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 This recall has been replaced by NHTSA recall number 22V-314.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
747 reports, newest first.
Engine, Jul 21, 2021
Engine shut off without warning on the freeway
Exterior lighting, Jul 8, 2021
Break light harness was burning around the socket. Caught on time could of caused a fire and serious injury to me and my children. This should be recalled as it is known to be an issue with most of this model vehicle.
Exterior lighting, Jun 30, 2021
My brake light went out and it must of caused a shirt cause it then melt a portion of the plastic from the light assembly.
Other or unspecified, Jun 29, 2021
on 06/29/21 10am, I was entering Hwy 287 NO. from Hwy 80's Mawah exit. I accelerated from 50 MPH to 65 MPH, the engine shuts down. I was able to pull over to the shoulder. After a few minutes, I put the car in park and the engine restarted. I drove the car towards the next exit, then the engine shuts off again. I called AAA and I am waiting right now for the car to be towed. This is a very dangerous safety issue.
Engine, Jun 28, 2021
On 06/11/2021, I visited Hyundai Harrisonburg, VA service center to perform some recalls as per the attached documents. I was told that the engine is covered by a lifetime warranty and they didn't charge me anything. They performed recall #162 for the engine problem & installed a special software to monitor the knocking problem. They didn't open the engine to check the crank or the bearing wear. They asked me to keep an eye on the engine and if any thing happens, I could return back immediately to them. Only after 6 days, smoke started to go out of the exhaust and I couldn't drive the vehicle over 40 MPH. I drove the vehicle to them and left it for a week. After a week; when I called them, they told me that the engine needs to be changed with a new one but they couldn't contact Hyundai USA to send them a new engine because the car was driven more than 120K miles as per Hyundai rule (10 years/120K miles). I told the service center manager that it's a lifetime warranty according to the Hyundai Motor America and Kia Motors America Resolve Engine Litigation [https://www.hyundainews.com/en-us/releases/2883] He said that Hyundai should approve it to replace the engine and I should contact them for approval. So I contacted NHTSA to get me that approval instead of wasting my time explaining the litigation. I couldn't drive the vehicle since then because of the heavy smoke. I towed it from the Service Center to my home and submitted the complaint. I consulted 2 mechanics who advised me not to drive the vehicle to avoid engine explosion or an accident. It's not safe to drive the vehicle for me and for others in the street. The litigation is very clear that engine warranty is lifetime and the problem that happened to it is what that warranty covers. Smoke and low speed driving mode are some of many symptoms of that issue. I am waiving my right of compensation for towing or rentals and I don't want any compensation other than engine swap ASAP. I want them to tow it back. Thanks
Air bags, Seats, Other or unspecified, Jun 21, 2021
Dash cracking severely over Airbags...Hyundai refuses to address the problem even though they had a PRIOR RECALL for the Same Issue. The Spiderweb Cracking is severe enough I am concerned my airbags will deploy without warning. Leather in Limited Model Seats Cracks and Disintegrates so badly the Power Motor and Components are exposed and compromised.
Engine, Jun 18, 2021
2014 Hyundai Sonata, 65500 miles. Engine seized while driving on the highway. Complete loss of power. Car would not start after the incident. Hyundai dealership won't have time to diagnose the car for 1.5 to 2 months and won't provide a loaner or rental car. Likely several additional months after they look at it to get a new engine.
Other or unspecified, Jun 12, 2021
3rd Brake light. The tailgate light that is in the rear middle inside the vehicle goes off and the bulb base is melting due to heat. It's available for inspection upon request. Moreover, it's a known problem in many models of my vehicle. This light is a part of the safety inspection in my state VA which means it's important to have it working all the time. If the vehicle driver behind me doesn't notice that I'm in a stopping process or pressing on the brake paddle, both of us will be at risk especially on the high way. Yes the problem was confirmed by Hyundai and many service centers confirmed it. There was also a recall regarding this problem but didn't solve it permanently. It happened again and service centers don't fix those affected vehicles again. Since there was a recall before, this component was inspected and confirmed by the manufacturer. They should keep fixing it till they find a permanent solution or change the part with a better one like LED for example to reduce heat. There was no warning lamp, message, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. It's discovered when someone behind the affected vehicle warns me or the traffic police stops me. This is the most important brake light because at night it's the only light that warns other vehicles drivers behind me that's I'm reducing the speed or in a stop status since other right and left stop lights are shared with normal tailgate lights and might not warn others. This 3rd brake light is high enough to be seen by all vehicles behind my vehicle.
