So, what's your question?
Steering Problems Sonata 2011
I read on Edmunds about Steering wheel problems on the 2011 Sonata where one person almost lost control,car pulled her in another lane couln't steer it,the dealer red taged 5 cars?read below some of the post.
'After a couple of days, the salesman told us that the problem was a faulty electric power steering pump, but they can't figure out why the safety feature didn't shut down to manual steering right away.'
The 2011 Sonata has column-mounted EPS, which does not use a pump.
My husband asked if there were any broken bolts. He said "uhh... there was a broken bolt....but I think it broke when they were taking the power steering pump out though."
Really? A broken bolt? Wow, that sounds very authentic.
'After a couple of days, the salesman told us that the problem was a faulty electric power steering pump, but they can't figure out why the safety feature didn't shut down to manual steering right away.'
The 2011 Sonata has column-mounted EPS, which does not use a pump.
My husband asked if there were any broken bolts. He said "uhh... there was a broken bolt....but I think it broke when they were taking the power steering pump out though."
Really? A broken bolt? Wow, that sounds very authentic.
1 - 20 of 21 Posts
Not to knock the post but some thing smells like dead fish. I read that same post over there, but I will say I would consider any post like that highly suspect until the poster could provide some other kind of stronger evidence other than their "version" of an event that happened to their car. More specifically, why did they not report the incident to the NHTSA's website? And why were they not able to at least mention the dealer where they took their vehicle?
Some vague references to a part that was removed from their vehicle without knowing what part? And yet the poster couldn't say what part that was allegedly removed? Because when any service is performed on a vehicle there has to be paperwork.
Also, the poster stated that they would post you-tube vid about the issue that supposedly a video tape exist and this was what 2 days ago and still no video has been posted?
I think this is almost too conveniently, suspicious by the lack of any factual information to verify what was posted there. Until the poster can prove anything I consider this less than credible.
Some vague references to a part that was removed from their vehicle without knowing what part? And yet the poster couldn't say what part that was allegedly removed? Because when any service is performed on a vehicle there has to be paperwork.
Also, the poster stated that they would post you-tube vid about the issue that supposedly a video tape exist and this was what 2 days ago and still no video has been posted?
I think this is almost too conveniently, suspicious by the lack of any factual information to verify what was posted there. Until the poster can prove anything I consider this less than credible.
Well, I found this case filed to NHTSA.
http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/complaints/
ODI ID Number : 10322666
http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/complaints/
ODI ID Number : 10322666
QUOTE (meik @ May 9 2010, 05:41 PM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=321266
With the thousands sold, it seems that if this issue were widespread we would be seeing a lot more about this. In the meantime, we all should keep this in perspective. If you read through the NHTSA database, you will see all kinds of events that happened infrequently, or only once. If you sell enough cars, you will probably find a report of a model bursting into flames, wheels falling off, etc.. etc..
This is not meant to belittle mommyt's experience. If it happened to me or to my wife, I'd certainly be alarmed. At this point in time, we only know of this single event, with thousands (approaching 50K I think) of 2011 Sonata's sold.
I know that Hyundai is investigating the issue. If they find something actionable, I have confidence that they will act.
At first I was very skeptical about the post; mostly due to the multiple postings and the nature of the story. After reading her follow-up posting, I figured that the post was real. That said, we really do not know what caused the issue at this point. It could be road hazard damage, or it could be a faulty part.Well, I found this case filed to NHTSA.
http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/complaints/
ODI ID Number : 10322666
With the thousands sold, it seems that if this issue were widespread we would be seeing a lot more about this. In the meantime, we all should keep this in perspective. If you read through the NHTSA database, you will see all kinds of events that happened infrequently, or only once. If you sell enough cars, you will probably find a report of a model bursting into flames, wheels falling off, etc.. etc..
This is not meant to belittle mommyt's experience. If it happened to me or to my wife, I'd certainly be alarmed. At this point in time, we only know of this single event, with thousands (approaching 50K I think) of 2011 Sonata's sold.
I know that Hyundai is investigating the issue. If they find something actionable, I have confidence that they will act.
