# Hyundai Elantra power steering warning light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Drive to a shop this week - **Owner complaints:** 67 - **Most complaints:** 2017 (36) - **Related recalls:** 1 - **Verdict:** This week ## Quick answer NHTSA has 67 owner complaints about the power steering warning light on the Hyundai Elantra (2015-2026 models), most for the **2017** model year (36). There is **1 recall** for related parts; check yours by VIN. Drive to a shop this week: If steering still feels normal, you can drive carefully to a shop. ## Hyundai Elantra power steering warning light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the power steering light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 10 | 262 | 4% | | 2016 | 8 | 293 | 3% | | 2017 | 36 | 770 | 5% | | 2018 | 5 | 284 | 2% | | 2019 | 1 | 252 | 0% | | 2021 | 2 | 162 | 1% | | 2022 | 1 | 142 | 1% | | 2024 | 3 | 56 | 5% | | 2025 | 1 | 28 | 4% | Counts are complaints filed with NHTSA whose description mentions this light. They show where owners have had trouble, not a failure rate: popular years collect more complaints simply because more cars are on the road. ## Hyundai Elantra recalls related to the power steering warning light **[17V213000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=17V213000)** (2017 models, reported 2017-03-28): 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. Recall repairs are free at any Hyundai dealer. Enter your 17-character VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) to see whether yours is still open. ## What Hyundai Elantra owners report - "All internal and external lights, steering assistance, and power systems failed simultaneously. The vehicle was manufactured in 2025 and has been out of service since March 16th. The dealership (Napleton Downtown Hyundai) is attributing this total system collapse to 'bad fuel' to deny warranty coverage, despite the..." -- owner of a 2025 Hyundai Elantra, complaint filed 2026 - "The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the tachometer, the odometer, and the power steering became inoperable, nearly causing the contact to drive off the road. Additionally, the turn signal lights were not functioning. All the warning lights were illuminated after the failure. The vehicle was taken to the..." -- owner of a 2024 Hyundai Elantra, complaint filed 2026 - "The power steering was not working, the RPM gauge didn't work at all, the back up camera also was not operational. The check engine light was on, the forward collision light was illuminated. I was able to drive it home but that was a sketchy drive home. The next morning I got in the car and started it up no problem,..." -- owner of a 2022 Hyundai Elantra, complaint filed 2022 Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly cleaned for reading. They are owners' own accounts and have not been verified. ## What the power steering warning light means The power steering light means the car has detected a fault in the steering assist system, and steering may feel much heavier, especially at low speed and when parking. On most newer cars with electric power steering, a low battery or charging voltage is a common cause. On older cars with hydraulic steering, low fluid or a slipping belt is more likely. You can still steer without assist, but it takes much more effort. The most common causes, on any make: 1. **Low battery or charging voltage** (common) 2. **Electric power steering motor or module fault** (common) 3. **Low power steering fluid (hydraulic systems)** (common) 4. **Steering torque or angle sensor fault** (less common) Full causes, what to do and how to reset it: [Power steering warning light](/warning-lights/power-steering). ## Frequently asked questions ### Is there a recall for the Hyundai Elantra power steering light? Yes. NHTSA lists 1 related recall (17V213000) covering 2017 models. Recall repairs are free; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is open. ### Which Hyundai Elantra years have the most power steering light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2015, 2016 and 2017 Elantra model years have the most complaints mentioning the power steering warning light, with 36 for 2017. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen. ### Is it safe to drive a Hyundai Elantra with the power steering light on? Drive to a shop this week. If steering still feels normal, you can drive carefully to a shop. If steering becomes heavy, jerky or locks up, or the light is red, pull over and stop driving; have the car towed, because sudden loss of assist at speed or in a tight turn can cause a crash. ### How do I check if my Hyundai Elantra has an open recall? Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask any Hyundai dealer. Open recalls are fixed free of charge, even if you are not the first owner. ## Sources - [NHTSA: Vehicle safety complaints and recalls (api.nhtsa.gov)](https://www.nhtsa.gov/nhtsa-datasets-and-apis) - [NHTSA: Check for recalls by VIN](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) ## Other Hyundai Elantra warning lights - [ABS warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/abs/hyundai-elantra): 12 complaints - [Airbag (SRS) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/hyundai-elantra): 24 complaints - [Battery (charging system) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/battery/hyundai-elantra): 26 complaints - [Brake warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/hyundai-elantra): 26 complaints - [Check engine light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-elantra): 317 complaints - [Coolant temperature warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/hyundai-elantra): 26 complaints - [Oil pressure warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/hyundai-elantra): 72 complaints - [Tire pressure (TPMS) light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/tire-pressure/hyundai-elantra): 20 complaints - [Traction control light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/hyundai-elantra): 24 complaints ## Power steering warning light on other models - [Ram 1500](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/ram-1500): 1061 complaints - [Chevrolet Colorado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/chevrolet-colorado): 810 complaints - [Ford Explorer](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/ford-explorer): 498 complaints - [Chevrolet Silverado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/chevrolet-silverado): 389 complaints - [Honda Civic](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/honda-civic): 387 complaints - [Honda CR-V](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/honda-cr-v): 362 complaints - [Chrysler Pacifica](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/chrysler-pacifica): 252 complaints - [Jeep Wrangler](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/jeep-wrangler): 248 complaints - [Jeep Grand Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/jeep-grand-cherokee): 231 complaints - [Honda Accord](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/honda-accord): 220 complaints ## Hyundai Elantra - [Hyundai Elantra specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/hyundai-elantra) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/hyundai-elantra Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.