Exterior lighting, Jun 3, 2021
Tail light melting replacement of the assembly required.
Exterior lighting, Jun 2, 2021
Break lights continue to burn out. In the 5 yrs I've had the vehicle this is a constant issue. I've taken the vehicle to Balise Hyundai replacing the Bulbs multiple times and replaced one Harness. Today both break lights had to have a full assembly replacement, including harness and the bulbs melted the plastic. The passenger break light even exploded that's how overheated it became. There have been no indication when these lights burn out. I've always had a stranger, neighbor, family or friend alert me that one of my lights were out. 4/26/21 a stranger driving behind pulled up next to me to alert me my tail lights were out. Not knowing break lights out is a safety hazard whether driving on street or highway. The back window has an additional light that has continued to work. In the last 3 years my driving was reduced more than 60% as I relocated to work from home. The vehicle was serviced today 6/2/21 at Hiley Hyundai who performed the most recent inspection and diagnostic on the vehicle, as well as performed the repairs.
Steering, Suspension, May 9, 2021
MY STEERING SYSTEM IS LOOSE AND MAKE THE CAR HARD TO CONTROL AT TIMES. I HAVE HAD A FRONT END ALIGNMENT DONE WHICH HAS NOT HELPED. I HAVE HYUNDAI ABOUT THE PROBLEM BUT HAVE NOT GOTTEN ANY HELP IN THIS PROBLEM. I UNDERSTAND THE THE STEERING WHEEL COUPLER IS MADE OF PLASTIC. THIS PROBLEM HAPPENS ON ANY STREET OR HIGHWAY.
Other or unspecified, May 8, 2021
MY VEHICLE DIDN'T PASS SAFETY INSPECTION DUE TO THE BRAKES GOING ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR WHEN PRESSED. HYUNDAI CASE NUMBER #16939771 WAS CREATED AND IT WAS TAKEN TO TONY HYUNDAI IN WAIPIO HAWAII TO BE SERVICED. THE ACTIVE HYDRAULIC BOOSTER WAS FOUND FAULTY AND REPLACED THEY STATED ALL WAS FINE BUT PEDAL WILL STILL TOUCH THE FLOOR AND BRAKE SENSITIVITY IS EXTREMELY HIGH CAUSING FULL ONSET OF BRAKES WHILE DRIVING AT FREEWAY SPEEDS. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD AND HAS NEARLY CAUSE ME TO LOSE CONTROL AT HIGH SPEEDS SEVERAL TIMES. I AM UNABLE TO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE ON THE FREEWAY.
Electrical system, Service brakes, May 8, 2021
WHAT SEEMS TO BE RANDOM AND WITHOUT PROVOCATION, THE CAR WILL SOUND A BEEPING ALARM THAT ONLY SOUNDS ON THE INTERIOR, IT WILL DEACTIVATE THE ACCELERATOR (BASICALLY PUTS THE CAR IN NEUTRAL), AND WILL DISPLAY A WARNING MESSAGE THAT READS "HYBRID SYSTEM WARNING! SAFELY STOP AND DO NOT DRIVE. CHECK BRAKE". NO MATTER WHAT SPEED THE CAR IS TRAVELING AT, IT CAN UNDERGO THIS PROBLEM. IF BRAKES ARE APPLIED DURING THIS ISSUE, IT WILL SOUND AS IF THE BRAKES ARE GRINDING AND ARE NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. THE ISSUE CAN ONLY BE RESOLVED BY PUTTING THE VEHICLE IN PARK, TURNING OFF THE VEHICLE, AND RESTARTING IT. IF THIS IS DONE, THE CAR IS BACK TO 'NORMAL' FUNCTION. IT HAS CERTAINLY BEEN A SAFETY HAZARD AS IT HAS DONE IT MULTIPLE TIMES IN BUMPER TO BUMPER TRAFFIC WHILE TRAVELING AT HIGHER RATES OF SPEED, AND THE CAR STALLS OUT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE FREEWAY. THE HYUNDAI SERVICE DEPARTMENT HAS FOUND NO ISSUE AFTER RUNNING DIAGNOSTICS, AND SAYS THERE IS NOTHING THAT CAN BE DONE TO REMEDY THE ISSUE OVERALL. I WOULD ESTIMATE THIS EXACT ISSUE HAS OCCURRED APPROXIMATELY 20 TIMES, PERIODICALLY, OVER THE LAST 6 MONTHS.
