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: other or unspecified
40 reports, newest first. Show all
Other or unspecified, Engine, Mar 7, 2025
My car has a known oil consumption problem that has not been recalled on the 2014 vehicles. I have been dealing with issue for the 15 months. Getting the run around because call is out manufacture warranty but when problem first started was still under warranty. I have a extended warranty but
Other or unspecified, Oct 20, 2024
My drivers side door will not close. Everytime I close it, it doesn’t latch and remains open. There is absolutely no way to close the door. This happen while I was driving my car, the door flew open and when I shut it, it wouldn’t latch.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Jul 20, 2024
Drive side door latch does not open from inside or out. Even after removing inner door panel and manually pulling latch cables the latch remains in the locked position. This is an obvious and major safety issue where the driver is unavailable to exit the vehicle. Other years were recalled for this issue however my 2014 model is not on the recall list for some reason. Even though the very same safety issue with door latch occurs.
Other or unspecified, Jul 19, 2024
A/c works but will not cool checked for leak none can be located- Frion added will not work
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jul 19, 2024
I took my vehicle in for recall and they replaced the fuse box. Starting that day, the auxiliary power outlet in the rear (trunk) started to short out my pump that I have used many times while blowing up lake tubing equipment. Also since then my trunk has been randomly opening on its own (mostly while I’m asleep). It is happening about every 3 days. There is nothing in the way of the latch or the door and it is closed and locked before I walk away. Started happening 6/29 and the recall replacement was on 6/27
Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 15, 2024
For months there was a knocking/rattling sound coming from under my hood… I never got my oil changed at Hyundai. I always went to 10 minute express for my oil changes. The one time i do decide to go to Hyundai for an oil change/ inspection my car engine seizes 2 months later. Found out it seized due to no oil, there was no low oil pressure light on no warning light nothing. Hyundai doesn’t and won’t fix the issue. Mind you I’ve been keeping my car maintenance every 3 months when it comes to an oil change. The day i decide to use Hyundai is the reason why my car stopped working. After taking the dead car to Hyundai they said after 200,000 miles the engine drinks a lot of oil. Again nobody told me this til after. I’m very upset with Hyundai cause they don’t see their fault in this. Since I’m not the original owner it’s nothing they can do. I got extended warranty on it and it was a waste of money
Other or unspecified, Jan 9, 2024
The manufacturer has failed to remedy this defect in a reasonable time as it has been 4 months. Current solution is parking away from structures which forces my vehicle to be in the winter elements and thus damaging the vehicle.
Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 7, 2023, fire
I Recently, experienced a sudden and alarming incident with my car. Out of nowhere, the car began leaking gas, which resulted in a fire. Prior to this incident, the car was in perfect working condition, and there were no signs of any issues or malfunctions. It was a completely unexpected and unfortunate event that posed a significant danger. The vehicle was towed to Hyundai Dealership of Myrtle Beach, SC in August. The service agent explained that the vehicle technician would diagnosed the issue that she would call me back with plans and pricing. She shortly called back and stated that the diagnosis was a fuel line and that it needed to be replaced, that the part was approx. $200.00 for the part and after labor totaling approx. $1025. This was agreed and plans were made for me to pick my vehicle up by 3:00pm. She later called back and stated that the fuel pump was replaced but that the car was still leaking gas and would result in more diagnosis and repair fees up to $6,000 or more. I questioned the original diagnosis and she explained She would have to hand the matter over to Management. I spoke with Mgt. several times on the repair and mis diagnosis who claims it was not their fault and that they found hidden damage that the fire caused. Since then I have been told I would get some type of help and that He has written a letter to Coorp. and received a response that they were sending an Inspector out to look at my car. It has been over 60 days now without my vehicle and they have explained that they have reached out to Hyundai Corporation and submitted a notice for recall or help with this matter and no response yet.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Oct 18, 2023
My engine started making a loud knocking noise suddenly. It only has 84,000 miles on it and I haven't missed any maintenance appointments. The Hyundai dealership was thoroughly unhelpful when I called them so I had another mechanic look at it. Turns out there is metal in my oil and my engine is shot. I have a reasonable expectation of not needing a new engine at 84,000 miles but I am not sure if this has to do with the most recent recall with engine fires.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Dec 4, 2022, fire