I read that post on Edmund's yesterday. I was not sure how much credence to give to it. Since she has filed a report on the NHTSA website and the fact that the Gov't can track it to a specific dealership, I would think that there is some credibility to the claim. I am not saying that it is a specific defect.
If I were at Hyundai and these claims are true (that they red flagged 5 of 6 vehicles), I would be in immediate contact with the NHTSA to inform them of a potential issue, a team has been assigned to diagnose a possible defect, and a recommended resolution if warranted. Hyundai does not have the customer base to afford what happened to Toyota. They would save more face by acknowledging a potential problem exists and they are fully investigating. It is a more proactive approach instead of brushing it under the rug. If it is a bolt, you are talking nothing more than a $1 part and labor costs that are already being paid. This is not a financial issue.
If I were at Hyundai and these claims are true (that they red flagged 5 of 6 vehicles), I would be in immediate contact with the NHTSA to inform them of a potential issue, a team has been assigned to diagnose a possible defect, and a recommended resolution if warranted. Hyundai does not have the customer base to afford what happened to Toyota. They would save more face by acknowledging a potential problem exists and they are fully investigating. It is a more proactive approach instead of brushing it under the rug. If it is a bolt, you are talking nothing more than a $1 part and labor costs that are already being paid. This is not a financial issue.
Newbie to such forums.
I just bought a 2011 Sonata SE in Austin, TX last wednesday. I have driven about 240miles on the car so far.
Right from the day I picked up the car, I noticed that the steering was never centered when I let it free (the steering center is about half an inch off to the left). It pulls the car to the left unless I counteract. It kind of gets on the nerves because I constantly have to keep the steering pushed to the right. I am taking it to the dealer on wednesday. I have been reading a lot of postings online about same problems faced by other 2011 sonata owners. Any verdict on what is wrong with these cars?
I really love this car and hate to find out the design itself was wrong
.
I just bought a 2011 Sonata SE in Austin, TX last wednesday. I have driven about 240miles on the car so far.
Right from the day I picked up the car, I noticed that the steering was never centered when I let it free (the steering center is about half an inch off to the left). It pulls the car to the left unless I counteract. It kind of gets on the nerves because I constantly have to keep the steering pushed to the right. I am taking it to the dealer on wednesday. I have been reading a lot of postings online about same problems faced by other 2011 sonata owners. Any verdict on what is wrong with these cars?
I really love this car and hate to find out the design itself was wrong
.QUOTE (11sonatase @ Aug 23 2010, 09:22 PM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=351483
Also, if you haven't already done so, make sure your tires are properly inflated.
More than likely what you have is a defective tire with what's called a "radial pull". It's rather common. My car has a slight drift to the right. Have your dealer check your tires and ask for a new one. Since you have such low miles, there shouldn't be an issue with a new tire mixed with older tires.Newbie to such forums.
I just bought a 2011 Sonata SE in Austin, TX last wednesday. I have driven about 240miles on the car so far.
Right from the day I picked up the car, I noticed that the steering was never centered when I let it free (the steering center is about half an inch off to the left). It pulls the car to the left unless I counteract. It kind of gets on the nerves because I constantly have to keep the steering pushed to the right. I am taking it to the dealer on wednesday. I have been reading a lot of postings online about same problems faced by other 2011 sonata owners. Any verdict on what is wrong with these cars?
I really love this car and hate to find out the design itself was wrong
Also, if you haven't already done so, make sure your tires are properly inflated.
QUOTE (BigRedNole @ May 10 2010, 01:30 AM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=321331
I have spent many days and letters and phone calls to Hyundai and Dealerships related to the original post and to date I have nothing to support this is ocurring as a regular defect. My suggestion is to not let it scare you into purchasing a 2011 Sonata or if you presently own one, enjoy it.
Yes she had a problem as viewed on you tube. However no one has seen, heard or proven there were other vehivcles at the same Dealership with the same problem. As of now the problem appears to be a random part defect or a poor harness connection. Several others have reported similar PS failures and they were all repaired immediately. Corrections were replacement or repair of steering column harness.I read that post on Edmund's yesterday. I was not sure how much credence to give to it. Since she has filed a report on the NHTSA website and the fact that the Gov't can track it to a specific dealership, I would think that there is some credibility to the claim. I am not saying that it is a specific defect.