Engine, May 5, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING WHILE MAKING AN ABNORMAL SOUND. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO CONTINUE DRIVING TO THE RESIDENCE. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WENT TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AND DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 101,000.
Steering, May 3, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD SHAKE, VIBRATE AND MADE A CLICKING SOUND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED IT AS STEERING COLUMN FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. GREENWAY HYUNDAI OF THE SHOALS (122 US-43, TUSCUMBIA, AL 35674) WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OVER THE 100,000 MILES WARRANTY COVERAGE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 141,000.
Other or unspecified, May 2, 2021
2014 SONATA LIMITED. HEADLIGHTS FLICKER WHEN USING LEFT BLINKER SIGNAL. SOMETIMES GO OFF BRIEFLY. TRIED DIFFERENT POSITIONS ON MULTI WITCH SEEMS TO BE WORSE ON AUTO. VEHICLE WILL DO IT WHEN STATIONARY AS WELL AS TURNING. RESEARCH THIS AND SEE THIS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM ON HYUNDAI MODELS AS FAR BACK AS 2009. SON HAS A 2013 HAS THE SAME PROBLEM.
Electrical system, Engine, May 2, 2021
I WAS DRIVING ON A LOCAL ROAD AND THE CAR STARTED JUMPING SO I PULLED DOWN THE BLOCK TO PARK IT AND IT TURNED OFF.
Engine, Apr 29, 2021
ON 4/16/2021, I WAS DRIVING LATE IN THE EVENING ON THE 60 W FREEWAY, MY SONATA JUST TURNED OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING. LUCKILY I WAS ON THE RIGHT LANE CLOSEST TO SHOULDER OF FREEWAY, IT STARTLED & SCARED MY BOYFRIEND & I. I WAS ABLE TO REACT IN TIME TO SAFELY PULLOVER ON SHOULDER WITHOUT HARMING MY BOYFRIEND & I OR ANY OTHER DRIVERS, THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD & COULD'VE HAD DEADLY RESULTS. I QUICKLY SHUT OFF THE ENGINE & RESTARTED SONATA, IT WAS A LITTLE SLUGGISH WHEN TURNING IGNITION ON, CAR TURNED ON & I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE HOME SAFELY. THE NEXT MORNING, MY BOYFRIEND & I STARTED THE CAR AGAIN FELT SLUGGISH TURNING IGNITION ON. I BEGAN DRIVING ON STREETS, AS I WAS TURNING LEFT THE CAR SHUT OFF AGAIN. MY BOYFRIEND & I MANAGED TO SAFELY PUSH CAR OFF TO SIDE OUT OF HARM OF TRAFFIC. TRIED TURNING CAR IGNITION ON, SOUNDS LIKE ENGINE WANTED TO START BUT WOULDNT. MY BOYFRIEND & I PUSHED CAR TO MY BOYFRIENDS HOUSE. ON 04/20/2021, HAD CAR TOWED TO AUTO SHOP FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING FOR EXPLANATION OF CAR SUDDENLY SHUTTING OFF & ENGINE NOT STARTING.
Steering, Electrical system, Apr 26, 2021
AS I WAS DRIVING MY CAR ONE DAY MY WHEEL SUDDENLY BECAME STIFF, I WAS UNABLE TO STEER. I ALMOST HIT TWO CARS WHILE DRIVING, ON MY DASH THE WHEEL LOGO WITH AN EXCLAMATION POINT CAME ON AND SLEEPY ROAD ICON AS WELL. I ALMOST LOST MY LIFE THAT DAY, I WENT TO AN ADVANCED AUTO PART BECAUSE I FELT LIKE IT WAS A POWER STEERING PROBLEM, I BOUGHT POWER STEERING FLUID ONLY TO FIND OUT THAT MY CAR IS ELECTRIC POWER STEERING. I TURNED OFF MY CAR AND THE ICONS WENT AWAY, THE NEXT DAY IT DID THE SAME THING OUT OF NOWHERE BUT THANKFULLY I WAS IN A CLEAR ROAD. THIS DEFECT HAS PUT A RISK ON MY LIFE AND WILL TO OTHERS, PLEASE RECALL THIS VEHICLE.
