2014 Hyundai Santa Fe: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 490 complaints, with Engine Problems as the top reported area.
2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Fuel Economy
β EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 6 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 6 trims analysed.
2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested β showing 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV AWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not RatedFrontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
Not RatedSource: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe has 490 owner complaints, 16 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Engine Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Hyundai
- Model
- Santa Fe
- Model year
- 2014
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 490
- Crash-related complaints
- 16
- Safety recall campaigns
- 3
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 21
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 18 / 24
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Brake System
Steering Defects
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Brake System, Steering Defects. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe?
The 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe
Inspection Focus
- Request service records specifically for engine repairs or replacements.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Have a mechanic inspect the engine, brakes, and steering before purchase.
- Check for any history of unintended acceleration or electrical issues.
Before You Close the Deal
- Request service records specifically for engine repairs or replacements.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Have a mechanic inspect the engine, brakes, and steering before purchase.
- Check for any history of unintended acceleration or electrical issues.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe are heavily concentrated in engine problems, which account for over half of all reports. Brake system, steering defects, and electrical faults also appear frequently, though with lower counts. Crash-related complaints are relatively few, but the overall confidence in this data is low due to the single model year and consumer-submitted nature.
- Engine problems dominate with 275 complaints out of 490 total.
- Brake system (58), steering defects (52), and electrical faults (49) are the next most common components.
- Unintended acceleration (27) and fuel/propulsion system (27) are reported less frequently but still notable.
- Engine Problems
- Brake System
- Steering Defects
All 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 275 | 3 | 21 | β | |
| Brake System | 58 | 5 | 4 | β | |
| Steering Defects | 52 | β | 1 | β | |
| Electrical Faults | 49 | 4 | 6 | β | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 40 | 1 | 3 | β | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 36 | 4 | 1 | β | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 27 | 1 | β | β | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 27 | β | 2 | β | |
| Hydraulic | 22 | β | 1 | β | |
| Structural Problems | 20 | 2 | 2 | β | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 12 | 4 | β | β | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 11 | β | β | β | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 11 | β | β | β | |
| Visibility | 9 | β | β | β | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 7 | 2 | β | β | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 7 | β | β | β | |
| Suspension Failures | 6 | β | β | β | |
| Fuel System | 5 | β | 1 | β | |
| Gasoline | 5 | β | 1 | β | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 5 | β | β | β | |
| Wheel Issues | 5 | 1 | β | β | |
| Air | 4 | β | 1 | β | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 4 | β | 1 | β | |
| Lane Departure | 3 | β | β | β | |
| Tire Issues | 3 | β | β | β | |
| Back Over Prevention | 2 | β | β | β | |
| Firerelated | 1 | β | 1 | β | |
| Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | 1 | β | β | β |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe. Type a keyword (e.g. βtransmissionβ, βstallingβ, βbrakesβ) to filter.
My insurance company said I have an urgent Recall on my vehicle. Recall # 251 ABS fuse replacement. NHTSA# 23V651000. I would like this replaced.
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 β¦
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 finβ¦
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 didnβt stay on so the dealer couldnβt diagnose problem.
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 Hyundaiβs notification regarding the extended warranty coverage for vehicles equipped with the 3.3L Lambda II GDI engiβ¦
Bien,mi auto tuvo varios problemas al mismo tiempo: 1-falla en todo el sistema elΓ©ctrico,aire acondicionado,control de trΓ‘fico ambas partes, Power steering,ABS,PΓ©rdida de potencia en el motor,problemas con el receptor de la llave remoto,tiene un problema elΓ©ctrico sin precedente β¦
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 β¦
Engine suddenly failed as I was sitting at a stop light and now is making a rattling/knocking noise
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 β¦
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 itβs very bad. Itβs difficult to keep in the lane. I brought it to my mechanic who said it was most likely the electronic steering β¦
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 β¦
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
The start of this journey to Wesley Chapel Hyundai service department were 4 or 5 lights on the dashboard. I canβt 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 Chapeβ¦
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 extendedβ¦
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.
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 β¦
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.
Engine failed mixing oil and coolant
Crack was found in oil pan during regular maintenance. The engine was replaced by Hyundai and now has around 60,000 miles on it. At my expense, the oil plan was replaced.
Check engine light came on and acceleration failed. Hyundai dealership indicated there are no valves in the intake and exhaust ports.
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe.
2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Recalls
3 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe. 3 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe reliable?βΎ
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 490 owner complaints, 16 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe?βΎ
#1: Engine Problems (275 complaints). #2: Brake System (58 complaints). #3: Steering Defects (52 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe?βΎ
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe?βΎ
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe, NHTSA complaints include 16 crash-related reports and 30 fire reports out of 490 total complaints. 20 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe have any recalls?βΎ
Yes. 3 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe. A major recall area is LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH. 3 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe?βΎ
The 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Engine Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Hyundai Santa Fe reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.