Clunking sound in steering wheel caused by disintegration of EPS rubber coupler. This is due to a design flaw in the OEM part where the rubber turns gummy.
Hyundai Veloster harsh shifting problems
28 of the 1,299 owner complaints about the Hyundai Veloster describe harsh or hard shifting, most of them for the 2013 model year.
- owner complaints
- 28
- worst model year
- 2013
- typical repair cost reported
- $488
- typical mileage
- 50,000
Is there a fix? No recall or service bulletin covers this area of the car yet.
By model year
Often reported together
Steering noise 14Transmission failure 2Loss of power 2Won't shift 1Stalling 1Hesitation 1Engine failure 1Check engine light 1
Trouble codes mentioned
P0420 1
What owners say
I am the second owner of a 2016 Hyundai Veloster Base, purchased used at approximately 19,976 miles. Since then, the vehicle has experienced multiple major powertrain-related failures. At 49,196 miles, the first catalytic converter failed and was replaced. Later, both the engine and second catalytic converter were replaced by Kearny Mesa Hyundai, a certified Hyundai dealership in San Diego, CA. When I brought the vehicle to Kearny Mesa Hyundai, there were no warning lights or active diagnostic trouble codes. However, the dealership’s service documentation stated that a P0420 code (catalyst system efficiency below threshold) was present — a code that was not active when I dropped off the vehicle, raising concerns about diagnostic accuracy or documentation. Now, at 61,982 miles, I brought the vehicle to Hyundai Ontario due to delayed shifting and hesitation when accelerating. The dealership diagnosed internal transmission failure and quoted approximately $5,000 for repairs. There were no warning lights or codes detected, meaning this diagnosis is based solely on driving symptoms. The failure of two catalytic converters, the engine, and now the transmission — all within approximately 42,000 miles of ownership — raises serious concerns about the long-term reliability of this vehicle and possible manufacturing defects. The transmission symptoms pose a serious safety risk, especially when merging or accelerating into traffic. I am requesting that this vehicle be investigated for potential systemic issues affecting its powertrain components.
Steering coupler went out at 23,000 miles. Not covered under warranty according to Hyundai leading to repairs in excess of $500. Many Hyundai’s have this problem and if it goes out completely the vehicle no longer has electric steering assist, the steering wheel makes a clunking sound, and the car drifts all over the road.
Power steering rubbler coupler defective..making a clunking sound with turning sterring wheel left and right. This is a very common problem with Hyundai.
Steering coupler failure. Excessive play and loud clunking in steering column. Symptoms have increased over time. Vehicle has 64950 miles.
Steering wheel clunks while turning. Most likely the rubber steering wheel coupler. Found a bunch of other complaints for the same thing with this make and model.
My 2013 Hyundai Veloster Turbo steering recently developed a loose range with clunking at either end of the range. Appx mileage is 70K. Research indicates it could be caused by a rubber coupler in the steering column. Other Veloster owners stated online that this seems to be a common problem and should be investigated by the federal safety agency for a possible recall.
Cruising on freeway ~70 mph when car starts slowing due to lack of power- for unknown reason car went into "limp mode", with turbo boost pressure and power cut off, barely enough power to keep car at 60 mph in order to make it to freeway exit to pull off. This could have caused serious collision. Turned off car, let it sit 1 min, turned it back on, and problem seemed to go away. No Check Engine Light, no OBD2 codes. Limp mode sometimes occur during harsh shifts but releasing throttle and reengaging usually fixes it but this time needed to shut off the car. Has been reported to dealer but they can't reproduce consistently and no CEL/codes so they won't try to find a fix. But losing power for no apparent reason on freeway definitely dangerous situation.
-Steering motor coupler -Interrupted my turning at highway speeds, posed danger against myself and every other driver on the road. -It has been confirmed as the problem, and is a well known problem in the Veloster community. A recall is needed to prevent car accidents. Please help us. -No, it was not inspected outside of repair. -No warning lights at all are triggered by this problem. Symptoms are steering wheel clunking, sticking, vibrating. As it gets worse, steering wheel can become stuck in place, making it very difficult to turn the wheel. https://youtu.be/-2ximJ3KM3Q Here is a link to someone opening up the motor to see the coupler torn to ribbons. It is the same piece as I replaced. The veloster forum has hundreds if not thousands of reports of this problem.
Tl* the contact owns a 2014 hyundai veloster. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal clunking sound coming from the steering wheel. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where she was informed that there was a fractured coupling within the steering column that needed to be replaced. The contact then spoke with clay cooley hyundai of mesquite (16230 lyndon b johnson fwy, mesquite, tx 75150) where she was informed that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The contact reached out to the manufacturer via email however, there was no response. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the Hyundai Veloster harsh shifting
Which Hyundai Veloster years have harsh or hard shifting problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2013 (14 complaints), 2012 (6 complaints) and 2014 (5 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix harsh or hard shifting on the Hyundai Veloster?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $488 (median of 6 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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