VehicleVerdict

2014 Hyundai Equus problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

The 2014 Hyundai Equus carries two red flags at once: 54 consumer complaints filed with NHTSA — 3.9× the Equus norm — and an open NHTSA defect investigation (subject: Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires). It is one of the Equus years to avoid.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (7), seats (7), and suspension (7), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

54

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations · 1 open

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2014 compare to other Equus years?

Equus NHTSA complaints by model year, 2014 highlighted54 complaints2011: 33 complaints2012: 5 complaints2013: 16 complaints2014: 54 complaints2015: 12 complaints2016: 12 complaints
Equus NHTSA complaints by model year, 2014 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Equus years to avoid →

What are the most common 2014 Hyundai Equus problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Seats713%
Suspension713%
Electrical System713%
Other611%
Brakes611%
Lighting47%
Speed Control36%
Body & Structure36%
Steering36%
Transmission24%
Engine24%
Fuel System24%
Tires & Wheels12%
Airbags12%

Does the 2014 Hyundai Equus have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

23V651000BrakesSeptember 22, 2023 · 1,649,478 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2024 through October 11, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 251.

Open NHTSA investigations

AQ23002

Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando. The Part 573 Recall Reports contain varying defect descriptions and differing remedy descriptions for the same or similar equipment supplied by Mando. Safety recalls included in this Audit Query (AQ) review include: Hyundai recalls 20V-520, 20V-543, 21V-161, 21V-160, 21V-303, 22V-056, 22V-810, and 23V-651. Kia recalls 16V-815, 20V-518, 20V-519, 21V-137, 21V-331, 22V-051, 22V-800, and 23V-652 The purpose of this AQ is to evaluate the timeliness and scoping of Hyundai and Kia’s defect decision making and adherence with reporting requirements; and understand the varying defect descriptions and remedies between these recalls.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“THE STRUTS WENT OUT WHILE I WAS DRIVING. AFTER IT WENT OUT THE, TIRES WOULD TOUCH THE FENDER OF THE CAR. IT DAMAGED THE PASSENGER SIDE AND DRIVER SIDE OF MY FRONT FENDER. IT ALSO RUBBED THE TREAD AWAY FROM THE TIRE DUE TO RUBBING AGAINST THE FENDER. IT WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE BECAUSE IT WAS SO LOW TO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · September 4, 2019

“THE HINGES FOR THE REAR SEAT FLIP-UP ARMREST BROKE WHEN I SAT IN THE BACK SEAT. THIS ARMREST IS ALSO THE COVER FOR THE SMALL STORAGE COMPARTMENT UNDER IT. NOW THERE'S NO COVER ON THE COMPARTMENT AND NO PLACE FOR REAR PASSENGERS TO PUT THEIR ELBOWS. THE HINGES ARE ONLY PLASTIC, BUT HYUNDAI WON'T…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seats · October 20, 2015

“THE STRUTS WENT OUT WHILE I WAS DRIVING. AFTER IT WENT OUT THE, TIRES WOULD TOUCH THE FENDER OF THE CAR. IT DAMAGED THE PASSENGER SIDE AND DRIVER SIDE OF MY FRONT FENDER. IT ALSO RUBBED THE TREAD AWAY FROM THE TIRE DUE TO RUBBING AGAINST THE FENDER. IT WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE BECAUSE IT WAS SO LOW TO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · September 4, 2019

“ECS malfunction ADAS malfunction Car rides rough and unstable steering control Several dealerships have reviewed and replaced rear air shocks and compressor with no resolution No response from manufacturer about problem Creates very unsafe driving conditions ECS malfunction warning appears…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · February 25, 2021

“THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM ("ABS") MODULES THAT COULD LEAK BRAKE FLUID INTERNALLY AND CAUSE AN ELECTRICAL SHORT OVER TIME. AN ELECTRICAL SHORT COULD RESULT IN SIGNIFICANT OVERCURRENT IN THE ABS MODULE INCREASING THE RISK OF AN ENGINE COMPARTMENTFIRE WHILE PARKED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · February 5, 2024

2014 Hyundai Equus — common questions

Is the 2014 Hyundai Equus reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 54 complaints put the 2014 model at #1 of 6 Equus years, and a defect investigation remains open. It is one of the Equus years to avoid.

What are the most common 2014 Equus problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (7 complaints), seats (7 complaints), suspension (7 complaints).

Does the 2014 Hyundai Equus have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2014 Hyundai Equus. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2014 Hyundai Equus under NHTSA investigation?

Yes — an investigation remains open (Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires). An open ODI action means NHTSA is actively assessing a possible defect.

Which Hyundai Equus years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Equus years to avoid are 2014, 2011, 2015. The cleanest record among Equus years belongs to 2012.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.