After my first extended highway drive with my brand new 2013 Hyundai Sonata I noticed a problem. Driving in a straight line is near impossible. This seems rudimentary I know; a car should track in a straight line with no issue. But as many others have noticed my 2013 Sonata would not. More noticeable at highway speeds, but also at city speeds, the vehicle requires constant correction to maintain a straight track. In a few words, the car simply 'wanders' or 'drifts' left and right, with no real 'centered' feel to the steering. Maintaining a straight track is impossible and requires constant attention and correction. The vehicle wander creates hazardous driving conditions and driver fatigue, which poses a public safety hazard. The vehicle has been brought to three different Hyundai dealerships for resolution, and all three Hyundai dealerships deny there is a problem. Has anyone else here had this problem? If you have I'd love to hear your story. I've also decided to set up a blog to track my progress in fixing the issue with my Sonata here 2013hyundaisonata.blogspot.com.

 

I have recently purchased a 2014 model i40 which is the Australian version of the Sonata. It also has the "wandering" problem and a center dead spot,and like you I have been advised there is nothing wrong with the steering. It requires constant attention to keep it on a straight line and becomes tiring to drive. The steering is poor compared to my 2001 Sonata with hydraulic rack and pinion steering. Seems like the advance in technology to incorporate electric motor driven steering neglected to take into account the need to assist the driver. The VW Passat manages to handle like a hydraulic system so why can't Hyundai achieve it? There is a reluctance in this country to acknowledge the existence of a problem therefore no meaningful discussion can be entered into with Hyundai. The lack of response from Hyundai USA is noted.

 

I'm having the same issue. 2013 GLS, replaced horrible noisy tires at about 40K with Michelin MXV4's and have about 8K on those. When I go around any slight curve, change lanes, etc, it does not go back to center. It stays in an arc that requires constant attention. Once it is going straight, it doesn't wander a bit, but you always have to bring it back to center.

Dealer checked alignment, steering control, etc and says it is all correct. Are the new tires the cause? My mileage has actually decreased a little with these tires, so maybe the tread is too 'sticky' for the power steering to fully autocorrect? They are very quiet and give a great ride, but I need to find out why it won't return to center.

 

My previous post mentioned the i40 as being the Australian version of the Sonata.
In February Hyundai launched the Sonata again alongside the i40 however the Sonata sales pitch now has this statement about steering included -


"The hardware and software of the MDPS system have been improved to eliminate shaking and ensure smooth steering and stable handling, whatever the driving conditions."


What does this suggest - that the previous steering assemblies were not all that great ??


Hyundai do claim they modify suspension systems to suit Australian conditions, whatever that means, but I can say the i40 has quite a harsh ride compared to the 2001 Sonata I own. I suspect the Australian ride would not be acceptable to US buyers.


The i40 was supplied with Hankook tires and they are quiet, and being the base model has 16" wheels which to me seem more sensible as it permits a larger tire profile hence greater volume of air resulting in a softer ride than 17" lower profile.


I guess U.S Sonata and Australian i40 owners are stuck with poor steering until they upgrade to the next model. It would be interesting to watch the U.S. sales spiels to see if a similar marketing line is adopted when the next model appears.


As a matter of interest the Genesis has just arrived here on the showroom floors with a huge A$70,000 price tag.

 

I was going to include the following but forgot to do so.
Have a look at the Australian site www.hyundai.com.au to see the range of vehicles available and the pricing. Note the price app does not seem to work wit 64 bit PC's.
The local dealer did not know how long the i40 was going to remain on the market now the Sonata is available again.
The Sonata has a slightly larger interior, more powerful engines and is better equipped in the basic model, but has fewer airbags. It is also about $1000 lower cost at $29,990 plus dealer costs and taxes which add around $3000.
Cars are not cheap here !!