I purchased fgis car from a used car dealership, for over $6,000.00 , which is not a ton of money, but plenty enough to not have instant issues. Since my purchase in june 30, 2026, i have already had all of these issues occur. There is white smoke coming from the left tail pipe, it is sluggish when you push on the gas, there is black soot constantly on my rims that is extreamly hard to remove, the high pressure fuel pump jas failed, I can tell because the oil is higher then it was when o had the oil freshly changed, and it smells of gasoline.inside the oil. The exhaust has stron smell of gasoline. My steering wheel has a loud clinking noise everytime I go over a speed bump on pull into my driveway. Just so many items consistently needing repair or replacement, even though I just had the fuel system cleaned, the oil changed, and filters, and.oil filter too. I checked to see if any of my issues are covered by a recall warranty, because they all are recalled items for my car year, make, and model, but apparently Hyunfai is only covering these dangerous recall items for ul to 10 years. These items shkuld be covered longer, because my carfax states that at least one of these recalled items had already been changed in 2018, and is already broken again!! Hyundai should have covered these extreamly high wear out car parts for a longer period of time, or for the life of the vehicle, if every 5 years your replacing a $1000.00 part, not including labor, like the (HPFP) I was quoted by auto zone for over that price point!! "Ridiculous"! Another item is the air bag cover on the driver side windows area, of the body frame it is loose and keeps un-clipping, i am afraid that it is going to possibly just go off and kill me or something!! Very disappointed right now, that i cannot get any of these recalled items replaced by the manufacturer!!
2011 Hyundai Sonata: clunking or noise when steering
302 of the 3,380 complaints about the 2011 Hyundai Sonata describe clunking or noise when steering.
- owner complaints
- 302
- of this car's complaints
- 9%
- typical repair cost reported
- $383
- typical mileage
- 75,000
- recalls
- 3
Clunking or noise when steering by model year
What owners say
The vehicle’s airbag warning light is illuminated. The steering wheel also makes a clicking noise, which appears related to an internal clock spring/coil connector failure. This defect may prevent the driver airbag from deploying properly in a crash, creating a serious safety risk. I contacted O’Brien Hyundai of Normal on 4/23/2026 and was denied repair assistance solely due to vehicle mileage. The vehicle has been well maintained, and this issue involves a critical safety component that should not fail under normal use. I am submitting this complaint due to concerns about airbag system failure and occupant safety.
Coupler in steering. Making loud clicking sounds and I was scared to drive car. I've contacted recalls I have a case number but get different answers. I just had it repaired a few days ago. Paid over $313. The service dept said they think it is the coupler because they had several complaints that week and sure enough they said it was the same thing . I believe it was a safety problem. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Steering column rattles and shakes. Steering wheel makes slight clicking sounds when turning. Concerned that steering may fail. Many steering problems reported on this make and year but I see no recalls for my VIN.
The steering column is making a clicking noise, took to independent service center and they reported that the EPS motor will need to be replaced and is currently not a safety issue, but over time could be. I have not had any warning lamps or messages. I did notice that some 2011 Sonatas have been recalled for EPS issues, but my VIN shows no issues.
The contact called for her niece who owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds or while the vehicle was stationary, there was an abnormal clicking in the steering wheel. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer but was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000.
There is looseness/excessive play in the steering, causing a jerkiness motion side-to-side with minimal movement of the steering wheel. There is also a clunking noise when turning and when going over bumps in the road, sometimes the bumps cause the steering wheel to jerk to the side resulting in the car veering to the left or right. When this occurs traveling at a higher speed, I'm afraid it could result in either veering into the ditch or into oncoming traffic. I had my mechanic inspect the issue, thinking it was a suspension problem, but was informed it was a faulty "steering column flexible coupler" that is a known issue with this particular vehicle. This steering issue seems to be getting worse and worse by the day.
While driving there is a noticeable "clicking" noise, especially while turning the vehicle. And it is getting louder. Has been occurring the past two months.
My engine light has been on for 6 months and I had the timer sensor replaced twice. And it is still on. My car steering wheel vibrates at times. The steering wheel makes a cracking noise while parking or pulling out. Also my airbag light has been on continuous for 6 months over the steering wheel. Keep taking it to the shop and told to check recalls but my car is never listed.
Steering makes a loud "clunk" when turning right or left. It is noticeable when stationary, but quite loud when moving. I am afraid to drive the car.
