2014 Hyundai Sonata
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 747 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 7th highest complaint count among 26 Sonata model years with reports.
Of the 2014 reports, 29 involved a crash and 40 involved a fire. 35 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsMay 6, 2022
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Sonata vehicles. The low pressure fuel hose that connects the low pressure fuel pump to the direct injection fuel pump may crack over time, due to heat generated within the engine compartment.
A cracked fuel hose may leak fuel, which can increase the risk of a fire.
Dealers will replace the low pressure fuel hose, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 10, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 227. This recall replaces NHTSA recall number 20V-121. Vehicles previously repaired under recall 20V-121 that did not receive a replacement fuel hose will need to have this new recall remedy performed.
Campaign 22V312000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsFeb 28, 2020
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Sonata vehicles. The low pressure fuel hose that connects the low pressure fuel pump to the direct injection fuel pump may crack over time due to heat generated within the engine compartment.
If the fuel line cracks, a fuel leak can occur, increasing the risk of a fire.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the low-pressure fuel hose for damage or leaking, replacing it as necessary. If no damage or leaking is found, heat-protective tape will be installed. Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began August 10, 2020. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 189. This recall has been replaced by NHTSA recall number 22V-314.
Campaign 20V121000 on NHTSA.gov
EngineDec 28, 2018
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Sonata and 2013-2014 Santa Fe Sport vehicles previously repaired under recall numbers 15V-568 and 17V-226. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned, or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, allowing fuel to leak from the pipe.
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 1, 2019. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's recall number for this recall is 180.
Campaign 18V934000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat belts, pretensionerOct 4, 2017
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Sonata and 2011-2015 Sonata Hybrid vehicles previously repaired under recall campaign 17V-152. The seat belt linkages for both front seat belts may detach from the seat belt anchor pretensioners.
If the seat belt linkage detaches from the seat belt anchorage, it can not properly restrain the occupant in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will again verify the connection between the seat belt linkage and the pretensioner and additionally install a warning label to prevent future seat belt linkage detachment, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 169.
Campaign 17V617000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine cooling, engineMar 31, 2017
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Sonata and Santa Fe Sport vehicles. Machining errors during the engine manufacturing process may cause premature bearing wear within the engine.
Bearing wear may result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine, replacing the engine short block, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 162.
Campaign 17V226000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat belts, front, anchorageMar 8, 2017
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Sonata and 2011-2015 Sonata Hybrid vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the seat belt linkages for both front seat belts may detach from the seat belt anchor pretensioners.
In the event of a crash, if the seat belts detach from the anchor pretensioners, it can increase the risk of injury.
Hyundai will notify owners and dealers will inspect the connection between the seat belt linkages and the seat belt anchor pretensioners, repairing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 7, 2017. Owner's may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for the recall is 160.
Campaign 17V152000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmissionJul 18, 2014
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Sonata vehicles manufactured December 11, 2009, through May 29, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the transmission shift cable may detach from from the shift lever pin.
If the transmission shift cable detaches, the transmission gear selection may not match the indicated gear and the vehicle may move in an unintended or unexpected direction, increasing the risk of a crash. Furthermore, when the driver parks the vehicle, despite selecting the 'PARK' position, the transmission may not be in 'PARK.' If the vehicle is not in the 'PARK' position and the parking brake is not applied, there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, repair the connection between the shift cable and shift lever, free of charge. The recall began in September 2014. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 123.
Campaign 14V434000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: electrical system
135 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Oct 23, 2023
when using the turn signals, either way, the headlights cut off. sometimes they flicker back on and sometimes they stay off.
