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 This recall has been replaced by NHTSA recall number 22V-314.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.
Service brakes, Jun 11, 2024
Lost all braking ability while driving. Had towed to a shop and they were finally able to recreate the issue. There are no error codes indicated when they hook up to a computer. Have bled brakes and still not fixed. They are telling me they've done all they can do.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Other or unspecified, May 17, 2024
The brake lights fail with no warning. Bulb replacement used to work. Since ownership at +70,000 miles, I have had to replace one or both of the tail light sections as they melted. The lighting harness has been changed multiple times. In January 2024 Hyundai issued a warranty extension to 15years/200,000miles. There is no date on the letter. When I tried to get my car serviced there were charges for testing to ensure that this was the problem and it was difficult to find someone to service the car in a timely manner. The police continue to issue me tickets for no rear brake lights. The Dealer who finally serviced the car indicated that the Warranty was Void as the replacement parts were not Hyundai parts. Servicing the car was well after the original warranty was already over, so why would you worry about warranty claims for original parts. They claim that they cannot diagnosis the problem without original parts. Hyundai Corporate Customer Service was no help in this matter, but they did apologize for the problem. Can't drive a car without tail lights and paying 850 for the repair is one month of my disability check.
Service brakes, May 13, 2024
Received recall notice on 4-16-24 and immediately called for an appt to repair ABS problem. I was told that the part was not available at this time and should call back in a couple of weeks. I called on May 2, 2024 and scheduled an appt. for May 7. After waiting for over an hour, I was told that, yes indeed, my car needed repair but could not be done at that time as this was only an inspection to determine that a repair was needed and someone would call when the part is available but they don't know when. I feel like I was given a run around.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, May 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Sonata. The contact had been pulled over by authorities on three separate occasions due to inoperable rear taillights. The contact stated that the interior housing unit for both the left and right rear taillights had begun to melt which caused the defect. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the contact was initially informed that the vehicle would be serviced under warranty; however, the contact was recently informed that the vehicle was not covered under warranty. The vehicle had yet to be serviced. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.
Other or unspecified, May 1, 2024
[XXX] While driving down [XXX] into Kansas City Kansas all of the sudden there was a loud explosion, sounded like a gun shot. Then we heard the air coming in the sunroof/moonroof. Nothing hit us it just exploded! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Apr 30, 2024, fire
Hyundai Motors fails to sympathize with their customers. I bought a Hyundai Sonata 2014 which caught a fire on October 9th 2019. Hyundai finally conversated me for the car in how much it was worth $4,150.60 on March 20th 2024 and not for punitive damages. I feel they are very unfair and I need my punitive damages I lost a lot not only a car but my job as well. My livelihood and transportation on top of that. And I need help to recover my punitive damages.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Apr 25, 2024, fire
I was driving my 2014 Hyundai Sonata, with my 3 year old twins in the car. The car would not accelerate properly. All the lights came on on the dashboard. I pulled over. It was just smoking then caught fire.
Firerelated, Apr 24, 2024, fire
The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while her son was driving at an undisclosed speed, he started to smell an abnormal burning odor, and the front vehicle started smoking. There were several unknown lights illuminated. The contact’s son attempted to pull over and the brake pedal was depressed but failed to stop the vehicle. The contact's son applied the parking brake and was able to stop the vehicle. The vehicle caught fire. No injuries nor medical attention were needed. The Fire department extinguished the fire. A Police report and a Fire Department report were filed. The vehicle was towed to an impound lot. The insurance company had not yet deemed the vehicle destroyed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
Steering, Service brakes, Engine, Apr 22, 2024
On Feb 15th 2023 my daughter was driving my 2014 Hyundai Sonata at the posted speed limit of 55 MPH on a 2 lane blacktop when the car suddenly and without any warning at all, lost all power and became unresponsive while traveling with other vehicles behind her, in front of her and in the opposing lane of travel. Without enough of an improved shoulder to pull to the right and a steep embankment on that side of the roadway as well, she was forced to veer to the left with other cars approaching. She had minimal braking, steering and no response to depressing the accelerator pedal at all. She was able to direct the car onto a paved portion of a feeder road and finally got the car stopped. The cabin filled with smoke and there was smoke all around the car but no fire was ever found. These vehicles are dangerous to the public and have a known engine defect that because of this the manufacturer has implemented a software patch known as KSDS and with this recall in place should have allowed my daughter to reach a safer place than being stranding on the side of a busy hi-way. My car had this patch installed and I was assured that this recall would allow the car to be driven a safe distance and it would be obvious when this patch was active and the engine would be put in "Limp mode" This did not happen, the engine locked up
Electrical system, Apr 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact heard a knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. In addition, the instrument panel was lit up with unknown warning lights, and the exterior lights were blinking off and on. The contact stated that the failure began when the anti-theft software was installed. The dealer was informed of the failure; however, the contact was quoted a diagnostic test fee. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 36,000.
Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 8, 2024, fire
I was driving on the freeway when the check engine turned on and was blinking. I pulled off the roadway as flames began coming from the hood of the car. The car became completely engulfed in flames within minutes. It was a total loss in a matter of 15-20 minutes.
Engine, Apr 3, 2024
This is the 3rd time in 2 years my car shuts down while driving. The dash panel started flashing "WARNING CHECK CHARGING SYSTEM. DO NOT DRIVE" and an alert starts beeping and the car shuts off. THERE WAS NO OTHER PRIOR WARNING LEADING UP TO THIS. Why isn't there any warning BEFORE it gets to this? This is an accident waiting to happen. Do you know how many accidents would happen if every car just shut off like that because of some faulty charging system. Any other car would have warned you before hand. It's by the grace of God I was not slammed into while crossing a busy street and this damn car shut off leaving me right in harms way with cross traffic. AND another time it shut off on a busy highway. COMPLETELY DEAD. No functioning hazards. It's not right. This last time, The dealership told me there is a recall on the car for the safety plug and that was replaced. I was also told I needed a new battery and new power relay assembly. Those parts are related to the safety plug and the operation of the charging system. Why are those parts not also part of the recall? The dealership charges a diagnostic fee when they already know what the issue is. Must be nice. Everyone involved is building their own karma. I'm very displeased with this Brand. I will never buy another one and I will tell everyone I know hyundai does not stand by their product in making sure it's safe and operational. And they leave the consumer stuck with a bill that was their fault. FYI I had a prior complaint case with consumer affairs. (The mileage I stated was when it first happened. Now it's at 90k)
Engine, Mar 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while at an intersection, the vehicle stalled. There was smoke coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated after the failure. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot, and the contact was informed that the failure was because the engine had seized. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 89,814.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving approximately 15 MPH and slowing to enter the driveway, he heard an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that the sound was like a loud clicking sound and then the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that there were no warning lights illuminated. The contact shifted the vehicle into park(P) and attempted to restart the vehicle; however, the instrument cluster illuminated with several warning lights illuminated and the vehicle failed to start. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V226000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
Steering, Feb 26, 2024
Steering Column had to be replaced with only 42000 miles on the car
Engine, Feb 26, 2024
This car burns oil at the rate of a quart every 300 miles.I have had it at the dealer several times and Hyundai has been no help at all. Their final recommendation was to replace the engine and I would have to pay for this repair.
Engine, Feb 22, 2024
Engine was loosing power and know dosent start at all
Seats, Jan 31, 2024
The driver's seat lost a bolt and the seat was no longer bolted down at the back, although sitting on it would lower it. I took it to a mechanic and they re-attached the screw and bolt but were unable to do so in a way that the seat operates properly. It still lifts when I get out of the car and lowers when I sit down. This is available for inspection if needed. The safety concern is that in the event of an accident, the seat may detach from the base of the car. The problem has been reproduced by an independent service center. The work was done in Feb 2022. The vehicle hasn't been inspected by any others. There were no warnings or other symptoms before or after the event.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, Jan 31, 2024
I am filing a complaint due to the lack of timely fix of this recall. It has been more than four months since the recall was issued (NHTSA Recall Number 23V651000) with no repair available.