Steering wheel makes a noise. When turned. Car ride is bumpy on inspection mechanic said I need steering column replaced and I need left front lower control arm replaced, front sway bar links need replacement. Almost $2000 expense. This car has 132000 miles on it . I took care of car rotate the tires did preventive maintenance.the vehicle has very bumpy ride when turned makes noise.
Steering wheel makes noise and has play in it. While jacked up, the wheel makes the suspension shake. Noise is while hitting potholes, making turns and while sitting still turning the wheels. I bought car used. Had regular maintenance and tires just rotated within past month.
Service bulletins that may apply
- This bulletin provides information regarding replacement of the column-mounted Motor Driven Power Steering...
- On some Sonata (YF, LF), Sonata Hybrid (YF HEV, LF HEV), Santa Fe (NC), and Azera (HG) vehicles, a yoke...
- Hyundai has announced an extended warranty for the motor driven power steering (MDPS) coupling on the...
- WEBDCS: RECALL 143 2011 Sonata Electronic Power Steering (EPS) Control Unit Cover Unit Replacement
- Effective tuesday, april 12, 2016 hyundai motor america will be identifying vins with open recall campaign...
- Summary to be provided on a future date.
Related recalls
Steering: electric power assist system
- What is wrong
- Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2011 Sonata vehicles manufactured December 11, 2009, to October 31, 2010. In the affected vehicles, the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) circuit board may be damaged and result in a loss of power steering assist.
- Risk
- With a loss of power steering assist, extra steering effort will be required, especially at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EPS control unit, free of charge. The recall began May 30, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1‑855‑371‑9640. Hyundai's number for this recall is 143.
Recall number 16V190000 · Recall details
Steering: gear box: shaft sector
- What is wrong
- Hyundai is recalling certain model year 2011 sonata vehicles manufactured from december 11, 2009, through september 10, 2010. On some of these vehicles the steering column intermediate shaft universal joint connections may have been either improperly assembled or insufficiently tightened.
- Risk
- Improper assembly or insufficient tightening of the connections could result in a complete separation or compromised attachment of the connections, such that the driver could experience a loss of, or reduction in, steering capability increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the steering column intermediate shaft universal joint connections for proper assembly and torque. In addition dealers will update the power steering software free of charge. The safety recall began on october 11, 2010. Owners may contact hyundai customer service center at 1‑787‑999‑3333.
Recall number 10V457000 · Recall details
Steering: gear box: shaft sector
- What is wrong
- Hyundai is recalling certain model year 2011 sonata vehicles manufactured from december 11, 2009, through september 10, 2010. On some of these vehicles the steering column intermediate shaft universal joint connections may have been either improperly assembled or insufficiently tightened.
- Risk
- Improper assembly or insufficient tightening of the connections could result in a complete separation or compromised attachment of the connections, such that the driver could experience a loss of, or reduction in, steering capability increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the steering column intermediate shaft universal joint connections for proper assembly and torque. In addition dealers will update the power steering software free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during october 2010. Owners may contact hyundai customer assistance center at 1‑800‑633‑5151.
Recall number 10V426000 · Recall details
Questions about the 2011 Hyundai Sonata steering noise
Is clunking or noise when steering a common problem on the 2011 Hyundai Sonata?
302 of 3,380 owner complaints about the 2011 Hyundai Sonata (9%) mention clunking or noise when steering. The model year with the most reports is 2011.
How much does it cost to fix clunking or noise when steering on the 2011 Hyundai Sonata?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $383 (median of 46 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2011 Hyundai Sonata?
There are 3 recalls and 8 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2011 Hyundai Sonata
Engine failure 335Stalling 310Knocking 265Airbag light 243Pulling 193Check engine light 183Won't start 126Loss of power 120Harsh shifting 118Fire or smoke 117Headlights 103Oil consumption 63Jerking 61Power steering loss 60Adaptive cruise 53Warning lights 43No deployment 38Grinding brakes 33Key fob 33Coil spring 32Door locks 32Fuel pump 32Hesitation 30Fuel gauge 28Fuel smell 28Steering lock-up 28ABS 23Ball joint 22Won't shift 21Sudden acceleration 21Seat belt 19Overheating 18Brake failure 14Shudder 13Slipping 13Battery drain 11Fuel leak 11Sunroof shattered 11Transmission failure 11Tire blowout 10Whining noise 6Wipers 6
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