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KLUNK
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2014 Hyundai Santa fe

The Verdict

26 Check Engine

The 2014 Hyundai Santa fe has 490 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. The most reported issues are engine (294 complaints) and body (101 complaints). With a Klunk Score of 26/100, it earns a "Check Engine" rating. If you're shopping for a Hyundai Santa fe, consider the 2006 model year which has 78% fewer complaints.

Safe Bet

The 2006 has 78% fewer complaints

View the 2006 Hyundai Santa fe dashboard →

26

Klunk Score: Check Engine

More complaints than most vehicles. Known issues exist — budget for potential repairs.

How is this calculated?

The Klunk Score ranks this vehicle year against all others in our database based on total owner complaints filed with NHTSA. 100 = fewest complaints (top tier), 0 = most complained-about. Scores above 60 are better than average; below 40 means more problems than most.

Recalls 1

Active safety recalls from NHTSA for this vehicle year.

13V624000 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 tir...

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.

Remedy

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 ...

Reported Apr 10, 2026

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Under the Hood

Each number is a complaint. Darker = bigger problem.

YearBodyBrakesElectricalEngineTransmission
20011047275022
20029417163113
200313441554434
200412239487618
2005702975366
2006281739175
20072117415421721
200888219332314
200971395417716
20105972859103
2011501729778
201252163723610
2013190493629927
201410148382949
20153921251626
201638141515810
2017108474166574
2018201611564
2019789197014
202075425828
2021585233937
2022574186742
20238220254329
20245810191331
202576219129

By Category

Engine
294
Body
101
Brakes
48
Electrical
38
Transmission
9

By Severity

1
221
2
222
3
3
4
44

Worst Problems

Complaints

Engine 1

We are the original owner of a 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe. The vehicle is experiencing issues from internal engine oil consumption caused by a manufacturing defect in the GDI powertrain. In 2023, while driving under normal operating conditions, the vehicle began severely jerking, shuddering and hesitating during acceleration. This hesitation and sudden drop in power creates a severe and immediate traffic hazard, as the vehicle loses acceleration capabilities unpredictably while driving, merging, entering a highway or crossing intersections. I have since experience low oil volume due to this systemic oil consumption. On April 7, 2023 while I was under the 100,000 mile factory warranty (at 99,644), the issues were reported to the dealership but they found no issues. Since then the engine light come up regularly and we must add or change oil soon. On June 15, 2026 we took it back with the same issue and we have been told after checking it and filling it up we must repeat the process from 2023, drive it for 1000 miles without changing or adding oil, even if it dries up. This will create a safety hazard not only for the public but for my family. Now we are told the engine needs to be replaced but since we're out of warranty, we must pay $21,000. We were under warranty when we reported the issue and they purposedly led us out knowing the issues were happening to other Sonata and Santa Fe models. Now we are left with a dangerous vehicle which we cannot in good faith sell to any other family.

1mo ago
Engine 1

My car was in shop for Smog inspection and failed. Mechanic told me that the most likely reason was that the engine has issues related to failing crankshaft position sensor which triggered the check engine light. He further explained that the engine with this condition will have abnormal oil consumption. My experience is that is exactly what I wondered. No smoke in the exhaust, no oil leaks under the hood and no oil on the parking space at home nor work. Mechanic recommended I take the car to Hyundai dealer in Folsom. The service department there diagnosed my car and did not find fault with crankshaft position sensor but did find that there is a problem with timing mechanisms. They also said that the engine has difficulty starting, which I never experienced in over 50,000 I have driven it, save the time of battery replacement about 2 years ago. I decided to take my car back to my mechanic where he diagnosed it with timing issues. The abnormal engine noise was accounted for as a link to timing. In the interim I drive a rental at the rate of about $65.00 /day. I m in a quandary; if my mechanic repairs the timing issues, which may not be under warranty, does that invalidate the existing engine warranty? If I can get the warranty to cover the ongoing issues, we can save ourselves wasting time and money. If safety concerns are a priority, which is not, then we cannot sacrifice safety in the interest of celerity. In the meantime, my family are in the crossroads and I cannot accept that.

1mo ago
Engine 1

Driving to work at 0730 on 20 may, i put my foot down to accelerate from 40mph and nothing happened, i tried again thinking foot placement and the engine died. All ligjts went out, engine turned off and i free coasted for 100 -150yards. Once stopped i mangaed to get the hazard lights on, and get out the vehicle. I was 30yards from traffic lights on a 3 lane road. Once pushed from the road, the car showed lights and internal radio etc, but no noise on the push start. There was no noise from the engine prior to this, there was no dash lights showing issues and no warning. I was then towed 4hrs later to a garage where the diaognostics show engine failure and new engine required. A service 4000k miles ago and the car had used 5.5quarts of oil. All eveidence ive mainated the vehicle is online. 1st garage advices not driveable due to 10ks of miles of damage.

