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.
Engine, Jan 4, 2022
Total engine failure while driving, 1000 miles after a clean bill of health and some work done at licensed hyundai dealership. Both hyundai local and corporate pointed fingers and blamed but no accountability. Dealership quoted 14k for install of used engine. Local engine shop said these engines fail shortly after 100k miles and he sees them more frequently than any other brand. The problem is the engine design, and it's inability to properly lubricate itself under real world driving conditions.
Engine, Jan 3, 2022, fire
On December 31, 2021, at approximately 12:30pm CST, I was driving my fathers 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe down I-94 in Michigan City/ LaPorte area of Indiana. In the vehicle was my father, my wife and my brother. I was driving at approximately 70-75 mph and I started hearing a rattling noise when I accelerated. It sounded as if the vehicle had a loose heat shield on the exhaust, so I didn't think too much of it. About 45-60 seconds after that, all the dash lights came on and I pulled off to the side of the highway. I turned the vehicle off and waited about 30 seconds and tried to start it back up, which it did not do. I then noticed smoke coming from under the hood, so I told everyone to get out of the vehicle and I popped the hood latch. I opened the hood and tried to determine where the smoke was coming from, however it was coming from under other parts in the engine, so I could determine what exactly was smoking. I then saw a flame. I told everyone to get back and I immediately called 911. Within 10-15 minutes, a firefighter pulled up in a pick-up truck. He assessed the situation and spoke with my father. Ten minutes after that, other firefighters showed up with an engine and extinguished the fire. By that time though, the fire had completely engulfed the entire front end of the vehicle. We spoke with the police officers after a short wait, a tow truck came and picked up the vehicle and we were picked up by other family members.
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.
Engine, Dec 23, 2021
Driving vehicle on Interstate at 65 mph. With no warning, dashboard lights, or anything, engine just shut down. Heard banging when trying to restart, shut car off. Checked oil, not a drop in engine. Dealer says engine "threw a rod", says it will be $15,000 to replace. Hyundai said they'll pay $7,500 and want me to pay $7,500. After doing some research, I see that this is a recurring problem on this vehicle. I feel that Hyundai should replace engine since this has happened to a lot of these cars according to the many forums about Hyundai. Any help would be appreciated.
Engine, Dec 17, 2021
Car has been taking care of and routinely serviced. One day it was sluggish and two days later the engine light came on. Immediately took to mechanic who said engine oil was black (routine and timely oil changes). Changed oil and new spark plugs. Car was not any better. Took to dealership who said engine is 5 degrees off and needs a new engine for 15k!!! Car only has 112k miles on it and is in perfect condition. Took it to another mechanic and he stated the pin was broken in the camshaft causing the degree timing issue. This seems to be a recurring issue with this car and is unacceptable to pay that much for a car, take good care of it, and have the engine die and be quoted 15k to repair.
Engine, Dec 8, 2021
The engine just started making cracking sounds Hyundai dealer ran a diagnostic and said the verified concern found that the engine had internal failure is in need of a replacement connecting rod bearings has failed vehicle on the verge of seizing metal on oil filter paper edge appears to be heavily grudge leaking with oil cap needs to replace engine to correct the concern.
Engine, Dec 6, 2021
Vehicle stopped on highway while driving. To,d it was the cam shaft sensor. Upon research and further review there are hundreds of complaints about the cam shaft and system.
Engine, Nov 25, 2021
Car started making noise and suddenly stopped in the middle of driving. Passengers Including kids were in the car. Car was towed and told that it's engine failure possibly the rod connecting to engine is defected. I was also told car could have caught fire if we had kept driving it. Car was always kept upto date on maintenance at hyundai dealer. No issues were reported with the car at maintenance.
Engine, Nov 16, 2021
About 4 weeks ago I was driving about 50 mph and slowed to take a right turn, when accelerating out of the turn I had no power, but the engine was still running fine. I could get up to about 40 mph when I pressed the accelerator all the way to the floor and held it there. I immediately turned around and went to the Hyundai dealership that was just a mile away. The problem was diagnosed as needing a new transmission as first gear was completely gone. We asked the dealership to diagnose any additional problems and they said there were no other issues with the car. The part was ordered and the car sat for 3 weeks at the dealership. Upon being notified the work was done on the replacement transmission we were told that during the final test drive by the technician that the engine had very loud knocking sounds. We were told that a new engine was needed. We are not sure if there is negligence on the part of the dealership service dept. or if there is something else going on. We noticed several other recent issues about this similar engine failures on the NHTSA website and wanted to report this as well. Current mileage is 176,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 15, 2021
The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a knocking sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed with engine rod knock and engine failure. The engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V226000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was 99,271.