I purchased this 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe 3.3L V6 with what I think must be the Lambda II engine in 2020 from a Honda Dealership in Louisville Kentucky. Upon purchase, I was not made aware of any recalls, Manufacturer Communications, Investigations, or class action law suits with this model. On May 27, 2021 I took the car in for an oil change and again was not made aware of the above issues. Not enjoying my service experience at that dealership, I took my car in to a Hyundai dealership for an oil change on June 15, 2022 it was reported the engine only had 1 quart of oil. Upon leaving, once again, I was not informed of the above issues with Hyundai, specifically the engine and engine cooling in various models and engines. On October 3, 2022 I took my car into a Good Year for an oil change and was told the car had zero oil. Ironically, Good Year is who told me about the class action law suit regarding the engine and oil issues. They told me to keep checking the oil and adding oil as needed to avoid a problem. 4 days later on October 7, 2022 I was driving on a highway when all of a sudden and without warning my engine blew, my accelerator deactivated and white smoke billowed from under my hood and I could not see. Thankfully I was able to quickly pull over to the side of the highway. I feared the engine was on fire but the smoke eventually cleared. I took pictures underneath the engine (attached) and of the large pool of oil that spilled from the car (attached). The car was towed to the nearest Hyundai dealership where they told me the car experienced a catastrophic engine failure and I would need a new engine. I do not have warranty and it appears my model and year are not included in any of the recalls or investigations. However, my car did experience the exact failure and I want my year, model and engine to be included in the investigation, recalls and remediation. I would appreciate a response with advice for next steps. Thank you!
Other or unspecified, Engine, Nov 21, 2022, fire
On October 20, 2022 my husband was driving the vehicle traveling around 40mph. He said he noticed that the engine light went on and then it sounded different and the vehicle struggled to accelerate. He quickly pulled into the first parking lot that was available and he parked, turned off the car and went to get out and within seconds, the entire vehicle was engulfed in flames. Had he waited and kept driving, he probably wouldn't be here today. Thank goodness my baby wasn't in the car. I can't imagine ripping a child out of her carseat while the car is on fire!
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 6, 2022
When entering a busy intersection, the car seized with no power and would not restart.
Power train, Fuel/propulsion system, Other or unspecified, Jul 3, 2022
While driving normally, suddenly the vehicle will jolt and the RPMs go down to zero despite the vehicle still moving. Even with the gas pedal pushed down to the floor, and being able to hear the engine 'vrooming', the vehicle will not increase speed. It is extremely dangerous to not be able to speed up when on a highway or interstate. The check engine light does not come on, the diagnostic at the dealership does not throw any codes and the issue is intermittent so no one knows how to fix it since they can't duplicate the problem on demand. Usually turning the car off and on will 'fix' the problem until it happens again out of nowhere. The vehicle is extremely unsafe; this has been happening on and off for months. We do have videos of this occurring; no one at the dealership or any friends who are mechanics have any idea of what is wrong.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Apr 1, 2022
Driving on interstate felt car stall pulled to side of the road placed in park. Looked under hood noticed car hot checked oil and was completely dry. I know for a fact there had not been any leakage prior that was on the ground where I parked and none under where I pulled off road. Not one check engine light or low oil light had came on prior or during the time of the car stalling. Called tow truck to have it taken to dealership where they turned it back on after I advised of issue and that it shouldn't be turned on they said they had to to know what it was doing and the engine at that point was making loud knocking noise. I was told engine would have to be replaced. I was told I'm not the only one that has had this issue with this model car but there is no recall so it would be out of my pocket even though there is a "known issue". This was dangerous as it stalled in middle of interstate and left me stranded. Also, I got regular oil changes and was actually on my way to appt to have oil changed and never had been told that I was leaking or ever low on oil by dealership either. If looked up the known issue is with oil consumption. Dealership still cannot explain where yhe oil leaked from or went to.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Mar 23, 2022
While driving on a highway at around 40-45 mph my car stalled and came to a stop without warning. No dash lights lit up, no noises, no smoke. Car will not start back up. Mechanic said that it was not spark plugs or lack of maintenance. It seems like there is currently a recall for 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe sports but my vin number doesn’t fall in the recall batch.
