About this problem
The steering coupler is a small rubber or plastic piece that joins the electric steering motor to the steering shaft. When it wears, owners hear a clicking or clunking from the column when turning the wheel, and the steering can feel loose. It is an inexpensive part, but finding the cause can take a dealer several visits.
Across all owner complaints filed about the Hyundai Sonata since 2012, 232 (2.7%) describe clicking steering coupler, the second most reported problem we track on the Sonata. The reports cluster on the 2012, 2013 and 2014 model years, and the 2013 drew the most, with 102. It tends to show up at higher mileage: half of the owners who gave a mileage were between 66,000 and 108,000 miles. 3 reports describe a crash or fire linked to it. No recall covers it, so repairs are usually paid by the owner once the warranty ends.
What owners report
Sonata owners report clicking, knocking or play in the steering wheel, especially when turning at low speed or over bumps. The cause is a worn plastic coupler in the steering column. The 2012 to 2014 cars drew the most reports.
How it gets fixed
The repair replaces the flexible coupler. Hyundai extended coverage on some cars.
Typical cost: A coupler replacement costs about $200 to $400.
Complaints by model year
In owners' words
"Steering coupler was recalled and replaced at around 80,000, engine failed at 106,000ish and was replaced by Hyundai with remanufactured motor, steering is making noise again and acting exactly like before related to the steering column coupler."
2013 Hyundai Sonata, 109,000 miles
"Steering column has become loose when turned. Rattles back and forth when turning. After numerous stops at car repair places, finally found a place in a very tiny town who knew exactly what was wrong. This is the third car they have said yhey have repaired."
2012 Hyundai Sonata, 93,000 miles
"My 2014 Hyundai Sonata gls whines when accelerating, and my steering wheel clicks when turning right and left. The clicking has been going on for months; I noticed the whining on 01/10/2020."
2014 Hyundai Sonata, 94,000 miles
Excerpts from public owner complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, lightly trimmed.
Before you buy a Sonata
- Turn the wheel slowly left and right with the car stopped and listen for clicking.
- Drive over bumps and feel for play or rattle in the steering wheel.
- Ask whether the steering coupler has been replaced.
Questions
Which Hyundai Sonata years have clicking steering coupler?
Complaints are highest for the 2012, 2013, 2014 model years. The 2013 drew the most, with 102 reports.
At what mileage does it usually start?
Among owners who gave a mileage, the middle figure was about 87,000 miles, and half reported it between 66,000 and 108,000 miles.
How much does it cost to fix?
A coupler replacement costs about $200 to $400.