1999 Hyundai Sonata Steering Problems

Your car started pulling to the right while driving. When you inspected the right front wheel assembly, you discovered it had come loose from the frame because the frame had rusted through on three of four sides. This loose attachment created a serious safety risk that could have caused a severe accident if it had separated completely. The repair will likely involve replacing the rusted frame section and re-securing the wheel assembly attachment.

When you removed your front wheel, you discovered severe rust on the control arm attachment point and a cracked subframe that's at risk of breaking. The underlying issue is a design defect where water gets trapped in the subframe and causes rust, which has weakened the structural integrity over about 14-15 years. Your steering wheel was noticeably out of position and both front wheels were leaning inward at the top, signs that the control arm is separating from the frame. A complete control arm separation at highway speeds could cause loss of steering control, so the subframe and suspension components need immediate inspection and replacement.

Your 1999 Sonata has experienced multiple serious issues including a severely melted crankshaft sensor, transmission problems, ABS and airbag warning lights, worn half shafts, tires, and brakes. Most critically, the subframe has corroded severely—your mechanic has advised against driving the car at all due to safety concerns, particularly in winter conditions. The subframe corrosion could potentially cause structural failure, putting you and your passengers at risk of accident or injury. Fixing this will likely require complete subframe replacement or major structural repair.

After a recall repair on your suspension, your engine became excessively loud and your motor mounts were found to be loose and fractured. Your vehicle would sway back and forth while driving, the engine would jump abnormally, and your steering would intermittently become hard. While driving at 40 mph, the rear of your vehicle swayed abnormally and was hit by another vehicle; two passengers were injured. The dealer identified a fractured motor mount but did not repair it. Fixing this issue would likely involve replacing the motor mounts and having the steering system inspected.

While driving slowly out of a parking spot at about 5 mph, your car veered to the right even though your steering wheel was straight. The problem occurred in both forward and reverse, and your steering wheel also began shaking. The mechanic found that the engine cradle had severely corroded, causing the engine to drop and break the control arm and axle.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT WAS EXPERIENCING STEERING WHEEL FAILURE AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE AIR CONDITIONING UNIT LEAKED WATER ONTO THE FRAME AND RUSTED OUT THE STEERING COLUMN. THE FAILURE COULD HAVE RESULTED IN A CRASH. HYUNDAI STATED THAT HER WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER THE FAILURE. WHILE DRIVING FORWARD AT 60 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL WAS ANGLED TO THE LEFT. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 95,000. THE CONSUMER STATED THE NEW SUBFRAME WAS INSTALLED AT OWNER'S EXPENSE OF $1,384.55. UPDATED 12/12/07 *TR UPDATED 12/12/2007 *BF