IllustrationWhen turning I get a warning light on the dash with the symbol of a steering wheel and the wheel is hard to turn. This happens randomly and seems to be happening for now only when making a turn while stopped.
2017 Hyundai Elantra
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most Elantra years
Owner complaints for the 2017 Hyundai Elantra are substantially higher than the model-year median of 182.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Elantra years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
800–25K
7125–50K
5850–75K
3675–100K
31100–150K
4150K+
280 reports with mileage · 486 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Engine. Review the 289 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Structure. Review the 134 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Electrical System. Review the 111 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
37 crash reports6 fire reports19 injury reports
Steering complaints
71 reportsI am writing to report a recurring issue with my car's electric power steering system. On multiple occasions, the steering wheel has locked up unexpectedly, particularly while making turns. This presents a significant safety concern, and I believe it is crucial to address this issue promptly.
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at 5 MPH and attempting to make a left turn, she became aware that the power steering was not functioning. The electronic power steering warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the electronic po…
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The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at 5 MPH and attempting to make a left turn, she became aware that the power steering was not functioning. The electronic power steering warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the electronic power steering. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related it to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V213000 (Steering), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 75,500.
The power steering went out as I was driving with my infant in the car. I was making a turn and it completely went out. That is very dangerous.
Steering locked up on the highway and car became uncontrollable.
Steering wheel sometimes makes grinding sounds when steering at low speed (25-35moh). On Sept 17, 2023 at approximately 5pm I was turning into my driveway going approximately 5mph when the electronic power steering light illuminated and I lost steering capability. When I turned off car then turned it back on light was off and st…
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Steering wheel sometimes makes grinding sounds when steering at low speed (25-35moh). On Sept 17, 2023 at approximately 5pm I was turning into my driveway going approximately 5mph when the electronic power steering light illuminated and I lost steering capability. When I turned off car then turned it back on light was off and steering power returned. After researching issue I discovered this is somewhat of a common problem.
My 2017 Elantra experienced complete power steering loss which nearly caused a serious accident. I was traveling approximately 25 MPH as I went around a bend, and lost all power steering. I was able to get my car home with no power steering. When I restarted the ignition and turned the steering wheel there was partial power stee…
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My 2017 Elantra experienced complete power steering loss which nearly caused a serious accident. I was traveling approximately 25 MPH as I went around a bend, and lost all power steering. I was able to get my car home with no power steering. When I restarted the ignition and turned the steering wheel there was partial power steering, but wheel made a clunking noise as I turned the wheel. I researched online and discovered there was a partial recall of the 2017 Elantra's for faulty power steering connectors. As the original owner I never received a recall notice. I double checked with dealership and they advised no outstanding recalls. The steering continues to stick and loses power. Thank you very much, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
When making a turn or just steering, the steering wheel, the wheel locks up and has difficulty turning or steering. A steering wheel with an exclamation mark shows on my dash, and I have to pull over and turn off the car in order for the car to resume driving normally. Also, the trunk automatic opening does not work. The trun…
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When making a turn or just steering, the steering wheel, the wheel locks up and has difficulty turning or steering. A steering wheel with an exclamation mark shows on my dash, and I have to pull over and turn off the car in order for the car to resume driving normally. Also, the trunk automatic opening does not work. The trunk is supposed to open when you approach it with your key, and it doesn’t work. That feature stopped working one year after I got the car.
CAR WAS STOLEN BY BREAKING THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE BACK WINDOW AND THEN STARTED THE CAR WITH A USB CABLE. I HAVE VIDEO SHOWING HOW THEY STARTED THE CAR AFTER IT WAS RECOVERED. I CONTACTED THE HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP AND COMPANY WHERE I PURCHASE THE CAR FROM, ALL I KEPT GETTING IS THAT THE CAR IS OK AND THE DEALERSHIP SENT ME AWAY BAC…
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CAR WAS STOLEN BY BREAKING THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE BACK WINDOW AND THEN STARTED THE CAR WITH A USB CABLE. I HAVE VIDEO SHOWING HOW THEY STARTED THE CAR AFTER IT WAS RECOVERED. I CONTACTED THE HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP AND COMPANY WHERE I PURCHASE THE CAR FROM, ALL I KEPT GETTING IS THAT THE CAR IS OK AND THE DEALERSHIP SENT ME AWAY BACK IN APRIL OF 2023, EVEN WHEN I HAVE A RECALL MAILED NOTIFICATION. I was told also that on this website there is no recall when they enter my VIN, but yet the car was stolen because of the poor immobilizer in these cars. Priceless and valuable items was stolen from my car belonging to my deceased mother(she passed in 2018), this is so upsetting.
