of these problems started at the end of July). He said the steering issue is not normal and not good at all since it ruined the front of my tires. He said in order to fix the tires, I would have to get the steering problem checked and fixed first. He and my warranty recommend me to go to a certified mechanic since he didn’t have the tools to properly diagnose and that I can get it fix through my warranty. After going to United Service Automative, the certified mechanic told me that his diagnosis was pointing to errors in the electrical steering wheel system. Unfortunately, I had to pay for the inspection since my warranty said they couldn’t fix it. The certified mechanic recommended me to go to the actual manufacturer/dealer to get it checked. I have made several calls to Lithia Hyundai of Fresno about this issue since August 24th. I talked about to at least 4 employees that this is a safety concern. Answers I got back were “By appointment your car cannot be seen until January 2024…you can walk-in but we cannot guarantee your car will be looked at and can actually sit in the shop for a week or more until we look at it.” I have been also hanged up on twice and had to go through the sales department. No one seems to be taking me serious or taking precautious measures. I will be doing a walk-in on Monday, August 28th, 2023 requesting a safety inspection and how can I get the car fixed since I am still paying off the car.

NHTSA ID

11540972

Incident

Aug 25, 2023

The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the electric power steering warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the vehicle was repaired, however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 129,058.

NHTSA ID

11524633

Incident

May 29, 2023

Mileage

129,058 mi

The power steering stopped working while driving in 2019. The steering wheel jolted 1-2", the EPS light blinked and then remained lit. Maintaining control of the vehicle was strenuous, making it impossible to quickly maneuver, especially at low speeds. Safety of the driver and others on the roadways was negatively impacted by the sudden malfunction. The power steering became intermittent while driving, then completely failed. The vehicle was serviced by a Hyundai dealer/service department for diagnostics, but a diagnosis was inconclusive. To remedy, it was recommended to replace the power steering module. This was done, and it provided temporary resolution. Power steering suddenly became intermittent again. Another diagnostic appointment suggested to replace the entire steering column. This has not been done. There was no warning that the power steering would fail. The vehicle is available for power steering inspection upon request. Electronic issues are persistent, effecting multiple areas of the vehicle. The headlights and taillights have gone out much more frequently than expected. The airbag sensor light has recently illuminated. The Tire pressure sensor blinks, then remains illuminated. The Electronic Stability Control Indicator has been illuminated since the power steering failure. This vehicle has had multiple issues arise, and it has had thousands of dollars of work put into it in an attempt to return it to a safely driving vehicle. It is unacceptable for the manufacturer to sell a car that cannot uphold basic safety standards. There have been multiple recalls for power steering issues on Hyundai's surrounding this 2011 model. Clearly there is an issue that needs to be addressed, and Hyundai needs to be held accountable for their negligence. All owners should be entitled to have their vehicle promptly repaired at no cost, and they should be reimbursed for time and repair costs spent trying to resolve this avoidable issue.

NHTSA ID

11520103

Incident

Jul 1, 2019

I have had broken shocks and struts on my 2011 Hyundai Elantra Liminted, currently 69000 miles 2 times, once replaced by dealership 2nd done by BIG O Tires in Salt Lake, I did not have a breakdown, my tire blew the first time 12/26/2015, currently was caught by general tire mainainance. This must be some kind of a defect due to have them replace them so often. 2 incidents 12/26/2015 and 10/12/2022. I take very very good care of my car. I have read the issues of prior. Please contact both Murdock Hyundai Murray Utah & Ken Garff Salt Lake City Utah and Big O downtown Salt Lake City.

NHTSA ID

11488992

Incident

Dec 26, 2015

The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering coupler needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 73,000.

NHTSA ID

11488205

Incident

Sep 6, 2022

Mileage

73,000 mi

The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated upon driving from a complete stop, the steering wheel emitted abnormal squeaking sounds. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road, turned off and restarted the vehicle; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the steering column needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure had worsened and the steering wheel would shudder significantly while driving over bumps in the roadway. The dealer was notified of the failure and an appointment was scheduled for diagnostic test. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

NHTSA ID

11485193

Incident

Aug 19, 2022

Mileage

140,000 mi

Steering wheel clunking noise, the car tries to change direction by itself especially on wet roads, and I always trying to keep it in the same lane, the problem has been reproduced 2 weeks ago, there’s no warning lamps actually either before, I had not inspected this problem.

NHTSA ID

11481678

Incident

Aug 15, 2022

Driving on wet roads with all of the play in steering is dangerous, I almost lost control. There is a clunking noise in steering and it is loose.

NHTSA ID

11439159

Incident

Nov 2, 2021

The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated he received an unknown recall notification for the steering wheel failure; however, the dealer inspected the vehicle and informed the contact that the recall repair did not need to be completed on the vehicle. The contact stated the steering wheel became significantly loosened while driving at various speeds and upon starting the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who informed the contact that he would be responsible for the cost of the diagnosis and repair of the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not provide any assistance. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.

NHTSA ID

11437169

Incident

Apr 18, 2021

Mileage

80,000 mi

My steering is lose and makes a popping sound. I was making a left turn and almost hit a car because I did not have full control of my steering wheel. It feels like its lose. July 19, 2021 On Thursday the 22 of July 2021 I had a mechanic come out to check it. He told me it was the Steering Coupling, he also said that there was a recall on that. So I called the Dealership they told me I had just missed it by three months. They want to charge me $500. hundred dollars. I don't have that kind of money. I need to go back to work and I need my car. This is a hardship please help me.

NHTSA ID

11426476

Incident

Jul 12, 2021

Steering wheel is making a noise (rubbing- popping) when steering wheel is turned. Took it in to have it looked was informed that the ESC SYSTEM needed to be repaired and that this is a known issue with Hyundai on the Elantra and other models.

NHTSA ID

11425788

Incident

Jul 1, 2021

The steering column clicks and pops when you turn wheel. Upon research. I have found this is an issue Hyundai knows about. Has an upgraded replacement part for. But refuses to recall.

NHTSA ID

11422887

Incident

Jun 30, 2021