181 complaints reported

2013 Hyundai Elantra Steering

Owner-reported problems and safety issues filed with NHTSA. Review common failures, severity levels, and complaint trends over time.

Reports
181
Crashes
5
Fires
0
Injuries
0

Complaint Timeline

Chronological view of owner reports

Dec 2025

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became inoperable. The contact stated that a cushion located within the steering wheel had deteriorated, causing the steering wheel to become difficult to turn. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the steering coupler cushion within the steering wheel had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000. The VIN was not available.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Dec 2025
Oct 2025

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that there was a lot of play in the steering wheel, and the steering wheel moved back and forth with no resistance while the vehicle was being driven or while idling. There was a loud clunking noise coming from the steering column while turning the steering wheel to the left or the right. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic, who diagnosed that the steering column flexible coupler had failed and caused the wheels to not respond correctly while turning the steering wheel. The contact was informed that the steering column flexible coupler needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 51,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Aug 2025
Sep 2025

My steering wheel has been shaking and having a clunking sound when I accelerate over 60 miles, go over any bumps, and turn. I had my mechanic diagnose it and I was told the steering coupler was bad. I did some research to see if it was a recall and it wasn't. Then I saw on Hyundai.com then I could check my VIN and verify if my vehicle qualified for the extended warranty for this issue. My vehicle qualified however after contacting customer service directly to verify, they advise me my vehicle did not qualify because of being over 100,000 miles. Prior to contacting them I saw that they had a statement saying that this issue was not safety related. I didn't believe that to be correct because my mechanic told me otherwise, and information I saw regarding Google searches said the opposite. Also, my own experience whenever that shaking of my steering wheel occurs I literally have to use both of my hands to control it. Therefore I believe it is a safety issue that absolutely needs to be revisited as being such. I was advised on that call to take it to the dealership and have them diagnose it and advise headquarters directly however I made it clear that I did not want to have to incur a diagnostic fee when the initial diagnostic I had was free and I have the estimate breakdown from my mechanic. And I did not believe that there should be any diagnostic fee for a safety concern. I did advise them that I was going to contact NHTSA and advised them of this circumstance in order for it to be reviewed.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Jan 2025
Sep 2025

In the last month I started to hear a clicking sound when turning my steering wheel in either direction. I am told that this is a frequent problem with Hyundai Elantra and is caused by a flexible coupling breaking. I brought my Elantra to the dealer to take cre of some other recalls but was told that the coupling problem is not a recall issue. I do have a Technical Service Bulletin from Hyundai on this issue and feel that since it happens frequently on the Elantra, it should be covered by the dealer or Hyundai corporate. Please advise as I cannot afford to pay for this repair as I am on disabilty with limited income.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Jul 2025
Jun 2025

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the steering wheel was very loose. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the contact was forced to grip the steering wheel with force with the front of the vehicle abnormally shaking. The contact depressed the brake pedal and the shaking of the front of the vehicle increased. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was advised that the steering rack was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 97,501.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: May 2025
Mar 2025

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that the steering wheel made clicking sound while turning to the left or the right. While driving at speeds of 55 MPH or higher, the steering wheel vibrated abnormally. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed or repaired. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline by a mechanic to report the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Mar 2022
Dec 2024

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel was loosened, and felt as if the steering wheel would detach. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact believed that the failure was a manufacturing defect and took the vehicle to a local dealer; however, no assistance was provided. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 116,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Feb 2024
Oct 2024

My steering wheel is making.a clunking noise and I called Hyundai and informed them and they told me the extended warranty has expired since last year. Lots of Hyundai 2013 consumers complained about this issue and it’s an expensive fix. Please advice [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Oct 2024
Oct 2024

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, the contact became aware that the steering wheel was making a loud rattling sound. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 113,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Oct 2024
Aug 2024

Steering is making a squeaky noise. Went to Hyundai dealership and they confirmed steering coupler needs replacement. This is a manufacturer’s fault. Driving is dangerous as steering gets free sometimes while driving.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Aug 2024
Jul 2024

The steering wheel clicks and feels loose when it moves. The repair is to replace the Steering Coupler a piece of plastic for $5 but it will cost $300 or more for my mechanic since it is a 2-3 hour job. This should be replaced by the Dealer for free since the part is made to wear out and be defective

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Jul 2024
Apr 2024

I heard a noise and felt a pull when turning the steering wheel while the car was stationary or at low speeds. AAA said there was a recall and Hyundai would repair at no cost. The dealer stated I had a defective steering flexible coupler. If I did not replace, it could disintegrate in the steering column. I was told Hyundai extended the warrantee to 10 years or 100,000 miles. My 2013 car is 11 years old with 63,000 miles. The cost of the repair was $657.68. This is a safety issue with lots of complaints. This should be a recall. I want to be reimbursed for this manufacturing defect.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Apr 2024
Apr 2024