1mo ago
Brakes 2

My insurance company said I have an urgent Recall on my vehicle. Recall # 251 ABS fuse replacement. NHTSA# 23V651000. I would like this replaced.

3mo ago
Engine 2

My engine failed and was diagnosed as needing to rebuilt or replaced by the dealership. During the pandemic it was hard to get parts so they rebuilt it. At first it was missed diagnosed because it was a 3.3l V6 and only the 4 cylinder engines were on recall. I had check engine lights on all the time. I paid for repairs that only masked the problem for a short time. It was such a problem I had to get a waiver to register my vehicle. After having more problems with my engine. Hyundai of Kennesaw confirmed my engine needed to be replaced they actually requested Corporate to approve an engine replacement for my vehicle in 2021. It was denied. So I paid for the rebuild. In August of 2025 i sent a letter extending the warranty which covered my vehicle engine rebuild. Hyundai denied that claim Jan 2026.

6mo ago
Engine 2

While driving at approximately 70MPH on the highway, my 2014 Hyundai Tucson Limited suddenly locked up with no warning lights, no noise and no prior symptoms. The engine completely seized, causing immediate loss of power. I was barely able to coast off the highway exit to a final stop on the feeder shoulder, in a desolate area. The vehicle has always been properly maintained and is in excellent condition. Upon research, I learned that Hyundai has known of internal engine defects caused by metallic debris left from manufacturing since 2010, which can cause bearing failure and engine seizure. My Tucson's failure matches the same pattern described in Hyundai's Theta II engine recall and warranty extension campaigns. This sudden failure created an extremely dangerous situation at highway speed and possibility of injury while being stranded on an open road. Many owners, myself included, were never properly notified of the risks. I am filing this report because this incident represents a serious safety defect and potential recurrence among similar vehicles that may not yet be covered by recall. I respectfully request that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration investigate this issue and ensure Hyundai expands its recall and warranty coverage to include affected 2014 Hyundai Tucson Limited vehicles exhibiting this defect that was well-known to the Hyundai Corporation. Date of Incident: October 23,2025 in Houston Texas. Vehicle towed to Hyundai dealer which diagnosed Engine Seized and currently awaiting Warranty Extension Approval (TXXC/TXXI)

8mo ago
Engine 1

The engine has been running rough for awhile and emissions light came on. My car was having problems accelerating, 2 years ago the light came on but didn’t stay on so the dealer couldn’t diagnose problem.

9mo ago
Engine 1

My daughter owns a 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS, which is currently experiencing internal engine failure and abnormal engine noise. These issues directly align with Hyundai’s notification regarding the extended warranty coverage for vehicles equipped with the 3.3L Lambda II GDI engine, which may experience abnormal engine noise or damage. Hyundai has acknowledged these concerns and extended warranty protection for engine repairs or replacement. The Hyundai Holler dealership in winter park Florida. recently inspected the vehicle and reported a critical failure requiring immediate attention. The recommended service included: Timing job (all CVVTs, intake, camshaft, chains, guides, tensioners) Both valve cover gaskets and RTV replacement ( This is the internal parts of the engine) The estimated repair cost was $6,723.92. This recommendation reflects the exact type of engine-related failure covered under Hyundai’s extended warranty for this VIN. It is both unreasonable and disappointing that my daughter was presented with such a significant repair estimate for a condition Hyundai has already committed to covering. For context, my husband is a certified technician, and we have carefully reviewed the inspection details. The diagnosis provided by Holler Hyundais service department is consistent with the warranty-covered issue. Therefore, this repair should rightfully be processed under Hyundai’s extended warranty program.I must also share that my daughter a single disabled mother of three with limited resources and income. The dealership’s approach in presenting her with an astronomical repair bill—without recognizing the warranty coverage—causes unnecessary stress and financial hardship Mr Jesse Cappiello Service consultant. Refuses to accept this as warranty, by stating the warranty is only for Rod bearing failure. When the warranty clearly states engine failure I have attached the warranty info for your review.

10mo ago
Engine 4

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

10mo ago
Engine 2

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

10mo ago
Engine 2

Engine suddenly failed as I was sitting at a stop light and now is making a rattling/knocking noise

11mo ago
Engine 2

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.

12mo ago
Electrical 1

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 .

15mo ago
Body 2

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.

15mo ago
Engine 1

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

16mo ago
Brakes 2

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)

16mo ago
Engine 1

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

16mo ago
Engine 2

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.

16mo ago
Engine 4

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

16mo ago
Body 2

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.

17mo ago

490 total

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