If I were at Hyundai and these claims are true (that they red flagged 5 of 6 vehicles), I would be in immediate contact with the NHTSA to inform them of a potential issue, a team has been assigned to diagnose a possible defect, and a recommended resolution if warranted. Hyundai does not have the customer base to afford what happened to Toyota. They would save more face by acknowledging a potential problem exists and they are fully investigating. It is a more proactive approach instead of brushing it under the rug. If it is a bolt, you are talking nothing more than a $1 part and labor costs that are already being paid. This is not a financial issue.
I have spent many days and letters and phone calls to Hyundai and Dealerships related to the original post and to date I have nothing to support this is ocurring as a regular defect. My suggestion is to not let it scare you into purchasing a 2011 Sonata or if you presently own one, enjoy it.
QUOTE (Charade @ Aug 24 2010, 06:21 AM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=351554
I just checked the tire pressure and both front tires have the same 35psi. So its not the tire pressure thats causing the left pull. But you are right. It might be the radial pull. I will have the dealer look into it tomorrow.
Also, do you guys notice that front passenger seat vibrates when no one is sitting (even on regular paved roads and not necessarily on bumps). I had seen similar behavior on a rental Mazda6. Wondering if this common in family sedans.
More than likely what you have is a defective tire with what's called a "radial pull". It's rather common. My car has a slight drift to the right. Have your dealer check your tires and ask for a new one. Since you have such low miles, there shouldn't be an issue with a new tire mixed with older tires.
Also, if you haven't already done so, make sure your tires are properly inflated.
I just checked the tire pressure and both front tires have the same 35psi. So its not the tire pressure thats causing the left pull. But you are right. It might be the radial pull. I will have the dealer look into it tomorrow.
Also, do you guys notice that front passenger seat vibrates when no one is sitting (even on regular paved roads and not necessarily on bumps). I had seen similar behavior on a rental Mazda6. Wondering if this common in family sedans.
QUOTE (Charade @ Aug 24 2010, 06:21 AM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=351554
One round of wheel alignment and tire pressure adjustment later, the problem still exists. I still only have about 263 miles on the car. I have read a lots of forums and everyone seems to point at the cheap hankook tires used on the sonata but some say that could be related to the steering column mounted Electiic power steering (unlike other models).
I am going to talk to the dealer again and if they cannot find a way to fix this, I will write to hyundai directly. Any suggestions ??
Guys,More than likely what you have is a defective tire with what's called a "radial pull". It's rather common. My car has a slight drift to the right. Have your dealer check your tires and ask for a new one. Since you have such low miles, there shouldn't be an issue with a new tire mixed with older tires.
Also, if you haven't already done so, make sure your tires are properly inflated.
One round of wheel alignment and tire pressure adjustment later, the problem still exists. I still only have about 263 miles on the car. I have read a lots of forums and everyone seems to point at the cheap hankook tires used on the sonata but some say that could be related to the steering column mounted Electiic power steering (unlike other models).
I am going to talk to the dealer again and if they cannot find a way to fix this, I will write to hyundai directly. Any suggestions ??
QUOTE (11sonatase @ Aug 26 2010, 02:21 PM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=352109
Sometimes, also, you might want to do some work by yourself. If you rotate your tires, does the symptom change...?
I have had dealers balance until they are blue in the face and not diagnose the problem. You are trying to say its the steering, which it might be. One of my solutions was not solved until I had them pull the tires off the rims and free spin the raw rim to realize it was out of round. Point? Dont lose focus and pigeon whole yourself into what you think the solution should be...Guys,
One round of wheel alignment and tire pressure adjustment later, the problem still exists. I still only have about 263 miles on the car. I have read a lots of forums and everyone seems to point at the cheap hankook tires used on the sonata but some say that could be related to the steering column mounted Electiic power steering (unlike other models).
I am going to talk to the dealer again and if they cannot find a way to fix this, I will write to hyundai directly. Any suggestions ??
Sometimes, also, you might want to do some work by yourself. If you rotate your tires, does the symptom change...?
