2009 Hyundai Elantra: sudden loss of power

Filed Sep 30, 2026 · Brakes · CA

The Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) module has failed due to moisture intrusion that caused an internal electrical short circuit, destroying the ABS Primary Pressure Sensor. A few days after the vehicle was parked outside during heavy rain, I was driving on a busy highway when it suddenly lost engine power. During this emergency, I had to perform heavy braking and maneuver to the shoulder without engine assist. At the same time, the ABS and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) systems suddenly disabled completely. This failure is consistent with the safety defect described in the federal safety agency Campaign 20V‑061 (Recall 188), which acknowledges that these ABS modules can permit moisture intrusion. However, Hyundai's remedy, installing a fuse relay, only cuts battery power while the vehicle is parked to reduce fire risk; it does not seal or repair the ABS module. Moisture from the heavy rain entered the module while the vehicle was parked and ultimately shorted the internal pressure sensor while driving, disabling critical braking and stability systems. Two independent third-party sources (an ASE-certified mechanic and a commercial automotive diagnostic scanner) identified codes C1237 (ABS Primary Pressure Sensor Signal), C1513, and C1260. Both confirmed an internal electrical failure of the ABS module. At Hyundai Corporate Consumer Affairs’ direction, the vehicle was inspected by an authorized Hyundai dealership. The dealership did not perform the required dynamic road test needed to reproduce the active ABS faults, and claimed there was only C1260 and not an ABS malfunction. The invoice documents identical mileage in and out, and video shows diagnostics performed while the vehicle was stationary with the engine off. Approximately 15 minutes later, an independent scanner successfully retrieved C1237, C1513, and C1260. Despite this evidence, Hyundai Consumer Affairs refused to repair the failed ABS module, characterizing it as a “maintenance item.”

Filed Sep 22, 2026 · Steering · 46,000 miles · OH

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 the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 15V100000 (Steering) and referred the contact to the manufacturer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 46,000.

Filed Nov 10, 2022 · Steering · 87,123 miles · PA

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 the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 15V100000 (Steering) associated with the VIN; however, the contact had not yet received the recall notification. The failure mileage was 87,123.

Filed Jun 14, 2022 · Steering · 107,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2009 Hyundai Elantra. The vehicle had previously been serviced at the dealer under the federal safety agency 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.

Filed May 27, 2021 · Steering · 34,900 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2009 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving 35 mph, the vehicle lost power steering assist and it became difficult to steer the vehicle. The contact stated that the EPS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed with the power steering needing to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure and declined to offer any additional assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 34,900.

Filed Jan 31, 2021 · Steering · 58,735 miles · FL

While driving on the road, completely lost power steering. Tried to turn down the street where I live and almost didn't make the turn. The eps light is on and will not go off, there is no power steering. I let the car sit in the driveway over the weekend, started it up and there is still no power steering.

Filed Jun 25, 2020 · Steering · 66,000 miles · CT

09' elantra gls approx. 66k miles 6/18/2020. I lost power steering and the eps light came on while accelerating through a light that had just turned green. Ever since then I randomly loose power steering and the eps light comes on. I've lost power steering while driving, right after shifting into gear (reverse and drive), and after I start to accelerate from a stopped position. There does not seem to be a pattern. The weather has been in the 70s/80s. Vehicle is all stock, fairly low mileage and has undergone routine maintenance. The previous owner reported this same issue at 35k miles which hyundai fixed by adjusting the steering angle sensor. That wasn't a permanent fix, as im learning the best permanent fix is to replace the whole steering column.

Filed Nov 5, 2019 · Steering · 74,000 miles · MA

Lost power steering. First time it was reset. This time I am informed it needs steering column. Cost of $2700 car was parked in driveway.

Filed Jul 22, 2019 · Steering · 90,000 miles · NJ

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 hyundai elantra. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired per the federal safety agency campaign number: 15v100000 (steering) in 2015. Four years later, while driving at an unknown speed, the eps indicator illuminated and the steering lost power and became stiff. The vehicle was shut off and restarted, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to lynnes hyundai (877‑358‑9715, located at 401 bloomfield ave, bloomfield, nj 07003) where it was determined that since the recall repair was previously performed, the contact would have to pay for the repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and did not assist. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

Filed Apr 3, 2019 · Steering · 92,000 miles · NM

The eps light went on and I lost power steering. Luckily I was not on the highway or I could have been severe. Hyundai did a recall for this issue back in 2015 but it was just a system update for the steering module but it seems like a short term solution. I have found over a hundred complaints where other customers are having th same safety issue and I really think hyundai needs to do something about it. The steering in the '09 elantras are unsafe and will eventually possibly kill someone.

Filed Nov 1, 2017 · Steering · 142,000 miles · NY

Lost power steering while driving. Extremely hard to steer. Repair estimate more than car worth it seems called hyundai, they said I am out of luck as there are no recalls on this condition. Many many complaints anout this condition online however.

Filed Mar 7, 2016 · Steering · 99,000 miles · IL

Please note that my vehicle has already been serviced at the dealership for the federal safety agency campaign 15v100000 (hyundai recall 127). While driving between 34-45 MPH, I heard a subtle click from either my steering column or behind the dash, which was immediately followed by illumination of the eps warning light and complete loss of power steering assistance. The vehicle became very difficult to steer, and remained in this condition until I reached my destination , which was about another 30 minutes worth of driving time. I imagine that some younger/weaker drivers might not be able to physically steer the car while in this condition, but I was able to manage. The car was left in a parking lot for about 8 hours, at which point upon starting the engine, the eps warning light turned off and power steering was again fully functional. The dealership said my car had already been serviced for the power steering recall 127, and it would cost $120 to investigate. I did not bring the vehicle in for this diagnostic. The problem appears to be an intermittent problem, and has not yet recurred.