[XXX], this is the 2nd time driving in the freeway going 55 mph and steering wheel automatically lock . [XXX] first time it happens and it is really scary going 60 in a freeway and steering locked itself. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Hyundai Elantra steering lock-up problems
92 of the 8,746 owner complaints about the Hyundai Elantra describe steering wheel locks up, most of them for the 2017 model year.
- owner complaints
- 92
- worst model year
- 2017
- typical repair cost reported
- $1,600
- typical mileage
- 55,000
Is there a fix? There are 3 recalls for this area of the car. See below
By model year
Often reported together
Engine failure 35Power steering loss 7Stalling 5Loss of power 4Headlights 4Check engine light 3Ball joint 3ABS 3
Trouble codes mentioned
C1290 3C1513 1C1259 1
What owners say
The contact owns a 2010 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized, with the power steering warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the steering column had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,857.
Steering wheel locks up when trying to start car. Have to jiggle steering wheel to get it unlocked. While driving steering wheel make clicking sound and catches back and forth while driving
My steering wheel locks up on me and the my check engine light flashes on as it does. I also have a steering wheel light with an explanation point beside it flashes when and before my steering wheel locks up! I can be sitting at a red light and my steering wheel locks up on me. My traction control light is also on and will not turn off. It turned on when my steering wheel locked up and my steering wheel icon came on.
My steering wheel locked while I was driving and it was very difficult to pull the car over to stop, as the steering wheel became very tight. I was in a roundabout and almost crashed. My EPS light came on and went off once I turned the car off. I have had the car looked at by a mechanic and the entire steering column needs to be replaced.
The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jolted and then lost motive power. The ABS, check engine, and power steering assist warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the steering wheel seized while driving. The vehicle was towed to the dealer; however, the cause of the failure could not be determined. The dealer serviced the fuel system, cleaned the throttle body, and replaced the battery. The failure recurred. The contact later received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact stated while attempting to make a turn, the steering wheel seized and the vehicle crashed into a curb. The contact stated that her daughter occupied the front passenger seat of the vehicle. The contact stated that the passenger side front tire hit the curb and the tire was damaged. The vehicle was undrivable, the vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 89,205.
I was driving and I was making a right turn and my steering wheel locked on me and I almost got into a accident most scariest experience ever and my steering coupler is not the problem!!
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 the federal safety agency 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.
Steering locked up on the highway and car became uncontrollable.
Related recalls
Steering: electric power assist system
- What is wrong
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2017 Elantra vehicles. The affected vehicles may have a damaged Electronic Power Steering (MDPS) connector resulting in a loss of electric power steering assistance.
- Risk
- Loss of power steering assist would require higher steering effort, especially at lower speeds, which may increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EPS motor, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 28, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1‑800‑243‑7766. Hyundai's number for this recall 161.
Recall number 17V213000 · Recall details
Steering: electric power assist system
- What is wrong
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Elantra vehicles manufactured June 1, 2008, to April 30, 2010, and 2009-2010 Elantra Touring vehicles manufactured November 1, 2008, to April 30, 2010. The electronic power steering (EPS) electronic control unit (ECU) may sense a discrepancy in the steering input signals and, as a result, disable the steering power assist.
- Risk
- If power steering assist is lost, greater driver effort would be required to steer the vehicle at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Hyundai will verify the proper operation of the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) and update the EPS control unit, free of charge. The recall began April 14, 2015. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1‑855‑671‑3059. Hyundai's number for this recall is 127.
Recall number 15V100000 · Recall details
Steering: linkages: tie rod assembly
- What is wrong
- Certain passenger vehicles may have been built with threaded portions of the steering gearbox assembly's left and right inner ball joint assemblies that contain internal cracks in the material structure.
- Risk
- If the inner ball joint assembly was to break as a result of the internal crack, the tie rod end assembly would not longer be attached to the steering gear box. This would prevent steering control of that front wheel by the separated tie rod which could result in a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the steering gearbox assemblies on these vehicles free of charge. Owners were contacted by telephone beginning on april 8, 2005, and instructed not to drive their vehicles. Hyundai will arrange to pick up and return their vehicles after repair. Owners may contact hyundai at 1‑800‑633‑5151.
Recall number 05V187000 · Recall details
Questions about the Hyundai Elantra steering lock-up
Which Hyundai Elantra years have steering wheel locks up problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2017 (15 complaints), 2009 (12 complaints) and 2010 (12 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix steering wheel locks up on the Hyundai Elantra?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $1,600 (median of 5 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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