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
494 reports, newest first.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine, Feb 5, 2024
unknown==Vehicle suddenly lost heating inside of car---stalled --lost power steering---avoided oncoming traffic---stuck in middle of the road---was able to restart to get home My first thought was t-stat was bad----but no indication of overheating on dash.I proceeded to change t-stat anyway.Upon removal of thermostat I found my coolant was contaminated with oil.It was sludge.An off white sludge that looked like glue. Consulted dealer and was told it sounds like a big job .As I am retired and fighting cancer at this time,there is no way I can afford a large repair bill.Don't know what to do. thank you [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Feb 2, 2024
Vehicle stopped while driving on the highway at night. No warnings or service lights. Vehicle just recently had an oil change and there were no signs of potential engine failure reported. After towing to meineke to run a diagnostic, I was informed by Hyundai corporate to have it towed to a Hyundai dealer, since they showed I have an extended warranty. After having it towed to Hyundai, it was confirmed again it needs a new engine, but the warranties don't cover it. No one is explaining how a powertrain warranty and extended warranty isn't covering engine failure when that is what it's intended for. Carfax show all proper maintenance conducted on vehicle.
Engine, Jan 28, 2024
Total engine failure
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Vehicle speed control, Jan 21, 2024
Check engine light came on and was blinking. Had to get it towed. There is an engine recall on my vehicle. Full diagnostics test was run showing faulty engine due to the engine recall.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
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.
Engine, Dec 22, 2023
On Monday, October 23rd at 5:30 pm my 2014 Santa Fe engine stalled without any warning. I was driving home during rush hour traffic when it slowed down and seized in the middle of five lanes. As cars flew beside me, I quickly realized that there was no where for me to safely get out of my vehicle. Where I was located on the freeway is one of the busiest and most dangerous areas to drive. Unfortunately, I was located on a slight bend of the freeway where oncoming traffic could not see me until the very last minute. This barely left enough time for them to safely move over. Many cars had to quickly swerve to either lane beside me to avoid crashing in to me. This was happening at very rapid speeds. While drivers were swerving to not hit me at the very last minute, there was barely enough time to for them to check for other cars in those lanes. This resulted in many nearly missed hits for other drivers on the road. I was sure a car was going to crash into me, so I dialed 911 to help me. Shortly after a sheriff showed up and pushed my car with his squad car to a crash site off of the freeway. There I sat for a few hours waiting for a tow truck in my car which was not the safest area for a woman to be waiting in her car in the dark all alone. The whole experience was terrifying and should not have happened. My Santa Fe has now been sitting at my local repair shop dead. They said the engine is shot and that I need to replace the engine which will cost $10k+. I purchased the car for $15k three years ago with nothing wrong with it, at least so I thought. After doing some research, it turns out Hyundai engines have had MANY issues and failures. It seems they've had many complaints about this issue. There are recalls and even lawsuits on them, but unfortunately they exclude my car even thought I had the exact same issue as others that were remedied. These cars should all be recalled and taken off of the road immediately. They pose a huge danger to anyone on the road.
Engine, Dec 7, 2023
I am writing to provide you with detailed information regarding the engine failure incident that occurred on November 15, 2023, involving my 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The component that failed was the engine itself, which resulted in a sudden and complete loss of power while I was driving at highway speeds. This incident posed a significant safety risk to both myself and others on the road, as it left the vehicle without any operational systems, including power steering. Fortunately, I was able to maintain control of the vehicle and avoid a potentially catastrophic accident. I feel incredibly fortunate that I was alone during this dangerous situation, as it could have been far more perilous had my three children, aged 3, 5, and 10, or my wife, been in the vehicle with me. The problem has been confirmed by a dealer who conducted an inspection and determined that the engine had seized. However, it is important to note that the dealer has refused and denied any repair or assistance in resolving the issue. As of now, the police have not conducted an inspection of the vehicle or its components, and I have not reported this incident to my insurance. Surprisingly, there were no warning lamps, messages, or any other symptoms indicating a problem prior to the engine failure. The failure occurred suddenly and without any prior warning while I was driving in heavy traffic. I consider myself extremely lucky that the engine was not at operating temperatures at the time of the failure. There was visible smoke coming from under the hood with oil spray, but thankfully, there was no fire. I am deeply concerned about the safety implications of this incident and would appreciate any guidance or support you can provide in resolving this matter.
Engine, Dec 6, 2023
While driving at 60 mph on the interstate, the engine shut down completely and lost all gas. We were able to coast to an exit, and with our two young children in tow, get a tow truck. Upon taking it to the repair shop, they stated the engine seized and needs an entire engine replacement. We are at 101,000 miles, just past the 100,000 mile warranty. Still waiting for paper documentation from repair shop.
Firerelated, Dec 3, 2023, fire
When driving down the highway a thud was heard. The car was pulled over to the side of the road and smoke was coming from under the hood. The door locks were not working but we were able to manually pull up the lock to open the door. The smoke built up quickly and the car engulfed in flames. This put the driver and passenger in imminent danger. The car has not yet been inspected by manufacturer, police, insurance representatives. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. The car fire happened 12/02/2023 at 1:30 am.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated driving 20 MPH, the ABS and the traction control warning lights illuminated. Additionally, the message "Blind Spot Detection Cancelled" was displayed. The contact stated that the failure persisted, and the warning lights flickered while driving in the rain on one occasion. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer, and a second dealer, Hyundai of Wesley Chapel (27000 Wesley Chapel Blvd, Wesley Chapel, FL 33544) and a third dealer were contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Electrical system, Seat belts, Nov 23, 2023
There was a recall with the abs slipper slope and traction this left these warning symbols stay on constantly. I was told by Westside hyundai in Jacksonville this would cost me over $200.00 but I shouldn't have to pay for something that was recalled that left my vehicle this way. Also the drivers identified seatbelt doesn't click it will come loosen and out unless you hold down the button then put the seat belt in and let go of the button.
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.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 7, 2023, fire
The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a fuel odor entering the vehicle. The contact stated she drove the vehicle to the shoulder of the road and exited the vehicle. The contact stated she noticed a leak under the hood on the passenger side of the vehicle. The contact stated she restarted the vehicle and the vehicle caught fire. The contact stated that a neighbor used a garden hose to extinguish the fire. A police or fire report was not filed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed fuel line that needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact then received a call from the dealer to inform her that the vehicle was still leaking fuel. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 154,000.
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.
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.
Service brakes, Nov 2, 2023, crash
I was driving down the interstate at the speed limit of 60mph, traffic slowed down then totally stopped. I was at a safe distance to stop, i began tapping on the brakes and i had no brakes. the brake pedal was hard no give in the pedal which caused me to rear end a stopped vehicle doing 60 MPH with me and my son in the vehicle. We went by ambulance to go to the emergency room. The car was declared a total loss by AAA. This happened on September 19th 2023. My safety and my son along with everyone driving on the interstate was at risk because of total brake failure. There were no warning lights present or malfunction indicator lights warnings at all. My son and I, are lucky to be alive.
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!!!!
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.
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.