NHTSA Complaint #11451710 — 2015 HYUNDAI SONATA

Steering Assist Problem Hyundai Sonata 2015 Sport 2.0T The car was purchased in Dec 2015 in California. We have had repeated occurrences of sudden power steering assist problems with the car, which typically happens after driving the car for 10-15 miles, and would go away after turning off the car for a few hours. The issue was first reported in Aug 2017 (case number 2017082505369). The power steering assist abruptly stopped functioning while driving, making it very difficult to steer, and a safety hazard (mileage 18,723). The dashboard had the steering wheel error light on. The dealer replaced the steering rack-gear+linkage. The same problem reoccurred in June 2020 (case number 2020043003513, mileage 46,915). The dealer ran diagnostics and again replaced the steering rack assembly. Between Aug 2021 to Feb 2022, the same problem has occurred again multiple times, and each time we left the car with the dealer to run diagnostics, they were unable to replicate the issue at their end, and refused to help us unless we brought in the car while the power steering assist problem existed, knowing fully well how unsafe it was to try and replicate such a dangerous problem while driving, putting our safety at risk! We raised the case with Hyundai, case number 18786891. Hyundai refused to acknowledge that there is a problem with the car and asked us to replicate and take it to the dealer for diagnosis. It has been very difficult for us to get any help from the dealer/Hyundai with the case. We feel that this has been a persistent issue and Hyundai should help fix the problem or recall the vehicle based on safety concerns. There have been multiple power steering related recalls in 2015 Hyundai Sonata vehicles, but the Sport 2.0T trim doesn't show up in the list, probably because fewer vehicles of this trim seem to be in circulation. The problem has occurred numerous times now, (latest being Feb 12, 2022). This is a serious safety hazard and we wanted to report this.