Electrical system, Oct 16, 2023
When I am driving with my headlights on auto, every time I use my turn signal (and sometimes spontaneously) my headlights flicker. Sometimes it’s just for a second, but other times it has lasted more than 3 seconds which can be very dangerous while driving at night. It is also dangerous because other drivers may think I’m flashing my brights at them when im not. During this the dash will flicker as well. This has been happening since I got the car in 2018 so it’s not a battery issue.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Sep 27, 2023
Over past 2 years, repeat alarm & message on dashboard, says, “Hybrid System Warning! Safety Stop and Do not Drive.” During attempts to back vehicle from garage, brakes grind. Seemed to be on auto-stop, trying to stop the vehicle from moving. On 01/03/22, brought car to Laguna Niguel Hyundai. Invoice notes “Caused by HISTORY CODES IN AHB C2112 C1102 C1237; NO CODES CURRENT CLEARED HISTORY CODES AND TEST DROVE VEHICLE NO CODES OR LIGHTS ON AT THIS TIME.” Was told history codes related to something about “voltage too high” and “Accelerator switch circuit [ABS switch]” and “wheel rear input signal.” On 11/28/22, brought car to Laguna Niguel Hyundai to address the ‘check engine light’ that was on. Service manager said “battery was not corresponding with the engine”, something about “HECU” and how it’s needed to “check brake reservoir for fluid – so I should pump it due to air bubble inside.” On 6/12/23, was driving more than 70mph; began losing speed, down to 0 mph. Stepping on gas did nothing. Drifted toward side of road & got alarm sound and message on dashboard, “Hybrid System Failure.” Terrified. No control of vehicle, 4 passengers, stranded. Towed to La Quinta. Notes on Hyundai La Quinta invoice: “VERIFIED CUSTOMER CONCERN SCANNED CODES P1B25 HIGH VOLTAGE PATH FAULT; P1B77 HIGH VOLTAGE PRECHARGE FAULT; POWER RELAY ASSEMBLY FALUTY SAFETY PLUG ASSEMBLY ARE FAULTY.” Notes also said BATTERY REPLACEMENT: BATTERY FAILED TEST Caused by BATTERY FAILED LOAD TEST. On 7/31, “HYBRID WARNING MESSAGE” returned. Alarm sound, grinding brakes – car undriveable. Towed for service. Invoice: “Caused by LOW BATTERY STATE OF HEALTH 53%. RECHARGE BATTERY TO 100% AND CLEAR DTC AND ROAD TEST.” While 7/31 work was covered under warranty, felt unsafe. Why battery health poor, when it was replaced 6 weeks before? Then came 8/30. Car disabled. Alarm sound & message says, “Hybrid System Warning! Safety Stop and Do not Drive.” Service manager said “hydraulic power unit failure”.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Sep 2, 2023
Lost power to vehicle while driving on the freeway, hybrid system warning was displayed as well as several lights to include engine, brake, and skid control. Had the dealer replace the knock sensor, 3 months later the exact same thing happened, in the same way. All the same obd2 codes were pulled both times.
Steering, Power train, Electrical system, Aug 8, 2023
On the dashboard showing " Hybrid system warning. Safely park and do not drive" sign while the vehicle is being driven and slowly loose its power till completely stall. After I turn off the engine and try to turn on again ,the "Ready" sign keeps blinking. I was twice stall by the exit of a freeway. It's very dangerous. I also found a few recalls related to this issue in the past.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Aug 1, 2023
Im not aware what is malfunctioning or failing but I get a warning to not drive the vehicle and I start hearing a beeping sound, when I try to break it makes a harsh screeching sound and tugs the car a bit. It’s putting my safety at risk bc I drive for work and I can’t keep having this problem happen on the freeway. I’m afraid my brakes will fail and not break. Idk what the cause to this is, I’ve had two different mechanics take a look at this and no codes pop up. No warnings pop up either. This has been going on for almost 3 months. I can’t drive this vehicle with this problem and it’s the only one I rely on for work and my everyday needs. If you guys can please help me out or look into it I will be waiting for a response. Thank you
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Other or unspecified, Jul 27, 2023
My tail lights, brake lights and head lights continue to go out. I have replaced them many times myself and have taken it to the Hyundai dealership. They temporarily fixed them but couldn’t promise how long they would work. They said to fix them would cost over 1000$. This is a safety hazard as not having brake lights could cause serious accidents. This doesn’t seem Normal as I have never In my entire time I have been driving had to continually replace lights. Sounds like a manufacturer defect and I feel like the dealership should have to pay, not out of my pocket. I have been pulled over by the police and have had to explain why my lights don’t work. It’s scary because I never know if they are working or not. I did not get any warnings on my dashboard that lights were out. I have also googled this problem and it seems like a lot of the same year of Hyundai vehicles are having the same issues.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 16, 2023
