I have a 2013 elantra coupe. I have been having issues with the electronic stability control. While driving the car, it slams on the brakes causing me to almost lose control of the vehicle. The light on the dash has been going off and on now for about a month.this has happened several times and almost caused the driver behind me to crash into me. I know there has already been a previous recall campaign #137 for the same issue but it was only for the 2011 & 2012 elantras. I also have seen that other elantra coupe drivers have reported the same problem but have not had their vehicles included to be repaired. This is a major safety issue and I feel it should be addressed immediately and hyundai needs to extend the recall to repair our vehicles as well
2013 Hyundai Elantra steering problems
272 complaints (21% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 40,000. 8 crashes reported.
- owner complaints
- 272
- of this car's complaints
- 21%
- typical mileage
- 40,000
- crashes
- 8
- recalls
- 0
Which part fails
- Steering wheel/handle bar1
- Electric power assist system1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Hyundai Elantra steering problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2013 Hyundai Elantra steering
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Steering noise 76Power steering loss 21Pulling 20Steering lock-up 12
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
What 2013 Hyundai Elantra owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
My fiance and I, bought the vehicle in May 2022? from Carvana. His name is [XXX] . Mine is [XXX] (maiden - [XXX] ) Price. [XXX] passed away August 6, 2025. I wanted to mention this part before I explain the problem. His son is supposed to sign the car over to me as soon as court proceedings are finished. I love the car. But the car came from Carvana with 17K miles. It currently has 42,000K miles on it. I only drive it around town. I live in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The city is notorious for pot holes. However, I do not think this is a pot hole issue. Around December 2025, the car steering wheel started shaking vigorously. When we purchased the vehicle, the right CV axle was needing to be replaced. Now, I am not sure what the problem is, but I hate to have to trade the car in. This was my VERY first Hyundai experience, and I want to keep the car for forever, because of my fiance. But I may have to trade her in. I have come to a few conclusions on my own. 1) tires - so I had them replaced. 2) warped brake rotors 3) worn suspension components 4) worn electric steering column coupler. I wanted to give you the VIN because since it is an older vehicle (but like new to me), it may have had a recall. I do not want to keep this vehicle if it is a problem. But I also do not want to give it to anyone else since my fiance bought it for me. TO whome this may concern - if you happen to actually read these "complaints" could you give me a call at [XXX] [XXX] ) or my email: [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] I would honestly like to know if this is a huge issue with the car. At least that way I can prepare myself to sell it. I am overall very pleased with the car, except this issue is a big one, and [XXX] is not here to guide me into a decision with it. Thank you kindly, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became inoperable. The contact stated that a cushion located within the steering wheel had deteriorated, causing the steering wheel to become difficult to turn. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the steering coupler cushion within the steering wheel had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000. The VIN was not available.
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that the steering wheel made clicking sound while turning to the left or the right. While driving at speeds of 55 MPH or higher, the steering wheel vibrated abnormally. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed or repaired. The contact was referred to the federal safety agency Hotline by a mechanic to report the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that there was a lot of play in the steering wheel, and the steering wheel moved back and forth with no resistance while the vehicle was being driven or while idling. There was a loud clunking noise coming from the steering column while turning the steering wheel to the left or the right. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic, who diagnosed that the steering column flexible coupler had failed and caused the wheels to not respond correctly while turning the steering wheel. The contact was informed that the steering column flexible coupler needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 51,000.
My steering wheel has been shaking and having a clunking sound when I accelerate over 60 miles, go over any bumps, and turn. I had my mechanic diagnose it and I was told the steering coupler was bad. I did some research to see if it was a recall and it wasn't. Then I saw on Hyundai.com then I could check my VIN and verify if my vehicle qualified for the extended warranty for this issue. My vehicle qualified however after contacting customer service directly to verify, they advise me my vehicle did not qualify because of being over 100,000 miles. Prior to contacting them I saw that they had a statement saying that this issue was not safety related. I didn't believe that to be correct because my mechanic told me otherwise, and information I saw regarding Google searches said the opposite. Also, my own experience whenever that shaking of my steering wheel occurs I literally have to use both of my hands to control it. Therefore I believe it is a safety issue that absolutely needs to be revisited as being such. I was advised on that call to take it to the dealership and have them diagnose it and advise headquarters directly however I made it clear that I did not want to have to incur a diagnostic fee when the initial diagnostic I had was free and I have the estimate breakdown from my mechanic. And I did not believe that there should be any diagnostic fee for a safety concern. I did advise them that I was going to contact the federal safety agency and advised them of this circumstance in order for it to be reviewed.
In the last month I started to hear a clicking sound when turning my steering wheel in either direction. I am told that this is a frequent problem with Hyundai Elantra and is caused by a flexible coupling breaking. I brought my Elantra to the dealer to take cre of some other recalls but was told that the coupling problem is not a recall issue. I do have a Technical Service Bulletin from Hyundai on this issue and feel that since it happens frequently on the Elantra, it should be covered by the dealer or Hyundai corporate. Please advise as I cannot afford to pay for this repair as I am on disabilty with limited income.
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the steering wheel was very loose. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the contact was forced to grip the steering wheel with force with the front of the vehicle abnormally shaking. The contact depressed the brake pedal and the shaking of the front of the vehicle increased. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was advised that the steering rack was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 97,501.
2013 Elantra coupe se.The car wanders on the highway like a boat constantly left and right all over the lane and if/when you hit a dip or bump it REALLY throws the car around! There's Obviously issues with the suspension on a MULTITUDE of these model/year vehicles if not ALL of theml. It is VERY dangerous and needs to be addressed and recalled. I do not have an alignment issue as the tires brakes rotors and calipers are all new no dragging /pulling etc and the tires are properly pressured as well. Extremely well maintained car by the owner EXTREMELY poorly Engineered by the Maker! The steering coupler has been replaced also taking the play out of the wheel as those things are a small rubber "cog wheel" that wears completely to nothing causing severe play and a clunking noise in the wheel between the turning of left or right as that component acts as a spacer/gear/vibration absorber between the steering shaft and the steering assist helper motor gears these cars ALSO were sold knowing they were piston slap engines yet Still never issued a recall until YEARS and multi millions of complaints later only to only cover certain years and models yet they All had the same engine. Imagine the IDIOCY! I will NEVER purchase a Hyundai or a Kia EVER again rest assured! I do my research and homework on every potential item I'm looking into possibly getting yet Nowhere at the time was there any info regarding they were piston slap engines turning these out by the multi millions and trying to hide the fact until they no longer could. Disgustingly Sad that they do not stand behind there product!
My steering wheel is making.a clunking noise and I called Hyundai and informed them and they told me the extended warranty has expired since last year. Lots of Hyundai 2013 consumers complained about this issue and it’s an expensive fix. Please advice [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Questions about the 2013 Hyundai Elantra steering
Does the 2013 Hyundai Elantra have steering problems?
Owners have filed 272 complaints about the steering of the 2013 Hyundai Elantra, 21% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 2013 Hyundai Elantra steering problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 40,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2013 Hyundai Elantra steering?
There is no recall for this problem on this model year.
What year does the Hyundai Elantra have bad steering?
The Hyundai Elantra model years with the most steering complaints are 2013 (272 complaints), 2010 (195 complaints) and 2009 (134 complaints).
Other 2013 Hyundai Elantra problems
Brakes 285Engine 235Airbags 168Electrical 155Suspension 99Wheels 76Lights 72Driver assistance 60Transmission 57Tires 55Body 51Acceleration 50Visibility 43Fuel system 32Seat belts 17Seats 4Locks 2
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