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
Power train, Engine, Sep 27, 2021
The Turbo failed and is not functional. I took the car in and found out that it needed to be replaced. They stated they would replace it but it would take a while since the turbo is currently on back order. I called every dealer in town to find out that the all had cars needed this part and that it would be a while before they get the part. One dealership advice me that he had a car since January. I think an investigation in regards to this matter is warranted. We felt something weird when we took it for an oil change. Weeks later when we went over the 100,000 mile mark, the check engine light turned on. We took it in right away.
Engine, Sep 27, 2021
Driving Hyundai Santa Fe down I-95 in moderate/heavy traffic with speeds 35-50 MPH when started to hear ticking/knocking noise coming from engine. Turned off radio & AC to better hear/monitor sound. Noise continued to increase with corresponding decrease in drivability (decreased acceleration & vibrations from engine). Managed to get to closest exit (about 2-2.5 miles) exited highway and parked vehicle. Had vehicle towed to Hyundai Dealer for inspection. Dealer has advised that engine has premature engine wear as a result of rod knock and damaged rings causing engine failure. Vehicle had no check engine light, no oil pressure or low oil warning lights and had no OBDII error codes. No prior indication of imminent engine failure.
Engine, Sep 27, 2021
Engine died, luckily at light at a stop, and not on a freeway. Would not start after. No warning lights before or after. Dealership states seized engine. Facebook group posts suggests multiple of these happening on years 2013-2017. Dealership servicing vehicle is Hertrich Hyundai of New Castle, Delaware.
Engine, Sep 23, 2021
Was driving down the freeway in cruise control when I heard a knocking noise. Soon after, the RPM jumped from 2 to 6 and smoke came out the exhaust. I pulled over immediately, and oil was all over the ground. Towed it back to service shop, and there are 2 holes in the engine. Had car inspected by state, and they said this was in relation to the recall 17V226000: bearing wear may result in engine seizure. No warning lights ever came on.
Steering, Sep 22, 2021
Vehicle had a steering coupler failure at 37766 miles. It is out of warranty, but other models with the same design have been granted an extended 100000 miles/10 year coverage for steering coupler replacement.
Service brakes, Sep 13, 2021
Recall campaigns have been issued for the ABS system. The recall notice says repairs must be made, and they should be made asap if the ABS warning lights are active. On July 23, 2021, I brought my vehicle to Sterling Hyundai (5000 Johnston St., Lafayette, LA) where they inspected the part only, with a verbal notice from the Service Manager (Jason) that the part would be in the following Tuesday (July 27) and I would be called to schedule repair. On August 17, 2021, I was the one who called inquiring when the part would be in, and I spoke with the Parts Manager. He said my part wasn't in yet, but another person's part was in so they would use that part on my vehicle. He transferred me to the booking line where I left a message to schedule an appointment. As of today, September 13, 2021, I have not received any phone calls or emails, and I still have not had the recall issue corrected by the dealership. On July 23 and August 17, I informed the people I spoke with that the ABS warning lights were active, and they were active at the time of the alleged inspection. I should not have to beg the dealership to fix manufacturer's recall, and I have done my due diligence calling multiple times and rendering my vehicle for inspection. My next complaint will be with the Louisiana Auto Dealer's Association, should NHTSA not take action.
Engine, Aug 27, 2021
The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while driving approximately 60-65 MPH, she heard abnormal knocking sounds coming from the engine and an abnormal popping sound coming from underneath the passenger’s side of the hood of the vehicle. The contact stated as she continued to drive, the vehicle started shuddering and stalled. The check engine warning light and several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated she was able to restart the vehicle and drive, but the vehicle would not shift into 3rd gear. The contact stated as she was veering to the side of the road, the engine threw a rod. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 53,000.