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the Electronic Power Steering Assist would randomly fail and the steering wheel would become difficult to turn in either direction. After restarting the vehicle, the failure was corrected. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic w…
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The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the Electronic Power Steering Assist would randomly fail and the steering wheel would become difficult to turn in either direction. After restarting the vehicle, the failure was corrected. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who diagnosed that the Electronic Power Steering system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified and informed that the VIN was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V213000 (Steering). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced that same failure listed in the recall. The local dealer was not contacted. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 60,000.
Official recalls
417V213000 · Steering:electric Power Assist System
Mar 28, 2017
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2017 Elantra vehicles. The affected vehicles may have a damaged Electronic Power Steering (MDPS) connector resulting in a loss of electric power steering assistance.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Loss of power steering assist would require higher steering effort, especially at lower speeds, which may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EPS motor, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 28, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-243-7766. Hyundai's number for this recall 161.
17V063000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:hydraulic
Jan 26, 2017
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2017 Elantra vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the brake booster may fail, resulting in a loss of power brake assist.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A loss of power brake assist can lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Hyundai has notified owners, and dealers will replace the brake system booster assembly, free of charge. The recall began on February 6, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 157.
16V956000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module
Dec 30, 2016
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2017 Hyundai Elantra vehicles manufactured April 15, 2016, to September 13, 2016, and Sonata vehicles manufactured May 27, 2016 to September 16, 2016. In these vehicles, the end seal for the driver's frontal air bag inflator may not have been properly installed, possibly resulting in reduced inflation of the frontal air bag in the event of a crash.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: In the event of a crash, an air bag that does not inflate fully increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began February 13, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 156.
16V232000 · Air Bags:frontal
Apr 21, 2016
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Sonata vehicles manufactured May 29, 2014 to February 11, 2016, 2017 Elantra vehicles manufactured January 12, 2016 to February 22, 2016, and one 2016 Sonata Hybrid vehicle manufactured October 15, 2015. In these vehicles, the driver's frontal air bag may be missing a chemical enhancer required for the second stage air bag deployment, resulting in the second stage not deploying in certain crashes. The primary stage will deploy as intended.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An air bag that does not inflate increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began on May 5,2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 144.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
1DP22003 · Loss Of Motive Power
Opened Sep 12, 2022 · Closed Dec 12, 2023
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complaints were provided which alleged that the oil drain pans lack sufficient structural integrity and are susceptible to cracking. The petition itself can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI number 11481745. On September 12, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Defect Petition (DP22-003) to evaluate the Petitioners’ request. The Petitioners have provided additional complaints within four supplemental letters dated January 31, 2023, March 21, 2023, May 23, 2023, and August 4, 2023. ODI’s evaluation included the review and analysis of the complaints and supporting information submitted by the Petitioners, as well as additional complaints submitted directly to NHTSA which referenced either the oil drain plug or a crack in the oil pan. After reviewing the available data, ODI has not identified evidence that would support opening a defect investigation into the oil drain pan assemblies of the subject vehicles. Based on a review of the available information, a loss of motive power resulting from an oil drain plug back out has not occurred between the initial sale of a vehicle and the completion of its first oil change. If during an oil change service, a technician fails to remove the existing drain plug gasket before installing a new gasket, it is likely that a proper seal between the drain plug and the oil pan will not be made. An improper seal between the drain plug and oil pan could lead to the backing out on the drain plug, resulting in the sudden loss of oil while driving. Additionally, the provided examples of oil pan cracks were localized to the immediate vicinity of the oil drain plug and/or appeared to be the result of direct-contact with a tool during servicing. There is no information to support that a vehicle-based defect exists relating to the oil pan assembly, and instead the documented incidents are related to the failure to follow the proper maintenance procedures during oil change service. In October 2023, Hyundai published a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) that provided detailed instructions for oil change service on its gasoline powered vehicles, specifically highlighting the need to remove and replace the existing drain plug gasket prior to reinstalling the drain plug. After a thorough review of the material submitted by the petitioner, the information already in NHTSA's possession, and the potential risks to motor vehicle safety implicated by the petitioners' allegations, NHTSA does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. Therefore, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA’s reasons for denial of the petition will be published. The reference numbers for the complaints to NHTSA cited by the petitioner can be found in the petition submission documents in the public file for DP22-003. To review those complaints and the additional complaints ODI added to its evaluation which are cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.