2014 HYUNDAI SANTA FE Complaints and Recall Information
The 2014 HYUNDAI SANTA FE has 22 complaints and 3 recalls filed with NHTSA. Owners frequently report issues with the steering column rattling at highway speeds and engine failures involving oil and coolant mixing. Several complaints describe sudden loss of power and engine fires while driving. Other problems include brake malfunctions, warning lights activation, and faulty electrical and power steering systems.
Common Issues- Steering column rattling. Drivers report rattling noises near the base of the steering wheel, especially at speeds over 70 mph, affecting vehicle control.
- Engine failure. Owners describe engines knocking, stalling, or completely failing, often related to coolant and oil mixing and resulting in the need for engine replacement.
- Brake system problems. Complaints include barely working brakes, braking jolts, and smells of burning during use, sometimes coinciding with engine fire incidents.
- Engine fires. Several reports detail engine compartment smoking and fires, with continuous engine fan operation even after ignition is off.
- Power loss and stalling. Vehicles lose acceleration, stutter, and limit speed to around 40-60 mph with check engine lights illuminating and error codes such as P1326 recorded.
- Oil consumption and oil leaks. Issues include excessive oil use and oil drain plug failures leading to leakage and subsequent engine damage without prior warning lights.
- ABS system failure. Complaints note early failure of ABS components under 30,000 miles, linked to pump failure causing safety concerns.
- Electrical system malfunctions. Reports show simultaneous failures in power steering, ABS, air conditioning, and remote key receivers causing multiple dashboard warning lights.
- Low beam headlight problems. Headlights fail to provide adequate illumination despite new bulbs and clear housings, creating unsafe nighttime driving conditions.
- Steering control issues. Loud clunking noises in the steering column with vehicle veering off lane, sometimes identified as electronic steering motor assembly faults which dealers advise as dangerous to drive.
There are three recalls affecting the 2014 HYUNDAI SANTA FE, covering tires, brake system components, and hood latch mechanisms. These recalls address safety risks including tire failures, engine compartment fires, and unsecured hoods.
Recalls- Tires: sidewall defect. NHTSA Recall 13V624000 affects 28 vehicles with P235/65R17 103T Continental Crosscontact LX tires manufactured between November 5 and 15, 2013. The tires may have damaged sidewalls leading to tread detachment or rapid air loss, increasing crash risk. Hyundai replaced affected tires prior to retail sale.
- ABS module leak. NHTSA Recall 23V651000 covers over 1.6 million vehicles including the 2014 Santa Fe. The ABS module may leak brake fluid causing electrical shorts and engine fires while driving or parked. Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures. Dealers replace the ABS fuse at no cost. Notification letters were sent between April and October 2024.
- Hood latch cable corrosion. NHTSA Recall 17V358000 affects 437,400 Santa Fe vehicles from 2013 to 2017. The secondary hood latch cable may corrode and fail to latch, potentially causing the hood to open unexpectedly while driving and raising crash risk. Hyundai will replace the latch cable free of charge; recall began August 4, 2017.
Owners facing repeated repairs or unresolved safety recalls involving engine failures, steering issues, or brake system defects may have rights under their state’s lemon law. They should consider consulting legal resources to evaluate their options.
2014 HYUNDAI SANTA FE Summary
2014
Model Year
22
Total Complaints
3
Total Recalls
2086906
Vehicles Affected
Recalls
2014 HYUNDAI SANTA FE
1649478 vehicles affected
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
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.
Risk: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
2014 HYUNDAI SANTA FE
437400 vehicles affected
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
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.
Risk: 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.
2014 HYUNDAI SANTA FE
28 vehicles affected
TIRES:SIDEWALL
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.
Risk: 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.
