Hyundai Sonata Hybrid harsh shifting problems

Filed Sep 23, 2026 · Steering · MN

When turning the steering wheel, left or right, there was a distinct “clunking” noise, and you could feel it in the steering wheel. When the car was inspected by the Hyundai service department, I was informed that the problem was a part in the steering coupler.

Filed Sep 17, 2022 · Engine, Steering · CA

My wife and I have been having an intermittent but constant problem with our steering mechanism which our dealer says they cannot replicate and therefore cannot resolve. This constant problem is one that MANY Sonata Hybrid owners have reported online. Our experience is having the steering wheel seize, flashing lights during which the red steering wheel icon with an exclamation point remains on. Our experiences have been in our mobile home park when we are turning left. The last two incidents were when we were blocking our street and vehicles could not pass. A prominent feel in the steering wheel of clicking, clunking, and play in the wheel accompanies these incidents. I had to, as others, to turn the car off and restart to carefully, amidst clicking and clunking, to return the car to our driveway where it will sit until we take frontage roads to our dealer. We recently received a notice from Hyundai that the steering wheel mechanisms' warranty has been extended 15 years from the ending date of the original warranty. The notice indicated that our Sonata Hybrid "may exhibit reduced power steering assist and/or motor driven power driven steering (MOPS)." We believe this is suggesting that MANY complaints have been sent to various authorities regarding this same issue. We now have a much delayed (due to our dealership's backed up service appointments) appointment to again address this problem which they say is not happening because they cannot replicate it. Many online comments indicate that people are scared that themselves, loved ones or others will be involved in a fatality due to this "intermittent" problem. We could not find a Hyundai Regional Manager with whom to correspond. We feel abandoned by Hyundai but hopefully not by the We are scared and disappointed. Is Hyundai really "committed to providing vehicles of outstanding quality and value" as its August, 2022, EXTENDED WARRANTY NOTIFICATION said. Please help. Hyundai dealers won't.

Filed Feb 25, 2021 · Engine · 105,000 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 hyundai sonata hybrid. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, there was an abnormal clunking sound detected. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 20v746000 (engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The vehicle was towed to amarillo hyundai (1900 interstate 40 access rd #3029, amarillo, tx 79103, (806) 376-4911) to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced however, the vehicle was not repaired. The part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 105,000. Vin tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Dec 8, 2018 · Transmission · 120,000 miles · SC

This has been happening on a daily basis for at least the last 4 months, some days are worse than others. Seems like the trans computer cannot make up its mind to engage or disengage and create a 'power loss' or acceleration loss. The car then bucks and clunks for a few seconds until it figures out what its going to do. Happens in low engine temps, car has not reached 1/2 way temp for several months, always runs 1, 2, or 3 bars from cold, replaced thermostat, radiator fan stopped working and replaced that. Sometimes the car will over rev and then catch making the car lurch forward or backward. This happens usually at stop signs or stop lights, but the RPM have been buried at high while driving then drops rapidly.

Filed Dec 2, 2018 · Electrical · 87,000 miles · AL

Takata recall: I have a 2012 hyundai sonata 2.0t se and my car stopped in the middle of the road with no warning and would not start back. Now my eps, oil, mil, battery light ate on and car will not crank. I was driving up troy highway in montgomery al when my car begin to slow down and cut off. It did make a clunk noise before it shut off.. There wasn't any fire but engine will not start and just had oil change on friday.

Filed Oct 19, 2018 · Engine · 120,000 miles · CA

In july of 2017 my car began to lose power and began to make a clunking sound while I was driving at 45mph. I limped the car into the dealer. I was told I would hear from them the next day. The following day I went to get some items out of my car. Rod johnson of folsom lake hyundai service dept. Told me that they had conducted a check on the car and that it needed a new engine. He stated the car was slightly over 100,000 miles, and would not be covered by the warranty, and the repair cost is 10,000.00. I told him I would have to get back to him about the repair. When I got home I went online to see if there had been a report of this problem. Sure enough, there was plenty. And, on top of that all the articles I came across stated the engine failure was due to a manufacture defect within the engine. The article states that in 2016 hyundai lost a class action lawsuit in which they had to recall 470,000. Since then they have had to recall many more. Well over 1 million. Hyundai's refusal to replace the engine has been very stressful. The dealers refusal to replace the engine w/no cost to me is: 1) my car has a short-block, and those engines have not been reported. All problems have been with the long-blocks only. 2) if I can produce the only oil change invoice that is missing, then they will replace. (told to the representative w/bureau of automotive repair. 3) milage is 120,000 miles. I can't sell it, I'm still paying on it. I can't scrap it, I'm still paying on it. I can't donate it, I'm still paying on it. Per the dealers svc. Dept. The engine failure is due to the defective engine, as outlined in the class action lawsuit. Hyundai had to raise the warranty 120,000 because, the problem fails to show it's self sometimes until 80,000 to 100,000 miles. What's a girl to do?????

Filed Sep 25, 2018 · Brakes, Steering · 49,900 miles · FL

On 05/10/2018, I noticed severe vibration and clunking in steering wheel. Brought vehicle to hyundai dealer and they replaced the flexible coupling in the steering column due to wear. On 08/08/2018, I brought the vehicle to the hyundai dealer for routine service and asked them to check the brakes as I experienced an intermittent loud squeaking from the brake pedal. They were unable to diagnose the problem. On 09/25/2018, I attempted to start the vehicle from a stationary position and when I depressed the brake, the pedal went all the way to the floor and a warning came on the dash advising me that the brakes had failed and I needed to stop immediately. I shut the vehicle off and then attempted to restart. Upon restart the warning condition did not reoccur. Vehicle towed to hyundai dealer for diagnosis. I was advised that the issue seems to have corrected itself and the brake system simply needed to be recalibrated.

Filed Nov 7, 2017 · Steering · 60,500 miles · TX

There is clunking and play in the steering at low speeds, in park or stopped. It appears to be there when the steering wheel is moved within 5 - 10 degrees of center. Also, there is a loud clunking/clanking sound when going over rough pavement, speed bumps, etc.

Filed Feb 7, 2017 · Airbags, Steering · TX

Steering wheel rattles and clunks when driving and turning. The consumer stated the airbag light was illuminate and was included in a safety recall, but the there has not been any notification of a remedy.

Filed Jan 1, 2017 · Steering · 18,500 miles · HI

Steering is very "loose" and makes alarming clunking sounds on turns or at speeds above 60mph