Engine, Aug 18, 2021
The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 mph, a knocking noise was present coming from the engine with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the engine bearings had failed, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The approximate failure mileage was 117,000.
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.
Engine, Jul 30, 2021
Engine burned oil faster than it should and was out of oil. Oil change April 20, 2021 and out of oil on July 28, 2021 and not due for oil change for another approx 1K miles. Our safety was at risk because I was driving the car and it died in the middle of the road without warning with 2 small kids in the car, I’m 7 months pregnant, and 95 degrees outside. Car towed to local auto repair service that does my routine car service needs. The car has not been inspected by anyone other than local auto repair shop at this time. I’ve called dealership of where car was purchased. I’ve also contacted Hyundai and told that a case manager will contact me in the next 2 weeks. No warning lights were on until the car died while driving it.
Engine, Jul 29, 2021
At highway speeds going through the mountains, the engine began to lose power and then began to shake. One or more cylinders began to misfire while climbing a hill with many other cars and trucks in the slower lane to avoid. The engine light was flickering and depending on the position of the accelerator would go on and off. The car began shaking rather violently, but I couldn't pull over so others needed to avoid me. I coasted down a hill and made it off an exit ramp. Then engine had no power at this point and was still shaking. I checked the oil and found it had burned nearly 1 qt. in 100 miles. I noticed nearly all the oil was gone on the prior oil change and thought the mechanic had not put enough in. I now think there is something dangerously wrong with these engines consuming oil. The engine light has been coming on for a while and the dealerships or others I had read the codes normally indicated cylinder 3 contribution. This was never solved as it would come back on after a few months from having it worked on. The dealership still has the car and stated that cylinder 1, 3, & 4 had misfire codes and that 1& 3 plugs were coated in oil. After cleaning the engine and doing compression tests it appears the engine is destroyed. I'm glad the engine didn't lock up and I can only image what would have happened had I been able to continue on that trip and it consumed all its oil while driving. A locked up engine may have resulted in a fire or wreck as the loss of power on a mountain nearly did.
Engine, Jul 27, 2021
2014 Sante Fe Limited. 109,000 miles. Original owner. Bought brand-new from dealership. Done all the maintenance on time and as recommended by manufacturer. Right before last oil change (which was only less than 500 miles over) knocking noise started. Oil change done and nothing was reported as being a problem. Knocking continued. Drove to dealership and they said they could not look at the car until a week later. I said ok I will bring the car back and they said I should not drive car since it sounded like it was a bearing rod failure. Later that week I was told that it was a "lower bearing failure" and that a new engine would be needed to which I was used for a used engine $11,292.49. This amount is a little more than the car is worth. I was told that the current recall for this same issue is only for the Sante Fe Sport which is a the 4 cylinder engine and the Limited is v6. I told the service department that this is the exact same thing as the other recall for the sport model and I don't understand why it isn't covered also for the v6. I called on 7/6 to Hyundai Corp to start a claim on getting the engine paid for. They said it could take up to 10 working days. On 7/22 (12th working day) I called in to Hyundai Corp and was told I should be getting a call the next day from the case manager. I received an email 7/23 that a case manager has not been assigned but should be shortly. I replied back to that email saying that is not acceptable. 7/26 AM called Hyundai again and still no case manager. Alert has been put on the case to get a case manager to look at it soon. Sent a followup email documenting what was said. 7/27AM called Hyunda again and still no case manager and nothing that department can do. I asked for a manager or someone at the national team contact info but Hyundai would not provide it to me. Sent a followup email documenting what was said. Thankful that I wasn't in an accident with my two young kids.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Jul 12, 2021
The vehicle is in excellent condition with all maintenance complete. Starting intermittently at approximately 40,000 miles, and now consistently since 49,000 miles, 3 warning lights illuminate on the dash simultaneously; 1: ABS warning light, 2: TCS warning light, 3: Hill Assist warning light. Reading the codes with a code scan tool indicates the Right Rear Wheel Speed Sensor has a short circuit, an open circuit, or has failed, or the wire connector has failed. If the ABS or TCS systems are not functioning, there is a higher risk of crash. This is a very common problem according to simple google searches, and affected vehicles should be recalled and repaired.