Recall 16V190 affects 173,000 2011 Hyundai Sonata vehicles for loss of power steering assist. Repair is free at any franchised Hyundai dealer.
Hyundai is recalling 173,000 2011 Sonata sedans because damage to the Electronic Power Steering circuit board can shut off power steering assist. When assist is lost, the car needs extra steering effort at lower speeds, which increases crash risk; Hyundai dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The 2011 Hyundai Sonata uses electronic power steering, or EPS, to add motor-driven assist when you turn the wheel. The steering gear still connects the steering wheel to the front wheels, but the EPS system reduces the effort needed to steer, especially at low speeds or during parking.
On vehicles covered by recall 16V190, the EPS circuit board can be damaged. That circuit board is part of the electronic control system that tells the assist motor when to help. When the board is damaged, the system can stop providing power steering assist. The driver can still steer, but turning the wheel takes more effort.
The warning sign is illumination of the red "EPS" warning light in the instrument cluster. If that light comes on, treat it as a steering-assist warning and arrange free dealer service.
Who's affected?
| 2011 Hyundai Sonata | power steering system |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 173,000 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific sedan.
What's the safety risk?
Power steering assist loss makes steering harder, especially at lower speeds, and increases crash risk. If the red EPS warning light comes on, use extra caution and schedule the recall repair. Repair is free at any franchised Hyundai dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2011 Hyundai Sonata is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Hyundai dealer to schedule the free EPS control unit replacement that fixes the loss of power steering assist.
- Bring the recall notice if Hyundai mailed one, or reference recall number 16V190 and Hyundai recall 143 when you call.
- Use extra steering effort at low speeds until the repair is complete, and allow more room when parking or turning.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Hyundai technician replaces the EPS control unit, the module tied to the electronic power steering assist. The recall repair is free, and parts and labor are covered. Hyundai's reimbursement plan covers owners who already paid for related repairs before the recall work. Keep repair invoices and payment records, then contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9640 or ask the service desk how to submit the claim under Hyundai recall 143.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| April 5, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 30, 2016 | Dealer notification began |
| May 30, 2016 | Dealer notification ended |
| May 30, 2016 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| July 18, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V190?
Recall 16V190 covers 173,000 2011 Hyundai Sonata vehicles with an Electronic Power Steering circuit board issue that can cause loss of power steering assist. Hyundai dealers will replace the EPS control unit for free.
What should I do if my 2011 Hyundai Sonata is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Sonata is included in recall 16V190. If it is, contact a franchised Hyundai dealer to schedule the EPS control unit replacement. Reference recall number 16V190 and Hyundai recall number 143 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to fix the defect at no cost. Hyundai dealers will replace the EPS control unit free of charge at any franchised Hyundai dealer.
Is it safe to drive my 2011 Hyundai Sonata before the repair?
Use extra caution until the repair is complete. Recall 16V190 says loss of power steering assist requires extra steering effort, especially at lower speeds, increasing crash risk. If steering feels heavy, contact a Hyundai dealer before driving again.
When did Hyundai start the Sonata EPS recall repair?
Hyundai began the recall repair on May 30, 2016. The dealer repair is available now, and Hyundai customer service can be reached at 1-855-371-9640 for recall 143 if you need help scheduling service.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V190000 |
|---|---|
| Hyundai customer service | 1-855-371-9640 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V190 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V190000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →