2014 Hyundai Santa FE
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 494 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 5th highest complaint count among 25 Santa FE model years with reports.
Of the 2014 reports, 16 involved a crash and 30 involved a fire. 20 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Service brakes, hydraulic, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, control unit/modulePark outsideSep 22, 2023
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Elantra, Genesis Coupe, Sonata Hybrid, 2012-2015 Accent, Azera, Veloster, 2013-2015 Elantra Coupe, Santa Fe, 2014-2015 Equus, 2010-2012 Veracruz, 2010-2013 Tucson, 2015 Tucson Fuel Cell, and 2013 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module may leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2024 through October 11, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 251.
Campaign 23V651000 on NHTSA.gov
Latches/locks/linkages, hood, latchJun 5, 2017
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the secondary hood latch actuating cable may corrode and bind, causing the secondary hood latch to remain in the unlatched position when the hood is closed.
If the hood is not securely closed or the primary latch is inadvertently released and the secondary latch is not engaged, the hood could unexpectedly open while driving, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the secondary latch cable, free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2017. Owner's may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for the recall is 163.
Campaign 17V358000 on NHTSA.gov
Tires, sidewallDec 16, 2013
Hyundai is recalling certain model year 2014 Santa Fe vehicles manufactured November 5, 2013, through November 15, 2013, and equipped with P235/65R17 103T Continental Crosscontact LX tires. The tires may have a damaged sidewall.
The damaged sidewall may result in a separation between the belt edges which could cause tread detachment or rapid air loss, increasing the risk of a crash.
Hyundai notified dealers to suspend sales of affected Santa Fe Sport vehicles equipped with the P235/65R17 103T tires, and replace them with alternative tires. All affected vehicles were remedied prior to retail sale. Owners may contact Hyundai Customer Care Center at 1-800-633-5151.
Campaign 13V624000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: engine
278 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine, Nov 21, 2023
On 11/17/23, my engine failed with 167,818 miles on the odometer. Luckily, I was not in danger other than blocking a city street during Friday rush hour. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. It was towed to a professional car care facility that did a diagnostics on it. The only warning lamps that were on was the ABS, which are on because the failed rear hub sensors have yet to be replaced (The dealership determined this and was ordering the parts). This 2014 Santa Fe XLE has the 3.3L GDI V6 engine and with all the lawsuits going on over the 2.4L engine (in the Sport model), I find it hard to believe that this engine would not have the same or similar problem. The report (attached) by the mechanic said it had lost 4-5 quarts of oil before it stopped running. I change the oil regularly and have all the records indicating oil changes at 5-7.5k intervals. The contact is being sold for spare parts.
Service brakes, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 20, 2023
On June2 2023 I was driving on I75 north to Wesley chapel, Pasco exit ramp 273 I and granddaughter were left on highway no Emergency lights nothing. My SUV just shut down just no warning no lights no noise huge smell of chemical burn when my daughter and the road ranger arrived they notice the bad smell at engine like chemical very bad. There was ni emergency lights, rpms were not working i notice ut dropped down, a tractor trailer wad seconds inches on my suv. I did a sudden sharp turn steering column so I can get the SUV to glide into the triangular Divider with the exit was for me to get off so we were stuck I 75 north in between pasco exit to 73 that's where my SUV broke down. No Warning nothing now which is November 2023 my car still not running I had a recall dates but I became ill now ill Now I have to find out I can get my car fixed. When I purchase the car several months later I noticed the Abs lights were on but ABS breaks the slope and the traction all those lights go on emergency break light goes on while i drive but that did not happen during the time that I was driving on the i75 north highway. I had my granddaughter who was 9 years old at the time. We could have been hit. Suv was locked down And said goodbye it was like someone controlling my suv. SUV was zzz like gliding I have a full tank of gas. I had to tow it after waiting 8 hours no lights on suv but I also tried to have the battery tested or started it'll start but the key fob will not work. Its confused. I'm very very upset I paid off my suv, had one recall after I bought and now again. This time SUV died no warning nothing I feel courtesy Hyundai should tow my suv, recall check, courtesy check and my two key fobs. This I should not have to feel UNSAFE in my suv always wondering will this happen again and will I be a fatal driver hoping I don't have any of my grandchildren nor my adult kids or any human being.
Engine, Nov 7, 2023
My Santa fe was having 3 times Engine light on in 3 different scenarios 1. It was on June 23rd 2023 and vehicle was left in Murdock Service center Service: Firmware was updated and vehicle was returned under warranty TXXI T3G #TSB 21-01-066H 2. Next the Vehicle was again had engine lights on on July 7th ,again left on service center Service: NOC sensor was changed and returned the car on July 12th. 3. Again 3rd time Engine light goes on and left the car on July 24th 2023 and ever since the car was never given until November 4th. - So many tech line investigation and check and follow ups ,however inspite of all the follow ups , again the vehicle turned off.!Need help and support.
Engine, Oct 27, 2023
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? ENGINE FAILED How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? CAR CUT OFF ON BUSY HIGHWAY WITH MY KIDS IN THE CAR AND WE WERE ALMOST HIT SEVERAL TIMES TRYING TO MAKE IT TO THE RIGHT LANE TO PULL OVER!!! Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? THE DEALERSHIP STATED THE ENGINE HAS SEIZED AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? NO! Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? NO LIGHTS APPEARED UNTIL THE ENGINE SEIZED…I STILL HAD PLENTY DAYS AND MILES TO GO BEFORE OIL CHANGED!!!! CAR BROKE DOWN OUT OF NO WHERE & THIS IS MY 3RD TIME POSTING ON HERE ABOUT THIS ISSUE. I TRIED OPENING AN INVESTIGATION AND NO ONE RESPONDS. AN INVESTIGATION NEEDS TO BE OPEN FOR THR HYUNDAI SANTA FE 3.3L ENGINES!!!!
Engine, Oct 16, 2023
Engine crank rod bearing is failing just bought this and within a month it starting failing on me. Have a loud knocking sound and no check engine light ever went on. Just woke up one morning turned it on and the noise was there
Engine, Oct 14, 2023
On 9/16/23 in Pierpont, OH, my 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport's engine seized driving 55 mph. No warning as engine lost power. Drifted to side road into parking lot. Engine smelled of electric burning (diagnosed at dealer with burned out battery as well as burned out starter as well as catastrophic engine failure). I have always carried an auto fire extinguisher in this car as they have been known to catch fire when engines seized and I had researched the problems with these engines since being notified of the engineering defects they have. At the time of the engine failure, I had my husband and my dog in the car, as we were on vacation leaving us stuck on the side of a road in 80 degree heat and we were 100 miles away from home. My vehicle was towed to Victory Hyundai in Jefferson, OH, about 11 miles from where I broke down. It has been there since awaiting diagnosing as well as submission to Hyundai for engine replacement under current powertrain warranty. I promptly had all recalls & services (oil changes) done throughout my ownership of car, as part of lifetime engine warranty program due to known engine issues with Hyundai and Kia GDI Theta engines. Engine replacement was granted on 10/13/23 by Hyundai. Will be approx 3-6 months to wait for engine to be received and replacement to be installed. Prior to engine failure, engine went into limp mode in May of 2019 with P1326 code and was towed to dealership where I purchased my vehicle (Preston Hyundai in Boardman, OH). Second software update was completed and engine checked for any defects and was cleared to drive. Had no issues with engine until it seized in September.
Engine, Oct 11, 2023
I bought my car, drove it for 2 whole weeks before the engine started knocking. The oil was dry. It had been serviced and oil changed, no prior problems. Until the oil light came on, it was dry, it had a burning smell inside the oil cap. It couldn't pick up speed, thankfully my kids weren't in the car, even though that is supposed to be a family car of 6, 2 adults and 4 kids. This needs to be addressed.
Engine, Oct 10, 2023
Loss of power and then lower engine rod knock. Engine is a total loss and needs to be replaced.
Engine, Oct 2, 2023
The engine burns oil at an alarming rate. It also frequently stalls when driving on the highway, trying to accelerate, or when driving up hill. The gas pedal will shake when accelerating and the car sometimes feels like it’s jerking. I have done an oil consumption test and tried to work with a local dealership that told me there are recalls on all of the other engines in this make and model but not my liter. He said that a recall should be issued because this is a common problem but it has not been done yet. When the car displays these engine issues the Check engine light comes on, most of the time if you stop the car and wait 10ish minutes then restart the light will be gone.
Engine, Sep 27, 2023
Lost power on the highway while driving. No engine lights or warnings came on. Took to dealership and they said it was due to rod bearing failure.
Engine, Sep 6, 2023
2014 Santa Fe 3.3L with 108,000 miles. Sudden total loss of power on the highway. Check engine light came on, was able to pull onto shoulder and shut off vehicle. Towed to dealership, engine code ended up being P0304 and engine was completely seized - would not rotate. Safety of my family and others on the highway was compromised when the vehicle lost all power and had to immediately veer off the road onto a narrow shoulder. Problem was confirmed by a Hyundai dealership. Vehicle has not been inspected by the other listed parties. No warning whatsoever was seen, felt or heard. Check engine light came on after the engine had seized.
Engine, Aug 17, 2023
While traveling 70mph on the expressway with my husband and 2 small children in the car, we experienced catastrophic engine failure in our 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe, which nearly resulted in an accident because of the sudden deceleration. There were no warnings indicating a problem beforehand (no lights illuminated on the dashboard or any other indications of a problem) until the car suddenly made a large knocking sound and stopped running. After being stranded on the side of a dangerous highway with our children for over 2 hours, we had to have the car towed to the nearest mechanic, 60 miles from our house, who diagnosed the problem as a failed engine due to a rod bearing failure. The rod was thrown through the engine, and the mechanic informed us it would be a minimum of $10,000 to replace the failed engine with a used one. We contacted Hyundai who told us our car was not part of the extended warranty or recalls that resulted from a previous lawsuit, and they offered us no assistance or solution. They also quoted us $8,000-$20,000 to replace the engine. In our research we have found that many other Hyundai's with a 3.3L engine have experienced this same catastrophic engine failure. We have maintained the car accordingly and even brought the car in to be serviced just weeks before we took this trip. There was absolutely no indication of a problem before this happened.
Engine, Aug 2, 2023, fire
On July 29, 2023, while driving in McAllen, Texas, our 2014 Hyundai engine failed, to wit: head gasket. Typically, this would not be a national issue and on first blush, seems related to a singular, isolated incident. However, this does not appear to be the case. Last summer, Hyundai settlement included a new engine for this car. (See class action settlement). The engine was replaced, however, it has come to light that Hyundai has set aside defective replacement motors. Indeed, there are consumers nationwide, complaining of the same. On July 29th, the unit began to catch fire, in that the wiring harnesses, and other wiring which are adjacent to and connected to the block, and its appendages, experienced extreme heat, melting, and burning. If not for my quick and necessary reaction, it is possible and likely that a catastrophic fire would have ensued. Hyundai has not corrected the original problem and has intentionally or by gross negligence, put into motion a series of events, if left unchecked, will, with little doubt, cause the loss of property and life. The engine has about 35,000 miles on it since replacement. The total mileage is approximately 129k. Case #21799766 (reported to Hyundai) initial case # 18911395 (Prior to engine replacement.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Engine, Aug 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, she smelled a strong gasoline odor. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact's daughter veered to the side of the road and noticed that gasoline was leaking from the fuel pump location. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump hose was leaking, and the fuel pump and hose needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The manufacturer informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V934000 (Engine, Fuel System, Gasoline). The failure mileage was approximately 110,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Engine, Jul 26, 2023
Engine burned two quarts of oil between scheduled oil changes. Vehicle has 88,200 miles on it. Engine could sieze up on the highway and cause an accident.
Engine, Jul 24, 2023
The engine failed and yes it’s available for inspection upon request. The safety of myself and my children were put at risk because I was driving on the highway and my car shut all the way down. I had to safely get to the shoulder to pull over while maneuvering through high highway traffic. The problem has been identified by the dealership and it has been in their possession for over a month now. Prior to the car completely shutting down there was literally no lights coming on.
Engine, Jul 18, 2023
The component that failed was the engine. It is available for inspection at this time. My car died in the middle of the road while my daughter was driving it. 2 different garages including the dealership I purchased it from confirmed the engine is blown. There was no indication given that the engine was blown. This is a known engine malfunction with these vehicles that I only just became aware of. The oil evaporates from the engine which causes a rod to get thrown.
Engine, Jul 17, 2023, fire
Driving on the highway for approximately 10 minutes when the vehicle began to lose power and the check engine light came on. Immediately pulled over onto the highway shoulder and white smoke began to come out from under the hood. Exited the vehicle and the white smoke increased in amount and intensity. Less than 5 minutes from the initial loss of power, the smoke turned black and large flames engulfed the entire engine compartment and front of vehicle. Fire department arrived approximately 10 minutes after the fire began and managed to extinguish the fire. The entire engine compartment had been consumed with almost no recognizable components remaining. Car has been claimed by insurance company and is likely to report vehicle as a complete loss after their inspection.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 13, 2023
Car not shifting correctly. No power. Could not gain speed to merge into traffic. Was intermittent for months finally the engine light came on. My mechanics diagnostic showed it was the turbo charger. There is a service bulletin 22-22-EM-004H
Engine, Jul 9, 2023
I purchased this vehicle from a dealership in August of 2022. In November of 2022 I was driving home from work and the check engine light came on. I was about 5 minutes from home and as soon as I pulled in the driveway my vehicle cut off. I then had it towed to a dealership for repair. I was told that I needed a whole new engine. I had paid 10,000 to have this repair but I am seeing the same issue that has happened with similar vehicles along with engine recalls describing my same situation. I would like to know if my situation was an engine recall as well. I was not anticipating on purchasing a vehicle for $18,000 to turn around less than 2 months later to have to pay another $10,000 to have a new engine.
Engine, Jul 5, 2023
As wife was driving our vehicle the engine stalled out. We had it towed off the highway to eventually the dealership where we purchased. They inspected and vehicle warranty company inspected and confirmed failed engine. The vehicle had prescribed oil changes at recommended intervals. It was purchased with 50k miles and has 117k miles.
Engine, Jun 28, 2023
Hi, I bought my car from Honda of Concord in June 2020 and they’re the only ones that have serviced my car. I had my last oil change on 03/24/23 and had 40 days to get my oil changed again. No light or anything came on until my car broke all the way down. When I checked the oil level there was NO oil in the car whatsoever, so I bought some and put it in there and towed it to the dealership the next day. The Honda dealership told me after charging me $100 for a diagnostic fee that it was because of the engine. So I had the car towed to the Hyundai dealership for my 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe. The Hyundai of Concord location told me they couldn’t see the car for 3-4 weeks. At that point I had it towed to South Charlotte Hyundai who then had to do another diagnosis which costs $109. They told me that the engine failed do to no oil being in the car!! Now I am going back and forth between these two dealerships. Honda says it’s due to oil consumption. There’s a recall going on for oil consumption with the type and year of car I have. Hyundai says it’s not related to the recall but because there was no oil in the car. I maintenance my car like I suppose to every month and they are trying to act like I’m responsible. I am not understanding this at all. Hyundai is trying to charge over $12,000 to fix my car and that’s just not sitting right with me. Either Honda of Concord messed my car up by not putting the oil back in after the oil change or not doing it right or Hyundai needs to fix this issue do to the recall! Also, the Hyundai Corporate woman stated she don’t see where Hyundai left notes on any action taken on the car so she’s not sure where they are getting the numbers from for the engine replacement amount. The dealership never attempted to do a pre approval to see if the engine could be replaced although out of warranty.
Engine, Jun 25, 2023
Engine stalled and would not restart while in left turn lane. Vehicle had to be pushed from the turn lane through the intersection to a safe place on side of road. Towed to local Hyundai dealer who diagnosed problem as lower engine bearing problem. Engine needs to be replaced. The only possible warning was a few days earlier, vehicle started running a little rough but then started acting normal again.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jun 13, 2023
Hi I'm in the car with my granddaughter 9 years old We will ready to visit my oldest son his daughter my 3rd grandchild 9 months old.my 9 year old granddaughter we were on I75 north ready to change lanes into the right slow lane as I am ready to merge onto exit 275 Ramp Land o lakes. I notice my rpm numbers are at zero, my SUV was losing speed, I had a green 18 wheeler tractor trailer exactly on my back end of my Hyundai Santa fe sport 2014, exactly on top of us. I can see the grill count bugs on it. My granddaughter was so upset, crying, panicky afraid to get hit by the cars, trucks,staying stranded.myquick thinking I kept my foot on the gas gave it all I could manage to get my SUV on the triangle safe spot in front of the sign exit 275. Once I took my foot slowly off the gas I notice all of the components were locking up shutting down slowly the lights just dimming into darkness nothing nothing was on as if she just shut down to sleep. It was very scary I am also suffering anxiety flashback what if I didn't think to get out of the tractor trailers way. My god my granddaughter I would have been hit slamed hard or pushed into on coming traffic or teadbone into the divider or over the slope. I dont feel safe my suv. That truck was not stopping he was pushing his way.i am devastated. I paid in full my suv in 2yrs under the 4 1/2 yrs. I bought my suv.from ford dealer Tampa fl.paid infull under a new steering columns has to be replaced? After I heard the clicking sound and I was shown a little tool was going to be put in. I said no a new steering column has to be replace due to safety. the Service tech who put my steering column also broke my power auto seat driver Side. Chair still pops out the electric left side button for lumbar, heat safetychair adjusting. I was told the recall took care of the chemical liquid brake fluid component quick fix I told the dealer about my age lights,traction, slope lights emergency brake lights on. road ranger can smell chemical burn
Engine, Jun 7, 2023
Just under 80k miles with the 3.3 V6 and I was told the car had oil consumption and had the timing chains done and not even 24 hours later driving down the highway the connecting rod went through the block absolutely junking the whole motor