While driving the vehicle the lights on the dash start to flash, stating that there is a Charging system warning. It says to pull over and not to drive. It becomes very difficult to brake, or steer, almost like the vehicle has lost power. It blew warm air and the check engine light also came on. This can be extremely dangerous if one was on the highway or at an intersection or any place where they needed to pull over to safety. My 12v battery was checked and found to be fine. I called multiple mechanics to come take a look at the vehicle and the codes that were read were P1B77, P1B96, P1B70, P0A0D. The 150 Amp fuse was said to be blown, and was replaced. Sometimes the car will start back up, and sometimes it won't. Currently, it's sitting in my yard. The engine and interior look pristine, but there is something going on with these vehicles that isn't being addressed. This car is dangerous and there are many, many, MANY people that I'm finding on Reddit, YouTube, and the Hyundai forums who are having the exact same issues. I unfortunately cannot afford to continue to keep hiring mechanics, nor to have it towed to the dealership, only for them to do what they are doing with countless other people. They do not seem to understand the issue either and are grasping at straws to replace expensive parts, only to have the issue reoccur. Something needs to be done about this before someone is killed.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Seats, Jul 3, 2023
Left driver side rear and front headlamps would burn out, after time noticed the left headlamp flickering 9n and off while driving at night in auto mode, also inside dash lights dimming, also left driver side seat will not adjust, this is a Hazzard for myself and others while driving at night, with lights malfunctioning, was pulled over by highway patrol, and given a warning to fix headlamp.Issue has not been inspected by anyone and the vehicle can be inspected upon request, no dash or warning lights have came on.
Electrical system, Jun 21, 2023
Wiring harness shorted causing vehicle to go into idle mode
Steering, Electrical system, Engine, Mar 29, 2023
Check Charging system warning pops on and the car slowly loses power. Steering and braking are effected. So many people with this issue. It's scary. No highway driving for me!
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 12, 2023, fire
Vehicle caught fire.
Electrical system, Mar 10, 2023
Similar to other complaints here and in other forums: Faulty lights: flickering off and on while driving at night, unable to use the lights in “auto” mode or else they flicker/battery drains and flickering with use of turn signals. Has been reoccurring since at least 2021 and has worsened over time
Electrical system, Jan 12, 2023
Right taillight working intermittently.
Electrical system, Engine, Nov 20, 2022, fire
Engine died on the interstate at 65 mph, then the dash lights started going crazy. Shortly followed by smoke coming from the engine compartment. I opened the hood and could see a short casing the fire which I could not put out with my extinguisher.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Other or unspecified, Nov 15, 2022
At 1st, my tail light went out on my passenger side of the car. I tired to fix the problem with replacing the bulb. This went on for several times. It got to the point that the bulb wouldn’t fix the problem. I then replaced the wiring harness. That worked for a day or two then the light was back out. I even went back to the dealership and had then replace the wiring harness, I was thinking perhaps I had a defected one, still to no avail. I then paid the $170 diagnostic fee so the dealership could find the problem. Well, I was told the problem was beyond the tail light and it was more than likely needed to be traced throughout my car. The job was gonna be too time consuming and costly for that particular dealership and ultimately my money was returned. Throughout this crazy process I had contacted the Hyundai corporate office to report the problem and was dismissed. So, here’s the bigger picture. Once I started researching this problem more and more people were having the same problems as I. The light bulbs in the tail lights was burning so hot that it would burn out the bulb, the wires and the housing causing many people to replace bulbs and in some cases the whole unit. This what happened to the driver side of my car. The entire housing and wiring was not good and the whole thing had to be replaced. Hyundai has some serious electrical defects with the year and model of my car. They don’t want even acknowledge that there is a problem. Honestly, one of the employees explained to me how this was a known problem and how the company tried to fix it by making the socket thicker with the hopes of the bulb not burning out. This employee knew the the wiring harness was changed before to the new one the original one because of the color of it. So, clearly, it did not solve the problem. Now that my electrical issues existent beyond the tail light means my car could be at risk of fire at anytime. Last thing, my high beams don’t work now also.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Nov 5, 2022
Faulty lights: flickering off and on while driving at night, park light fail to come on but break lights work, unable to use the lights in “auto” mode or else they flicker. Flickering with left front turn signal. There are multiple complaints about this issue on YouTube and when you Google the car and check reviews. This issue puts my life, my children’s lives, and so many others lives in danger.