Complaints
2014 HYUNDAI SANTA FE
ID: 2125045POWER TRAIN
Bien,mi auto tuvo varios problemas al mismo tiempo: 1-falla en todo el sistema eléctrico,aire acondicionado,control de tráfico ambas partes, Power steering,ABS,Pérdida de potencia en el motor,problemas con el receptor de la llave remoto,tiene un problema eléctrico sin precedente todo ocurrió de la nada,todo ocurrió un mismo día cuando íbamos camino a una excursión mi familia y yo estuvimos en un gran riesgo,todos los componentes han sido inspeccionados y no he podido aún arreglarlos porque se necesita el consecionario de este automóvil para descubrirle las grandes fallas que presenta,aún tiene 3 señales en el tablero, check Engine, Power String, ABS, todo prendió después del problema
2014 HYUNDAI SANTA FE
ID: 2125044ENGINE
Bien,mi auto tuvo varios problemas al mismo tiempo: 1-falla en todo el sistema eléctrico,aire acondicionado,control de tráfico ambas partes, Power steering,ABS,Pérdida de potencia en el motor,problemas con el receptor de la llave remoto,tiene un problema eléctrico sin precedente todo ocurrió de la nada,todo ocurrió un mismo día cuando íbamos camino a una excursión mi familia y yo estuvimos en un gran riesgo,todos los componentes han sido inspeccionados y no he podido aún arreglarlos porque se necesita el consecionario de este automóvil para descubrirle las grandes fallas que presenta,aún tiene 3 señales en el tablero, check Engine, Power String, ABS, todo prendió después del problema
2014 HYUNDAI SANTA FE
ID: 2125043ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Bien,mi auto tuvo varios problemas al mismo tiempo: 1-falla en todo el sistema eléctrico,aire acondicionado,control de tráfico ambas partes, Power steering,ABS,Pérdida de potencia en el motor,problemas con el receptor de la llave remoto,tiene un problema eléctrico sin precedente todo ocurrió de la nada,todo ocurrió un mismo día cuando íbamos camino a una excursión mi familia y yo estuvimos en un gran riesgo,todos los componentes han sido inspeccionados y no he podido aún arreglarlos porque se necesita el consecionario de este automóvil para descubrirle las grandes fallas que presenta,aún tiene 3 señales en el tablero, check Engine, Power String, ABS, todo prendió después del problema
2014 HYUNDAI SANTA FE
ID: 2124554VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
In relation to this incident, approximately 3,00 miles after an oil change, the engine oil drain plug fell out and caused all oil to leak and cause engine damage. Engine oil change was at approximately 125,000 miles. Drain plug fell out at approximately 128,000 miles. No warning lights or symptoms were present prior to vehicle shutting off and dying while driving. Vehicle was then towed to shop who previously did oil change. Shop confirmed drain plug was missing and oil level was empty. I am the manager of this shop submitting this on behalf of the customer with this vehicle. We are aware of the ongoing concerns in relation to case DP22-003 and would like to submit this information as further evidence for this case
2014 HYUNDAI SANTA FE
ID: 2124553POWER TRAIN
In relation to this incident, approximately 3,00 miles after an oil change, the engine oil drain plug fell out and caused all oil to leak and cause engine damage. Engine oil change was at approximately 125,000 miles. Drain plug fell out at approximately 128,000 miles. No warning lights or symptoms were present prior to vehicle shutting off and dying while driving. Vehicle was then towed to shop who previously did oil change. Shop confirmed drain plug was missing and oil level was empty. I am the manager of this shop submitting this on behalf of the customer with this vehicle. We are aware of the ongoing concerns in relation to case DP22-003 and would like to submit this information as further evidence for this case
2014 HYUNDAI SANTA FE
ID: 2124552ENGINE
In relation to this incident, approximately 3,00 miles after an oil change, the engine oil drain plug fell out and caused all oil to leak and cause engine damage. Engine oil change was at approximately 125,000 miles. Drain plug fell out at approximately 128,000 miles. No warning lights or symptoms were present prior to vehicle shutting off and dying while driving. Vehicle was then towed to shop who previously did oil change. Shop confirmed drain plug was missing and oil level was empty. I am the manager of this shop submitting this on behalf of the customer with this vehicle. We are aware of the ongoing concerns in relation to case DP22-003 and would like to submit this information as further evidence for this case
2014 HYUNDAI SANTA FE
ID: 2118982ENGINE
Engine suddenly failed as I was sitting at a stop light and now is making a rattling/knocking noise
2014 HYUNDAI SANTA FE
ID: 2105111ENGINE
I was driving my daughters to school and the vehicle made a loud squeal and a subsequently a continuous clicking noise. I did not have any warning of the vehicle malfunctioning. There was no check engine light, no loss of power, or anything related to an impending failure. Upon this happening I was able to quickly get the vehicle moved as I was in the middle of the road with people around and lucking was not hit as I immediately stopped. I was close to home and was able to get the vehicle back to our home. Upon speaking with a Hyundai dealership they made me aware of a “silent recall” on many motors within the Hyundai failure due to internal failures. The vehicle was towed to the dealership and inspected and confirmed to have been linked to the engine failure. Hyundai is now stating that due to me being the second owner of the vehicle I am not apt to the extended warranty and there is no notice on any of the public facing knowledge to any of this information. I have gone through almost 2.5 months of back and forth with Hyundai case managers & the Attorney general.
2014 HYUNDAI SANTA FE
ID: 2079522EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The low beams on the 2014 and many other year Hyundai Sant fe models do not work properly. While you are driving at night the low beams do not light up enough or shine bright enough on the roadway so you can see and drive safely ... I even installed brand new bulbs , and nothing changed as far as the brightness . The headlight housings are clear and do not have any type of damage that would prevent the bulbs from providing plenty of light on the roads . This is very dangerous for anyone trying to drive these vehicles on any kind of roads at night time .