Engine, Apr 21, 2021
I WAS DRIVING 70 MILES PER HOUR WHEN MY CAR STARTED SLOWING DOWN AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON. I COULD NOT GO MORE THAN 60 MILES PER HOUR ON THE FREEWAY
Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 11, 2021
MY VEHICLES ENGINE WAS REPLACED IN OCTOBER 2020 FOR A SUDDEN ENGINE STALL. NOW 5 MONTHS LATER A GAS SMELL HAS COME UP VERY QUICK AND STRONG. MY INITIAL SEARCH OF MY VIN NUMBER DID NOT INCLUDE MY VEHICLE IN A CURRENT OPEN RECALL. AS I SEARCHED FURTHER THROUGH THE NHSTA SITE FOR THE COMPLAINT SECTION AND WAS PROMOTED AGAIN TO ENTER VIN NUMBER IS WHEN I CAN SEE MY VEHICLE SHOULD BE ELIGIBLE DUE TO MY ENGINE HAVING TO BE RECALLED AND REPLACED WITH FAULTY INSTALLATION. POSSIBLY CAUSING MY VEHICLE TO HAVE A FUEL LINE LEAK DUE TO A PINCHED OR COMPROMISED INSTALLATION FROM ENGINE REPLACEMENT. THE FIRST SMELL OF GAS CAME ON THIS EVENING AFTER A 100 MILE DRIVE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND NOW 6 HOURS LATER RESTARTING VEHICLE THE SMELL IS OVERWHELMING AND DEFINITELY A DANGER AND CAUSE FOR CONCERN. THIS 2014 MODEL HAS HAD SO MANY ISSUES AND SHOULD JUST BE RECALLED AND TRADED IN.
Engine, Apr 6, 2021
MY ENGINE STARTED MAKING A KNOCKING NOISE THAT EVENTUALLY CUT THE ENGINE OFF WHILE IN MOTION. AS TOLD THE RECALL WAS ABOUT BUT HYUNDAI CLAIM SINCE MY CAR SALVAGED, THEY WON'T PAY FOR ANOTHER ENGINE WHEN MY IS THE RECALL PROBLEM. NOW WHEN EVERYTIME I CUT THE CAR ON IT MAKES A KNOCKING SOUND THEN EVENTUALLY CUT OFF
Engine, Apr 2, 2021
THE BEARING BROKE IN MY 2014 HYUNDAI SONATA AND THE ENGINE IS SEIZED. I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WHEN THE CAR SHUT OFF WITH NO WARNING
Exterior lighting, Other or unspecified, Mar 30, 2021
MY ENGINE WAS REPLACED LAST YEAR BECAUSE OF A RECALL. SINCE THEN PROGRESSIVELY I'VE BEEN NOTICING MY HEAD LIGHTS WILL TURN THEMSELVES ON AND OFF AT WILL. AT TIMES ALSO THE INTERIOR DASH LIGHTS WILL DO THE SAME. WHERE I WILL HAVE TO JIGGLE THE NOB TO TURN THEM BACK ON AGAIN. IF I HAPPENED TO RUN OVER A BUMP IN THE ROAD THE FLICKERS WORSEN. WITH EVERYTHING SHUTTING DOWN EARLY LAST YEAR I WASN'T DRIVING OFTEN WHEN THE SUN WAS DOWN BUT NOW THAT I AM THIS ISSUE ISN'T RESOLVING ITSELF.
Structure, Mar 23, 2021
THE PASSENGER REAR DOOR WILL NOT OPEN, IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM AFFECTING MULTIPLE LINES OF HYUNDAI'S FOR THE LAST 10 YEARS, AT LEAST THAT IS WHAT SHOWS IN A SIMPLE INTERNET SEARCH, DEALER AGREES ITS A SAFETY ISSUE BUT SINCE HYUNDAI REFUSES TO ISSUE SAFETY RECALL THEY WILL NOT FIX IT UNLESS I PAY NEARLY $2000. ONLY WAY TO EVEN BEGIN TO TRY AND OPEN DOOR IS TO BREAK THE DOOR PANEL - LOCKS, WINDOWS AND HANDLE ALL WORK FINE, THE THE ROD/CABLE THAT TRIGGERS THE DOOR RELEASE TO OPEN. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR NEARLY 10 YEARS AND STILL NO RECALL - SEEMS LIKE THEY WANT PEOPLE TO GET STUCK INT HE CAR WITH NO WASY TO ESCAPE