Other or unspecified, Feb 22, 2022, crash
The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while driving 30 mph during rainy weather, the contact was attempting to get into the right-hand lane out of the way of a speeding vehicle approaching from the rear. The brake warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the brake pedal failed to respond when depressed. As a result, she crashed into the rear of a vehicle in front which caused her vehicle to come to a stop. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed. The contact was injured by the impact hitting her head on the steering wheel. The contact stated that she was driven to the hospital by her husband where her injuries to her forehead were treated. The contact mentioned still having side effects from the accident, she suffers from migraine headaches. The vehicle was drivable, but that the vehicle engine began to stall at stop signs or traffic lights. The vehicle has been at the contact's residence for 4 months since the accident and was not drivable. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Dec 30, 2021
One day Im driving to work and out of the blue, my car stereo stopped working, it turns on but no sound comes out of it. Tried replacing amplifier, speakers etc, nothing worked. After that, my car wouldn't start several times a month, had to jump start it frequently for about 4-5 months. Eventually it became if I didn't turn on my car atleast once a day, it would die and need to be jumped. So Ive been jumping my car almost every 2-3 days for the past month & 1/2.. Changed the battery multiple times. Took it to different mechanics and dealers, NOBODY knew what the issue was. Apparently something is draining my battery and no one knows how to figure it out!
Other or unspecified, Dec 28, 2021
We drove the vehicle to the mountains and home around three thousand miles into an oil change and began experiencing our transmission slipping and shifting rough. My wife drove the car to work after returning from the trip and on the way home, the check oil light came on. When I checked it, there was no oil showing on the dip stick and a small burnt but at the very end. It took 5 quarts of oil to get it back to full. After doing the oil consumption test through Hyundai, they are telling me the transmission is not covered. We are waiting for the response from Hyundai in an engine replacement but I’m very concerned about the drivability with the transmission issues.
Seats, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Nov 1, 2021
Back in March my landlord lost his keys then Someone started to enter my unit illegally I filed numerous police reports to ensure safety for me and my two small children but wasn’t taken serious was forced and admitted into the hospital for trying to protect me and my children losing custody as well and my car was left parked on a city street, my house possessions were all damaged as well and I believe a rodent or someone left the windows down purposely for a rodent to gain entrance to my vehicle and living area as well, my vehicle tires kept needing repairs the interior had some kind of infestation and something was wrong with the ventilation system in the car and I didn’t feel safe driving the vehicle nor did I feel that the vehicle was worth the 413 monthly payments which I never missed payments on up until this incident. I tried to go through my car insurance company and local Hyundai dealer for a replacement of my vehicle and nothing was done to protect my safety or health also my banking information was compromised and I lost financial control and was unable to make payments for the last two months because of this I reached out to Santander consumer which is my finance company to express my concerns and they was unable to stop the repossession, I feel horribly scammed and is wondering if there is anything that can be done to stop me from further loss if anything is needed further feel free to contact me
Other or unspecified, Aug 17, 2021
I took my 2014 Santa Fe in for ABS recall and replacement. Shortly after, about 1 month and a couple hundred miles, my ABS light, traction and engine lights, and my ebrake light remain on. My speedometer does not work and reads at 0 even while moving. I can feel my traction not working and the vehicle slipping under the wheel. I took the vehicle to Hyundai dealership and there is an issue with my whole HEC unit and needs to be replaced. The HEC unit works with the ABS system and could have been shorted from the ABS recall. It reads multiple sensor issues with the wheel sensor and HEC unit needing to be replaced.
Steering, Other or unspecified, Jun 17, 2021
All incidents, no accidents[Thannk God!] I drive a 2014 Sante Fe Sport. I noticed a clicking noise when turning the steering wheel. Initially, I heard it once in a while. I thought it was a one time noise. The clicking noise is more constant, when making a turn while the car is in motion. Sometimes the steering wheel feels 'loose' or uncontrollable. I believe it is the steering wheel or coupler. I am concerned for my safety and other drivers. Hearing this clicking constantly, sounds like the steering wheel is going to break. It is annoying! I am not comfortable driving this vehicle. I have no other means of transportation. I looked on the internet. I saw where customers have listed this complaint. There was a recall for 2018. The recall was shown as 173. This did not include my year, 2014. There was no recall shown. Please review the links listed below! https://www.carcomplaints.com/news/2018/hyundai-santa-fe-steering-wheels-can-fall-off-recall.shtml -39 to 325 complaints https://www.carcomplaints.com/Hyundai/Santa_Fe/2014/steering/steering.shtml https://www.carcomplaints.com/investigations/https://www.carcomplaints.com/news/2018/hyundai-power-steering-lawsuit-denied-class-action-certification.shtml As of 6.2.2021, Local Dealer and 855.371.9460 [corporate] has no information on recall or complaints. No warning lights or messages appear! HELP !!!
