C1290: Steering torque sensor main signal fault (Hyundai)

EPS torque sensor main signal fault

Severity: Severity not verified — if the car runs badly, have it inspected

The sources define the code but do not rate drive safety. It involves electric power steering, which is safety-critical, so a loss of assist should be treated seriously.

Safety-critical system: explanation only, no DIY steps. Source: how we rate severity

C1290 in short

On Hyundai, C1290 means the electric power steering module found a fault in the main signal of the steering torque sensor. Owners report a steering warning light, heavy steering and a dealer quote for a new steering column. Have it checked before relying on the car.

Hyundai electric power steering reads how hard the driver twists the steering shaft with a torque sensor that gives two signals. The module compares them. C1290 is stored when the main signal is out of range or does not agree with the second one.

In NHTSA complaints about 2009-2010 Elantras, dealers read C1290 with the steering warning light on and power assist lost, and quoted a steering column replacement. One owner reports the steering wheel still twitching after a replacement, so a repeat visit is possible.

The same code often shows next to C1259, a steering angle sensor code, in owner reports. Which part is at fault needs testing by a technician.

Pick your make

C1290 is a manufacturer-specific code: its meaning depends on who built the car.

Other makes: meaning not verified. Check with a scan tool that reads manufacturer definitions.

C1290 on Hyundai

Most likely causes

Cause 1: Torque sensor inside the steering column assembly
Supported by vehicle data
Why it ranks here
Several Elantra owners were told by a dealer that C1290 meant the column and torque sensor needed replacing.
What would change this
Rises if a technician finds the sensor signals disagree with wiring and connector good. Falls if a connector or supply fault is found.
Cause 2: Power steering module or its software
Possible — needs testing
Why it ranks here
A reflash was reportedly tried on a 2008 Elantra before a column was quoted, but no source says which part fixed it.
What would change this
Rises if the fault persists with the column replaced. Falls if the column sensor tests faulty.
How to test the power steering control module

What to test first

Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.

Step 1: Have the EPS and ABS codes read and write down C1290 together with C1259 or other steering codes.
Low riskTool: scan tool with EPS access
- IfC1290 and a steering angle code are both stored
  It meansSteering sensor inputs are both in question; a technician should check them together.
  Go to step 2
- IfOnly C1290 is stored
  It meansFocus on the torque sensor signal.
  Go to step 2
Step 2: Have a technician check the torque sensor supply, both signal outputs, the column connector and the EPS module with factory service information.
Best left to a shopTool: scan tool and service information
Warning:This is steering system work. Do not disconnect the steering column, torque sensor or power steering module yourself, and do not drive a car that has lost steering assist. Leave it to a qualified technician.
- IfWiring or connector fault found
  It meansRepair it.
- IfThe two torque signals disagree with wiring good
  It meansThe column torque sensor is suspect.
  Points to: Torque sensor inside the steering column assembly
- IfSignals are good
  It meansThe EPS module is suspect.
  Points to: Power steering module or its software

Symptoms

Power steering warning light on Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
Steering feels heavy or assist drops out Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
Steering wheel twitches or pulls on its own

How to fix

This is a safety-critical system, so we explain the code but don't give repair steps. Have it inspected by a qualified technician.

Parts and cost context

Steering column assembly with torque sensor:Owners report dealer quotes for a new column. Labor varies; get a quote.

Labor varies by vehicle and shop; get a quote before you approve a repair.

Compare used part prices on PartPriceGuide

On your vehicle

Hyundai

2008–2010 · Elantra
Supported by vehicle data
Owners report C1290 with a power steering warning light and a dealer quote for a new steering column. We found no Hyundai bulletin naming the code in our extract.
2017 · Sonata
Possible — needs testing
One complaint lists C1290 on a 2017 Sonata; the narrative does not give the meaning.

All Power steering and steering sensors codes

C1290 questions

Can I keep driving with C1290?

The sources do not say. A torque sensor fault can switch off power assist, leaving the steering heavy, so have it checked before relying on the car.

Sources and review

NHTSA complaints ODI 10490429, 10994292 and 11192648 (Hyundai Elantra) — NHTSA ODI
C1290: Torque Sensor Main Signal — The Automotive Technician (TAT) scan data

Last reviewed: October 16, 2026
Written by: Saurabh K.
Editorial review: Pending
Technician review: Technician review pending

This page explains what a code usually means; it is not a substitute for a professional inspection. How we source and review · Report an error

Severity: Severity not verified — if the car runs badly, have it inspected

Pick your make

Most likely causes

Cause 1: Torque sensor inside the steering column assembly

Cause 2: Power steering module or its software

What to test first

Step 1: Have the EPS and ABS codes read and write down C1290 together with C1259 or other steering codes.

Step 2: Have a technician check the torque sensor supply, both signal outputs, the column connector and the EPS module with factory service information.