C1260 on Hyundai: How to Diagnose & Fix
Steering Angle Sensor Circuit / Signal (manufacturer-specific)
1 Hyundai model · 1 documented issue · 1 critical
C1260 on Hyundai by model: symptoms, diagnosis and fix
The Motor-Driven Power Steering (MDPS) unit can fail, illuminating the EPS warning light and causing sudden loss of power assist or a steering wheel that becomes very tight/hard to turn - sometimes during low-speed maneuvers (parking, tight turns) and sometimes at highway speed (~35 mph). Owners report having to stop, shift to park, and restart the engine to clear the light, and that the wheel can briefly 'lock' or require very high effort. Root causes traced to the MDPS module/motor, wiring-harness connections, or the steering-angle sensor. Hyundai issued a warranty extension covering the MDPS/EPS unit for EPS-warning-light illumination on 2016-2017 model-year vehicles from 5yr/60,000 mi to 15yr/150,000 mi.
Common Symptoms
- EPS / MDPS warning light on
- Sudden loss of power steering assist
- Steering wheel very hard to turn or briefly locked
- Loss of assist during tight low-speed turns or at ~35 mph
- Light clears only after restarting the engine
How to Fix
Scan for MDPS-related codes and inspect the wiring harness/connectors and steering-angle sensor before condemning the unit; repairing a connection sometimes resolves it. A failed MDPS module is replaced. For 2016-2017 vehicles the MDPS/EPS unit is covered under the extended warranty (15yr/150,000 mi) when the EPS light illuminates - have it documented and repaired under that coverage.
Sources for this issue (3)
C1260 code reference
General diagnostic-code context. The code alone does not confirm a cause for your vehicle; use the applicable issue card and its sources.
Frequently asked questions
What does C1260 mean on a Hyundai?
C1260 stands for "Steering Angle Sensor Circuit / Signal (manufacturer-specific)." C1260 is a chassis code most commonly defined as a fault in the steering angle sensor (SAS) circuit or signal, used widely on Hyundai/Kia and GM vehicles (some platforms apply it to a wheel-speed comparison fault instead). The ABS/stability-control module relies on the SAS to know the steering wheel's angle and direction for electronic stability control calculations, and it sets this code when that signal is missing, corrupt, or illogical. The result is typically disabled stability/traction control with warning lights. Because the exact definition varies by make, confirm against the vehicle's service data. On Hyundai it is documented across 1 model: Sonata.
What are the most common causes of C1260?
The most common causes of C1260 are: Faulty steering angle sensor, Steering angle sensor needs recalibration/initialization, Worn steering coupler/clock spring (common on Hyundai/Kia), Damaged wiring or connector to the SAS, CAN communication fault between SAS and ABS module, Faulty ABS/ESC control module, Recent steering or suspension work without recalibration. The specific cause varies by vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix C1260 on a Hyundai?
Repair costs vary widely with the root cause and Hyundai model; each issue on this page carries its own estimate where one is published.
Looking for C1260 on a different make?
View C1260 across all makes →Content compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner reports. May contain errors. Always verify with your vehicle's service manual.