Vehicle speed control, Wheels, Other or unspecified, Mar 2, 2021
ABS, DOWNHILL, AND TRACTION CONTROL INDICATOR LIGHTS ILLUMINATE ON THE DASH. HYUNDAI DEALER SAYS A REAR WHEEL BEARING/WHEEL SPEED SENSOR IS FAILING AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THEY SAID THEY'VE SEEN THIS MANY TIMES AND WHEN LOOKING ONLINE THESE SEEM DESTINED TO FAIL ON MY HYNDAI SANTA FE'S 3-6 YEARS INTO THE VEHICLE LIFE. THERE IS A TSB FOR THIS ISSUE THAT SAYS IT RELATES TO SEA WATER, BUT IT MAY JUST BE ANY WATER/WET CONDITIONS. I BELIEVE A RECALL IS NEEDED FOR THIS ISSUE.
Power train, Wheels, Other or unspecified, Dec 22, 2020
ALL WHEEL DRIVE SYSTEM DOES NOT ENGAGE. WAS TOLD BY HYUNDAI SERVICE TEAM THAT THIS IS A RECURRING PROBLEM IN THE SANTA FE AND A VERY EXPENSIVE FIX. I MYSELF HAVE SEEN HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE WITH THIS ISSUE ON VARIOUS FORUMS. CAR ONLY HAS 123,000 MILES AS OF 12/21/2020
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Nov 3, 2020
IT'S THE ABS BRAKE SYSTEM THAT IS LEAKING FLUID AND COULD POSSIBLY LEAK ON AN ELECTRICAL BOX CAUSING A FIRE.
Other or unspecified, Oct 2, 2020
I DROVE MY CAR TO THE RESTAURANT TO MEET FAMILY FOR DINNER, WHEN I ARRIVED THE DRIVER DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE. I HAD TO CRAWL OUT. I HAD NEVER EXPERIENCED THIS PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT. IN TROUBLESHOOTING THIS, I FOUND SEVERAL INSTANCES WHERE THIS HAS HAPPENED. THE ONLY WAY TO FIX THE DOOR IS TO TEAR OFF THE PANEL. I CALLED THE HYUNDAI DEALER EXPLAINED THE ISSUE. AMANDA SHE STATED THAT THIS HAPPENS AND WOULD ORDER THE PART TO FIX MY DOOR. I EXPLAINED THAT THE DOOR CANNOT BE OPENED FROM THE INSIDE OR OUT. SHE SAID THEY COULD OPEN IT AND IT RUN APPROXIMATELY 289.00. I TOOK THE CAR IN A FEW HOURS LATER, RECEIVED A CALL EXPLAINING THAT THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO OPEN THE CAR DOOR AND THAT THERE MIGHT BE DAMAGE WHEN THEY REMOVED THE DOOR PANEL TO FIX IT. I REMINDED AMANDA THAT WHEN I INITIALLY CALLED I MADE IT CLEAR THAT THE DOOR COULD NOT BE OPEN. AMANDA HAD MATTHEW CALL ME BACK AND TELL ME IT WAS ONLY A COURTESY THAT THEY WERE LETTING ME KNOW ABOUT THE POTENTIAL DAMAGE BECAUSE THE DEALERSHIP WOULD NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DAMAGES. I STATED THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. MATTHEW AGREED BUT STATED BECAUSE OF THE MILEAGE (144,000) IT WOULD NOT BE COVERED. I STATED SO IN ORDER FOR ME TO DRIVE MY CAR WITH THE DOOR FIXED; YOU MIGHT DAMAGE MY CAR AND WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR IT. MATTHEW STATED YES. HE SAID I COULD CALL THE 1-800 CUSTOMER SERVICE NUMBERS TO SEE IF THEY COULD HELP. I QUESTIONED WHY HE WAS NOT CALLING SINCE HE HAD THE CAR AND THAT WOULD BE GOOD CUSTOMER SERVICE. MATTHEW AGREED TO CONTACT THE NUMBER. I DON'T UNDERSTAND HOW MILEAGE OF A VEHICLE HAS TO DO WITH SAFETY. THERE SHOULD BE A SAFETY MECHANISM TO BE ABLE TO OPEN A CAR DOOR WHEN THE LATCH FAILS, IF THE CAR DOOR CANNOT BE OPENED FROM THE INSIDE THEN IT SHOULD BE ABLE TO BE OPENED FROM THE OUTSIDE AND VICE VERSA. WHAT IF SOMEONE CANNOT PHYSICALLY CRAWL OUT?