Engine, Jan 29, 2024
I have a 2014 Hyundai Sonata that had its engine replaced as part of the recall. The car was taken to Hyundai of Central FL in January 2022 and repairs were completed in May 2022. Since that time the car has had several repairs that I feel are a cause of the faulty engine and or engine related to the replacement. These repairs include oxygen sensors both front and rear replaced, additional sensors, catalytic converter, transmission flush. Just in this month the car has been taken to Greenway Hyundai in Orlando weekly for a check engine light. The car was taken last week after the check engine light came on again and oxygen sensors needed to be replaced again. After the car was picked up last Wed, the check engine light on again and is currently sitting at Greenway Hyundai in Orlando for additional diagnostics. I may have to pay for diagnostic fee again and additional repairs again. So far, the repair costs exceed $3,000. The car displays show that it is one notch from overheating, runs a little sluggish, knocking noise at times and are experiencing similar issues when prior to when the engine was replaced initially back in May 2022. I am afraid of the car seizing up while I'm driving potentially causing an accident or fire as several consumers have noted the same. I have corresponded with Hyundai Corporate on several occasions asking for assistance as I quite frankly do not feel safe Hyundai or Kia vehicles. I had also asked for some type of assistance with my repair costs again that I feel are engine related otherwise why else would the check ENGINE light be displayed. In all instances Hyundai Corporate has simply skirted the greater issue and provided me with a staged response. Now I’m being told that possibly the injectors need to be replaced on a car whose engine was replaced less than 2 years ago. I’ve asked Hyundai several times to replace the car in like kind and quality because they are allowing a car to be unsafe to be operating .
Engine, Jan 27, 2024
Engine started making a weird knocking noise & was smoking from oil lid. Was driving & the noise got louder & then started to making a squealing noise. Started heading towards the dealership & it slowly started loosing power. Got to the turning lane to turn into the dealership parking lot, car immediately died in middle of road causing me to almost be hit by another vehicle . It started up long enough for me to make it into the parking lot. Car is now currently sitting at dealership waiting till Monday for Hyundai Service center to look at it. I originally had an appt scheduled for Tuesday to get it looked at but it didn’t last that long. speed limit was 35, I couldn’t even drive over 20 mph & had my emergency hazards on.
Engine, Jan 20, 2024
In May 2022 the engine was replaced as part of the Theta engine recall. Since that time the vehicle has been taken back to the authorized Hyundai dealership for oxygen sensors and a catalytic converter to be replaced. The check engine light is still on and out of pocket expenses are in excess of $3000 and growing. Hyundai corporate is refusing to cover any of these expenses stating that it is not engine related. In the meantime the car check engine is still on and by not taking responsibility for this has caused a safety issues as it is a known fact that their cars have a history of catching fire and I’m fearful that this may occur unless Hyundai takes responsibility and reimburses for these repairs and/or replace the car with one in like,kind and quality. It is my firm belief that Hyundai is well aware that when the engine was recalled it created issues with other parts such as oxygen sensors, catalytic converter , etc to fail and by not taking fiscal responsibility has created a safety issue for millions of Americans. I am begging the NHTSA at demanding Hyundai replace the vehicle and /or reimburse for additional expenses mentioned above as I am not the only American having to deal with Hyundai’s negligence. Simply saying it is not part of the warranty is not an inclusive defensive when millions of American lives are at stake.
Engine, Jan 19, 2024
As I was driving on the interstate, 25 or so miles away from, my car started to shake and the service lights appeared on the dashboard. I pulled to the shoulder of the road, and shut it off, i turned it back on and it ran for maybe about 10 more miles until it happened again. This time, I turn it back on to get it to run and it doesn’t even begin to shift into drive. It started making a grinding/knocking noise from the engine & shaking, so I shut it off. I had to get it towed home and it has just been sitting in the drive way for a couple weeks now because it’s undrivable. I had no knowledge prior to this incident of an engine recall issued on the car, the dealer I bought it from didn’t inform me and neither did my lien holder. I contacted Hyundai of Slidell and they said since these open safety recalls have not been addressed that they will just reject them. There are about 2 from before I even bought the car that were issued in 2017 I believe that have not been completed. I bought the car in October of 2021 and was not informed of these safety recalls. Prior to this incident, no warning service lights had appeared and I was never told that I need to get my engine inspected as it ran fine.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Jan 2, 2024
ABS module is damaged. Car is not operable. Dealership did diagnostic on vehicle. And stated there is an ABS recall. But no remedy as of yet. Car will not operate.
Structure, Dec 27, 2023
Door will not open from inside or outside of the vehicle and it is a safety issue. There are forums of the same issue with this make and models