2014 HYUNDAI SANTA FE
ID: 2079506STEERING
The vehicle is making a loud clunking noise in the steering column when driving down the road. It is veering all over the road and when I hit a bump it’s very bad. It’s difficult to keep in the lane. I brought it to my mechanic who said it was most likely the electronic steering motor assembly. He said he would not drive it in its current condition. Hyundai themselves said that it would be dangerous to operate. On the complaint website I was looking on there was around 50 complaints that have been reported to the NHTSA already and the website said it would also be very dangerous to drive.
2014 HYUNDAI SANTA FE
ID: 2076035VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Loss of acceleration and stuttering when I was trying to get up to speed on the interstate going up a hill. Instantly blinking check engine light. Won't go above 2000rpm or 60mph. P1326 code read glow relay short circuit
2014 HYUNDAI SANTA FE
ID: 2076034ENGINE
Loss of acceleration and stuttering when I was trying to get up to speed on the interstate going up a hill. Instantly blinking check engine light. Won't go above 2000rpm or 60mph. P1326 code read glow relay short circuit
2014 HYUNDAI SANTA FE
ID: 2076033ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Loss of acceleration and stuttering when I was trying to get up to speed on the interstate going up a hill. Instantly blinking check engine light. Won't go above 2000rpm or 60mph. P1326 code read glow relay short circuit
2014 HYUNDAI SANTA FE
ID: 2075018SERVICE BRAKES
The start of this journey to Wesley Chapel Hyundai service department were 4 or 5 lights on the dashboard. I can’t remember what day I called to make the appointment-probably a week before the appointment as followed. I made appointment to take my Sante Fe Sport to Wesley Chapel for Monday 02/17/2025. The vehicle was not driven after the multiple lights came on the dashboard. That was their earliest appointment for service. On [XXX] the Santa Fe Sport was towed to Westly Chapel service department because a neighbor came over to tell us that the car lights were blinking. The car was not on. When they lifted the hood on the vehicle there was smoke and the smell of something burnt. They disconnected the battery, and the vehicle was towed by AAA to the Westley Chapel Hyundai. We live in a mobile home and park the car close to the kitchen window. This scared me. What could have been was losing my home to fire. Thankfully it didn’t happen. My question is how does an ABS ASSY go bad under 30,000 miles on a vehicle? And we are being told that some pump went bad first that caused the ABS ASSY to go bad. So also, I question how does a pump go bad under 30,000 miles on a vehicle? Should this ABS ASSY failure been covered under a recall? I have attached the Hyundai of Wesley Chapel invoice. Thank you, [XXX] & [XXX] [XXX] 33541-7345 [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
2014 HYUNDAI SANTA FE
ID: 2071623UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My car has a known oil consumption problem that has not been recalled on the 2014 vehicles. I have been dealing with issue for the 15 months. Getting the run around because call is out manufacture warranty but when problem first started was still under warranty. I have a extended warranty but
2014 HYUNDAI SANTA FE
ID: 2071622ENGINE
My car has a known oil consumption problem that has not been recalled on the 2014 vehicles. I have been dealing with issue for the 15 months. Getting the run around because call is out manufacture warranty but when problem first started was still under warranty. I have a extended warranty but
2014 HYUNDAI SANTA FE
ID: 2070488ENGINE
While driving we notice an engine knock, particular when the car reached 2000 RPM or more. the car suddenly lost power and would not exceed 40 mph. We took the vehicle to a mechanic and were informed that it needed the engine replaced.
2014 HYUNDAI SANTA FE
ID: 2069777STEERING
My steering would work while I was driving with my kids in the car, my breaks were barely working, the hood started smoking and something under the hood in the engine caught on fire, there was a horrible smell when I was breaking and the breaks would jolt. The engine and cooling was not turning off even with my key taken out, the fan engine was running nonstop no matter what, smoking etc
2014 HYUNDAI SANTA FE
ID: 2069776ENGINE
My steering would work while I was driving with my kids in the car, my breaks were barely working, the hood started smoking and something under the hood in the engine caught on fire, there was a horrible smell when I was breaking and the breaks would jolt. The engine and cooling was not turning off even with my key taken out, the fan engine was running nonstop no matter what, smoking etc
2014 HYUNDAI SANTA FE
ID: 2069775ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My steering would work while I was driving with my kids in the car, my breaks were barely working, the hood started smoking and something under the hood in the engine caught on fire, there was a horrible smell when I was breaking and the breaks would jolt. The engine and cooling was not turning off even with my key taken out, the fan engine was running nonstop no matter what, smoking etc
2014 HYUNDAI SANTA FE
ID: 2065904ENGINE
Engine failed mixing oil and coolant
2014 HYUNDAI SANTA FE
ID: 2065856STEERING
This model of Santa Fe has a defective steering column. The car rattles at the base of the steering column at the base of the steering wheel in the floor by your feet. When you go over 70 it rattles.