VehicleVerdict

2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

The 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport carries two red flags at once: 216 consumer complaints filed with NHTSA and an open NHTSA defect investigation (subject: Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires). It is one of the Santa Fe Sport years to avoid.

The trouble concentrates in one system: engine issues account for 45% of all reports (98 of 216), far ahead of brakes at 29. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

216

NHTSA complaints

5

Recalls

5

Investigations · 1 open

0

Crash-involved

27

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2014 compare to other Santa Fe Sport years?

Santa Fe Sport NHTSA complaints by model year, 2014 highlighted456 complaints2013: 239 complaints2014: 216 complaints2015: 104 complaints2016: 84 complaints2017: 456 complaints2018: 406 complaints
Santa Fe Sport NHTSA complaints by model year, 2014 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Santa Fe Sport years to avoid →

What are the most common 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine9845%
Brakes2913%
Electrical System2311%
Other146%
Transmission136%
Fuel System105%
Body & Structure73%
Speed Control63%
Steering52%
Driver Assistance31%
Seat Belts21%
Suspension21%
Airbags21%
Lighting10%
Tires & Wheels10%

Does the 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport have recalls?

5 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

21V303000BrakesApril 28, 2021 · 151,205 units

Defect

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. Brake fluid may leak inside the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) module, possibly resulting in an electrical short.

Consequence

An electrical short in the ABS module can increase the risk of an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.

Remedy

Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures as a precaution until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS multi-fuse, and inspect and replace the ABS module, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 25, 2021. Note: This recall includes all vehicles previously recalled under NHTSA recall number 20V-520. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 205.

20V520000BrakesAugust 27, 2020 · 151,205 units

Defect

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. Brake fluid may leak inside the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) module, possibly resulting in an electrical short.

Consequence

If the ABS module short circuits, there is an increased risk of an engine compartment fire.

Remedy

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ABS module and replace it if necessary, free of charge. Owners are advised to park outside as a precaution until the recall repair is complete. The recall began December 22, 2020. Note: This recall has been superseded by NHTSA Recall 21V-303 and all affected vehicles will now be repaired under 21V-303. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 194.

18V934000EngineDecember 28, 2018 · 150,730 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy

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.

17V358000Latches & LocksJune 5, 2017 · 437,400 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the secondary latch cable, free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2017. Owner's may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for the recall is 163.

17V226000EngineMarch 31, 2017 · 572,000 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

Bearing wear may result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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.

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.

HAVING NOT DRIVEN THE VEHICLE IN OVER 24 HOURS, WE WERE WOKEN UP TO AN EXPLOSION AND THE ENTIRE HOOD UP IN FLAMES IN THE DRIVEWAY. THIS HAPPENED AT ABOUT 445 IN THE MORNING AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO COME EXTINGUISH IT.

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · November 21, 2020 · fire

The contact owned a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated while the vehicle was powered off, the vehicle had burst into flames. The fire marshals were called and the fire was extinguished. No one was injured and the vehicle was towed to an insurance lot where it was deemed destroyed. The…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · August 1, 2017 · fire

HAVING NOT DRIVEN THE VEHICLE IN OVER 24 HOURS, WE WERE WOKEN UP TO AN EXPLOSION AND THE ENTIRE HOOD UP IN FLAMES IN THE DRIVEWAY. THIS HAPPENED AT ABOUT 445 IN THE MORNING AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO COME EXTINGUISH IT.

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 21, 2020 · fire

While driving west across [XXX] , towing a 5x8 enclosed trailer, there was a smell of burnt rubber and I pulled over to inspect for a busted tire. At no time were there indicator lights on the dash. Upon bringing the vehicle to a stop on the side of the road the cabin began to fill with smoke. I…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · March 17, 2026 · fire

The engine was replaced under a recall related to an engine knock code. About two weeks later, the vehicle lost all power while driving. The dealership confirmed a failure in the high-pressure fuel line and that the turbo had failed at the same time. The same visit revealed oil leaks, and shortly…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · April 3, 2023 · fire

2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport — common questions

Is the 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 216 complaints put the 2014 model at #4 of 6 Santa Fe Sport years, and a defect investigation remains open. It is one of the Santa Fe Sport years to avoid.

What are the most common 2014 Santa Fe Sport problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (98 complaints), brakes (29 complaints), electrical system (23 complaints).

Does the 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport 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 Santa Fe Sport years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Santa Fe Sport years to avoid are 2017, 2018, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016.

How safe is the 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

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.