Electrical system, Oct 21, 2022
2014 HYUNDAI SONATA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO THE FUEL TUBE RECALL.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Oct 12, 2022
Having to replace headlights and brake lates every month, now rear passenger side light is completely out and will not come on after changing all bulbs and fuses, see this as a major safety issue, there are many complaints about this same issue and Hyundai is ignoring this safety issue
Electrical system, Engine, Sep 14, 2022
I started my 2014 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid and proceeded out of the garage. Almost immediately out of the garage, a loud high alarm went off and the dashboard read "Electric Motor Warning - Safely pull over and do not drive". My vehicle simultaneously lost any ability to accelerate and slowly tried to get the vehicle into a parking spot in our apartment's driveway. This was not the first time this has happened. This same thing happened earlier this year and required a recall service that I was told to be fixed after being without a vehicle for 3 months!
Electrical system, Sep 6, 2022
Last night 9/5/22 I went to change out my brake light on driver side which should have been very simple when next thing I know I’m having a very hard time twisting the socket to remove from housing because it had fused the plastic together from burning. Idk if you think it’s normal but to me that’s a very susceptible spot for a car fire. Anyways I decided to check passenger side and again same issue. The last pic was of the passenger side burnt end of the brake light.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Aug 29, 2022
Head Lights Go Out Completely at Highway Speed Headlight dimmer switch fails to switch between high and low beam. Lights can go completely out with zero viability during nighttime driving conditions. Speed of vehicle seems not to be a factor in the headlamp failures. May also fail to dim from high-beam to low-beam in the instant of oncoming traffic. Causes a great deal of distraction to safe driving as attention of diverted to fiddling with the headlight/turn signal switch stalk. Lights have sometimes gone completely out (dark) at highway speed in congested traffic conditions. Has been an issue since I purchased the vehicle in 2015 with under 17,000 miles but the problem is getting progressively more frequent. I am concerned that in the future, I may not be able to get the head lamps to come back on, while I am at highway speed and no chance for a safe emergency exit of the roadway.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jun 7, 2022, fire
I drove a mile from my house and the vehicle stalled at a turn. The engine shut off. I tried to turn it back on and it did not. I have an electrical push button and it did not work. My passenger and I pushed the car out of the road into the back area of an HEB. We then opened the hood and the engine started smoking. I had called my boyfriend who then arrived. The engine continued to smoke and an HEB driver saw the incident. He came over with a fire extinguisher and sprayed it because they could see flames starting under the car. The fire department and police had been called. The car engine then went up in flames and my boyfriend used the fire extinguisher. The fire department arrived and went over to the car and cut the wires. Nothing on the car works. It has not been assessed because I only had collision insurance and my company would not come to assess it. They did tow it back to my house where it is sitting and not working. I can't even move it into neutral. There was not warning of this and I had driven the car to the airport (an hour away) and back five hours earlier that day and it seemed fine. The fire department said that if they need to be contacted they have a report on the incident.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, May 14, 2022, fire
We were driving and the engine just quit. We were able to safely get to the median. The minute the car was stopped we smelled something burning. We got the kids out of the car and to the other side of the road. We looked under the hood and could smell the burning but didn't see where it was coming from. Soon we were back on the side of the road waiting for our ride to pick us up. About 20 to 25 min later we saw smoke coming out of the hood. My husband called the fire dept and just as they arrived the whole thing lit on fire under the hood. The fire dept was able to put out the fire. Now we are waiting to have it appraised by our insurance company.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, May 11, 2022
The lights on the vehicle shut off with no warning. All of the lights, front/ rear lights and inside dash and radio.