2017 Hyundai Elantra: loss of power steering

Filed Oct 24, 2026 · Engine · UT

Vehicle Information: Year/Make/Model: 2017 Hyundai Elantra Value Edition Mileage: ~135,000 miles Engine: 2.0L Nu 4-Cylinder VIN: [XXX] Incidence Summary: Engine internal failure, metallic debris/shavings found in oil, severe knocking noise, high risk of sudden engine stall/failure while driving. Detailed Description of the Incident: While driving home, the vehicle began producing a loud, severe metallic knocking noise from the engine compartment. The engine continued running, but the noise persisted throughout the trip. Upon inspecting the vehicle, a certified mechanic removed the engine oil and discovered a significant amount of metallic debris and metal shavings inside the oil pan, indicating severe internal engine component wear (connecting rod bearing / crankshaft failure). The mechanic advised that the engine is at immediate risk of seizing or experiencing complete catastrophic failure. Safety Risk: A sudden engine failure or seizure while driving on a highway or at high speeds creates a critical safety hazard, as it can cause an immediate loss of power, loss of power steering/braking assistance, and significantly increase the risk of a crash or rear-end collision for me and surrounding traffic. Current Status: The vehicle is no longer safe to drive and has been grounded to prevent complete engine lockup or serious road accidents. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jun 29, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · CA

While operating my 2017 Hyundai Elantra under normal driving conditions at approximately 70,000 miles, the engine suffered a sudden, catastrophic loss of motive power and stalled completely while moving in active traffic without any prior warning. This severe stalling event occurred despite the vehicle being strictly and meticulously maintained according to all manufacturer guidelines and scheduled service intervals. Prior to the stall, the Check Engine Light illuminated. A comprehensive diagnostic scan completed at an authorized Hyundai dealership confirmed active trouble codes P0014 (Exhaust Camshaft Position Timing Over-Advanced) and P0017 (Crankshaft-Camshaft Position Correlation Error). The internal physical engine timing assembly and Variable Valve Timing (VVT) components slipped out of synchronization, forcing an abrupt, automatic engine shutdown while navigating active roadways. This failure created an immediate, severe safety hazard and high collision risk due to the sudden loss of vehicle propulsion, power steering assist, and vacuum brake booster pressure, leaving me vulnerable in traffic. This structural timing deviation caused chronic engine misfires and forced raw, unburned fuel directly into the exhaust stream. This unburned fuel completely fouled and destroyed the primary Oxygen (O2) Sensor due to heavy carbon contamination and extreme thermal stress. The failed sensor and incorrect valve timing totally disrupted the electronic control unit's air-fuel management, inducing the unpredictable stalling hazard and causing an immediate, automatic state emissions/smog inspection failure. Repairing this underlying manufacturing and metallurgical defect at the official Hyundai dealership required an extensive mechanical teardown and replacement of the timing components, costing approximately $2,500 out of pocket. This exact failure pattern, cascading O2 sensor damage, and diagnostic trouble codes match hundreds of existing complaints with the federal safety agency.

Filed Jun 23, 2026 · Steering · AZ

While driving and turning, the car loses power steering. This has happened multiple times to my wife at lower driving speeds. These disconcerting safety incidents have randomly occurred without warning since the first week of May. The incident was first reported and taken to the Hyundai dealership on May 6th. The dealer looked at the car and stated no issues with steering. It has occurred multiple times since then. The last incident occurred on June 9th at 4pm at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. The car lost power steering control, a warning light briefly flashed and the engine shut off. I recovered the car and restarted it. The power steering reset itself. The car was taken a few days later to a Hyundai Dealer who has had the car since attempting to diagnose the issue. The dealer is now stating we should just replace the entire steering column assembly.

Filed Jan 6, 2026 · Steering · 18,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to turn to the left or the right. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the power steering module needed to be replaced. The mechanic advised the contact of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 17V213000 (Steering) and referred the contact to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact called a local dealer and was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact stated that the loss of power steering functionality was intermittent but gradually became a recurring failure. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 18,000.

Filed Oct 3, 2024 · Steering · TX

Loss of power steering assist that occurs at lower speeds that would require higher steering effort and which may increase the risk of a fatal/deadly crash.

Filed Sep 25, 2024 · Steering · NJ

Loosing power steering assist while driving.

Filed Sep 28, 2023 · Electrical, Steering · OH

The power steering went out as I was driving with my infant in the car. I was making a turn and it completely went out. That is very dangerous.

Filed Sep 18, 2023 · Steering · VA

Steering wheel sometimes makes grinding sounds when steering at low speed (25-35moh). On Sept 17, 2023 at approximately 5pm I was turning into my driveway going approximately 5mph when the electronic power steering light illuminated and I lost steering capability. When I turned off car then turned it back on light was off and steering power returned. After researching issue I discovered this is somewhat of a common problem.

Filed Aug 23, 2023 · Steering · NY

My 2017 Elantra experienced complete power steering loss which nearly caused a serious accident. I was traveling approximately 25 MPH as I went around a bend, and lost all power steering. I was able to get my car home with no power steering. When I restarted the ignition and turned the steering wheel there was partial power steering, but wheel made a clunking noise as I turned the wheel. I researched online and discovered there was a partial recall of the 2017 Elantra's for faulty power steering connectors. As the original owner I never received a recall notice. I double checked with dealership and they advised no outstanding recalls. The steering continues to stick and loses power. Thank you very much, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Aug 4, 2023 · Steering · 60,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the Electronic Power Steering Assist would randomly fail and the steering wheel would become difficult to turn in either direction. After restarting the vehicle, the failure was corrected. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who diagnosed that the Electronic Power Steering system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified and informed that the VIN was not included in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 17V213000 (Steering). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced that same failure listed in the recall. The local dealer was not contacted. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 60,000.

Filed Jul 31, 2023 · Brakes, Lights · FL

I was driving on the highway, operating vehicle at posted speed limit, traveling about 70mph when vehicle experienced complete power loss for a short duration of time. All electrical off, loss of braking, loss of power steering. Power subsequently returned and vehicle resumed normal operation. This is not the first time this has occurred, but this episode has me concerned since I was driving on the highway this time. I understand that Hyundai has other vehicles experiencing engine problems, not sure if my vehicle is may be experiencing a similar engine part failure.

Filed Sep 18, 2020 · Steering · 35,000 miles · VA

In operating speed less than 25 MPH on a residential street, electronic power steering assistance abruptly stopped working and power steering light on dash illuminated. Operator lost 90% control of steering. All other electrical components operated as designed. Dealership diagnosed the issue was due to a bad battery but all other electrical components operated. Recall 161 describes a more accurate description of a damaged electronic power steering connector resulting in a loss of electric power steering assistance.