QUOTE (Bearcats @ Aug 26 2010, 01:26 PM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=352111
This is certainly going to take multiple iterations with the dealer and try out different things each time. But I am just disappointed that with so many sonata owners complaining about the left pull issue, Hyundai has not diagnosed the root cause. I am not going to let the dealer get away without fixing my car. I am just scrounging for the absolute fix if anyone has found one so that I can have the dealer test it out.I have had dealers balance until they are blue in the face and not diagnose the problem. You are trying to say its the steering, which it might be. One of my solutions was not solved until I had them pull the tires off the rims and free spin the raw rim to realize it was out of round. Point? Dont lose focus and pigeon whole yourself into what you think the solution should be...
Sometimes, also, you might want to do some work by yourself. If you rotate your tires, does the symptom change...?
QUOTE (11sonatase @ Aug 26 2010, 02:43 PM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=352114
Given how many Sonata owners out there and the small sampling we see here, not so sure its a wide spread problem. I have read through the threads I can find and dont see any real diagnosis work being done. Sometimes you have to take the lead and do something on your own to show the dealer you are serious. Sucky? Yes. Dealing with dealers is almost like dealing with an infant sometimes. Or maybe its like a teenager..? They know it all until you prove them wrong? :whistling:This is certainly going to take multiple iterations with the dealer and try out different things each time. But I am just disappointed that with so many sonata owners complaining about the left pull issue, Hyundai has not diagnosed the root cause. I am not going to let the dealer get away without fixing my car. I am just scrounging for the absolute fix if anyone has found one so that I can have the dealer test it out.
QUOTE (11sonatase @ Aug 26 2010, 02:21 PM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=352109
Try rotating the tires and see if the problem goes away or changes direction.Guys,
One round of wheel alignment and tire pressure adjustment later, the problem still exists. I still only have about 263 miles on the car. I have read a lots of forums and everyone seems to point at the cheap hankook tires used on the sonata but some say that could be related to the steering column mounted Electiic power steering (unlike other models).
I am going to talk to the dealer again and if they cannot find a way to fix this, I will write to hyundai directly. Any suggestions ??
Well, electric steering has to properly be 'zeroed in', and if you did an alignment, any adjustment might have thrown it off. The effect would be the steering system is trying to turn the car slightly, hence the pull. Have it checked by the dealer before doing anything else. I HATE electric steering, but unfortunately, it's here to stay due to cheaper cost and a microscopic gain in fuel economy. Even the new BMW 5 series have it. Good luck.
I was concerned also. I test drove 3 and found no problems.
I bought mine on Aug 24th (GLS Red plus Nav package) and I'm not experiencing any problems with the steering. Drives straight as an arrow, in fact I like the steering system. Love the car! No problems mechanically, just some bluetooth problems don't know yet if its my phone or the bluetooth in the car.
Bernie
I bought mine on Aug 24th (GLS Red plus Nav package) and I'm not experiencing any problems with the steering. Drives straight as an arrow, in fact I like the steering system. Love the car! No problems mechanically, just some bluetooth problems don't know yet if its my phone or the bluetooth in the car.
Bernie
The original post about the lady having the steering go nuts on her is true. Very rare but it has happened more than once. The Remedy cant be discussed due to agreements made between Hyundai America and the "victim". Notice how she shut up after a few days. Hyundai exactly knows what it looks like when this unit fails and how dangerous it could be for the operator. Just imagine the steering wheel vibrating so hard you can barely hold on to it. If this does happen to you I would highly recommend to grab on as hard as you can, pull over, put the car in park, then turn off the car. If the steering wheel continues to oscillate even with the car off (which it does do), just disconnect the car battery. If you are pulled over in a safe area, before turning the car off, whip out your cell phone or a digital camera and record a video of it to show your Hyundai dealer exactly what its doing. Hyundai corporate already has footage of what it looks like from more than one customer. They were also able to reproduce it as well with these defective cars.
Call Hyundai roadside and get it towed. I would not recommend driving the car.
The only real fix for a bad EPS unit is a replacement because the unit itself is not serviceable.
Anyhow what most people have is an offset in the steering wheel, may it be right or left does not matter. personally my 2011 limited is slightly to the right but the alignment specs come out green. what the issue is the 0 calibration on the EPS unit. I would recommend everyone do a little research on how the EPS unit works.