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle pulled to the left continuously. The contact stated that the vehicle was shaking while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,800.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Feb 2024
Mar 2024

Faulty steering column issue

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Mar 2024
Mar 2024

Steering wheel makes a thud or clicking noise when you turn the wheel. I was told that this is caused by the power steering coupling gear is worn. In my mind if a gear is wearing, it will eventually wear smooth. If this happens, I can only assume that you would no longer be able to steer the car. Hyundai has a service bulletin [XXX] ) out to address this problem, but they say that there is no steering performance issue. My personal mechanic does not agree with that assessment. Hyundai fixed this problem on my other Hyundai Elantra while it was under warranty. I have an appointment with the dealer this week to fix the steering, for an estimated $450. I cannot believe this is not a safety issue. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Sep 2023
Jan 2024

Every time my steering wheel is moved slightly, It makes a clicking/clunking sound. It has progressed overtime while driving and an inspection cannot be passed due to it. I know many people whose Hyundais have been recalled because of this exact thing, and mine is not telling it is.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Jul 2023
Dec 2023 Crash

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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Dec 2023
Dec 2023

Dealer refused to repair defective steering wheel for which manufacturer has issued recall notice. Dealer stated that recall repairs were no longer covered

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Oct 2023
Nov 2023

My vehicle i have issue with Steering Rubber Coupling which is bad and a safety concern for me. K contacted the Hyundai Motors and they declined the service. Just like me there tons of Hyundai Vehicles owners experience the same problem.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Nov 2023
Nov 2023 Crash

The steering coupler failed, causing the tires to turn back and forth (oscillate) while the driver held the steering wheel steady. The vehicle went out of control and spun out on wet pavement. The driver could feel the steering wheel go thunk-thunk-thunk back and forth, as the servomotor for the electric power steering system went out of control. The failed coupler is between the servomotor and the power steering rack. The free play from the defective steering coupler allows the electric power steering system to turn the tires WITHOUT any input from the steering wheel or driver, causing the vehicle to become unstable and spin out. Hyundai has a TSB on this issue [XXX] , but Hyndai says that this issue is a non-safety clunk noise. FALSE. This is a safety issue where the electric power steering system turns the tires (wheels) back and forth WITHOUT driver input. This causes the vehicle to become unstable, almost killing my wife. This IS a NHTSA safety issue, not a noise complaint. Hyundai falsely classified this problem as a noise issue, not a safety issue. This is a known defect that is falsely classified as a non-safety issue, escaping a NHTSA recall notice. This is a safety issue where the steering becomes unstable as the servomotor goes crazy due to the extra play or slop in the failed coupler. The safety issue is unrecoverable on wet or snowy pavement. On dry pavement it is annoying and unstable. This issue is also very dangerous and causes oversteer (spin outs) when the wheels hit an expansion joint at an angle. The vehicle oscillates and spins out, as the electric power steering system becomes unstable. It is terrible. This TSB needs to be reclassified properly as a safety recall. Thank you. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Nov 2023
Nov 2023

I have steering issue with loud clunking coming from steering wheel, it is my understanding that this is a coupler issue that Hyundai had placed a extended warranty on up to 10 years from delivery when I'm coming up on but up on, however when I check with Hyundai I'm told that my VIN is not covered by this extended warranty and I'm concerned that this could fail completely causing possible safety issue. I'm told repair will cost 450 dollars which is not in my budget. I'm sure I'm not alone so I'm adding my voice to others that can or should not have to afford such a repair.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Sep 2023
Nov 2023

There is a bushing in the electronic power steering motor that fails very often in this year model and make. This bushing is involved with the steering operation of the car and may cause loss of steering while driving. It is a well documented issue on the internet.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Jan 2022
Oct 2023

2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO LOOSE STEERING WHEEL COLUMN.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Oct 2023
Sep 2023

When Ever I turn my steering I hear a rubbing noise. Upon online research it sounds like a steering (MPDS) bearing is worn. Sound it makes is getting worse. I fear if my steering will eventually freeze while driving. Manufacturer had a technical service bulletin for other year models but not for 2013 Elantra and they do not sell bearing alone. Was told they sell entire steering column assembly. No warning lamp/ messages earlier. I did have issue with worn steering coupler which I just replaced and still have this other problem.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Sep 2023
Sep 2023

My steering wheel has a clunking sound and you can feel it in the steering wheel when moving the wheel slightly to the right and left

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Jan 2023

Trend Over Time

Complaints by year

Quick Summary

The 2013 Hyundai Elantra has 181 Steering complaints on file. 5 crashes have been reported. Review the timeline above for detailed owner experiences.