This is taken from wiki, but is correct.
"Electric power steering (EPS or EPAS) is designed to use an electric motor to reduce effort by providing steering assist to the driver of a vehicle. Sensors detect the motion and torque of the steering column, and a computer module applies assistive torque via an electric motor coupled directly to either the steering gear or steering column. This allows varying amounts of assistance to be applied depending on driving conditions. The system allows engineers to tailor steering-gear response to variable-rate and variable-damping suspension systems achieving an ideal blend of ride, handling, and steering for each vehicle."
Now, for the issues with people's steering wheels being slightly off either to the right or to the left but the car goes straight and has no actual pull, dealer must perform a 0 reset procedure to the EPS unit.
For the people complaining when they let go of the wheel and it does not center. I hate to say it but the quality EPS system on our car is not all that great and you cant expect the performance of a Hydraulic PS system out of it. Its just not going to happen for a few more years until Hyundai works the bugs out of it.
Defective tires is a possibility but it is rare for that to happen, as much as people want to bash Hankook, they do make very nice tires and the the Optimo tires they have on the limited's are very nice. and the simple way to knock tires out of the equation is to swap tires from right to left, front to back, test drive, then report any changes.
Overall i like the car, but overall compared to my last sonata (4g) it feels less like a car and more like a tin box.
The last thing Hyundai would want is a video of this getting out on the net, it would KILL the force they built up selling this car.
BTW the video that's floating around is nothing compared to what the unit can actually do.
Just felt like adding to the convo.
Call Hyundai roadside and get it towed. I would not recommend driving the car.
The only real fix for a bad EPS unit is a replacement because the unit itself is not serviceable.
Anyhow what most people have is an offset in the steering wheel, may it be right or left does not matter. personally my 2011 limited is slightly to the right but the alignment specs come out green. what the issue is the 0 calibration on the EPS unit. I would recommend everyone do a little research on how the EPS unit works.
This is taken from wiki, but is correct.
"Electric power steering (EPS or EPAS) is designed to use an electric motor to reduce effort by providing steering assist to the driver of a vehicle. Sensors detect the motion and torque of the steering column, and a computer module applies assistive torque via an electric motor coupled directly to either the steering gear or steering column. This allows varying amounts of assistance to be applied depending on driving conditions. The system allows engineers to tailor steering-gear response to variable-rate and variable-damping suspension systems achieving an ideal blend of ride, handling, and steering for each vehicle."
Now, for the issues with people's steering wheels being slightly off either to the right or to the left but the car goes straight and has no actual pull, dealer must perform a 0 reset procedure to the EPS unit.
For the people complaining when they let go of the wheel and it does not center. I hate to say it but the quality EPS system on our car is not all that great and you cant expect the performance of a Hydraulic PS system out of it. Its just not going to happen for a few more years until Hyundai works the bugs out of it.
Defective tires is a possibility but it is rare for that to happen, as much as people want to bash Hankook, they do make very nice tires and the the Optimo tires they have on the limited's are very nice. and the simple way to knock tires out of the equation is to swap tires from right to left, front to back, test drive, then report any changes.
Overall i like the car, but overall compared to my last sonata (4g) it feels less like a car and more like a tin box.
The last thing Hyundai would want is a video of this getting out on the net, it would KILL the force they built up selling this car.
BTW the video that's floating around is nothing compared to what the unit can actually do.
Just felt like adding to the convo.
QUOTE (11sonatase @ Aug 23 2010, 09:22 PM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=351483
Newbie to such forums.
I just bought a 2011 Sonata SE in Austin, TX last wednesday. I have driven about 240miles on the car so far.
Right from the day I picked up the car, I noticed that the steering was never centered when I let it free (the steering center is about half an inch off to the left). It pulls the car to the left unless I counteract. It kind of gets on the nerves because I constantly have to keep the steering pushed to the right. I am taking it to the dealer on wednesday. I have been reading a lot of postings online about same problems faced by other 2011 sonata owners. Any verdict on what is wrong with these cars?
I really love this car and hate to find out the design itself was wrong
1 - 20 of 21 Posts
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