VehicleVerdict

2014 Hyundai Tucson problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

The 2014 Hyundai Tucson carries two red flags at once: 238 consumer complaints filed with NHTSA and an open NHTSA defect investigation (subject: Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires). It is one of the Tucson years to avoid.

The trouble concentrates in one system: engine issues account for 47% of all reports (112 of 238), far ahead of brakes at 56. In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

238

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

2

Investigations · 1 open

4

Crash-involved

5

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2014 compare to other Tucson years?

See all Tucson years to avoid →

What are the most common 2014 Hyundai Tucson problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine11247%
Brakes5624%
Electrical System177%
Other135%
Transmission115%
Fuel System63%
Tires & Wheels42%
Steering42%
Speed Control31%
Airbags21%
Lighting21%
Body & Structure21%
Suspension21%
Visibility & Wipers10%
Latches & Locks10%
Seats10%
Driver Assistance10%

Does the 2014 Hyundai Tucson have recalls?

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

22V056000BrakesFebruary 3, 2022 · 357,348 units

Defect

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Santa Fe, 2017-2018 Santa Fe Sport, 2019 Santa Fe XL, and 2014-2015 Tucson vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module could malfunction and cause an electrical short, which could result in an engine compartment fire.

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 multi-fuse, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 31, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 218.

14V245000AirbagsMay 13, 2014 · 137,500 units

Defect

Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Hyundai Tucson vehicles manufactured January 3, 2011, through December 23, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the air bag assembly installed in the steering wheel may come loose from its mounting.

Consequence

An air bag assembly that is not properly mounted may result in an increased risk of injury to the driver in the event of a crash.

Remedy

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and tighten the bolts that secure the driver's air bag assembly, free of charge. The recall began on May 9, 2014. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 118.

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.

BOUGHT CAR IN DEC 2017. JULY 8, 2018, CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE DRIVING. NO ISSUES BEFORE THIS EVENT. NO WARNING, CARE JUST WENT UP IN FLAMES STARTING FROM UNDER THE CAR/THE ENGINE. THERE HAVE BEEN RECALLS ON OTHER MODELS OF HYUNDAI CARS, BUT THEY DO NOT INCLUDE HYUNDAI TUSCONS. I THINK THIS NEEDS…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 8, 2018 · fire

The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, a burning odor was detected on two separate occasions. Additionally, the vehicle was not able to drive forward while the gear shifter was placed in Drive. The dealer was made aware of the failure…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · March 15, 2022 · fire

BOUGHT CAR IN DEC 2017. JULY 8, 2018, CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE DRIVING. NO ISSUES BEFORE THIS EVENT. NO WARNING, CARE JUST WENT UP IN FLAMES STARTING FROM UNDER THE CAR/THE ENGINE. THERE HAVE BEEN RECALLS ON OTHER MODELS OF HYUNDAI CARS, BUT THEY DO NOT INCLUDE HYUNDAI TUSCONS. I THINK THIS NEEDS…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 8, 2018 · fire

The contact owned a 2014 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled and there was smoke coming from the engine compartment. The contact safely exited the vehicle. The vehicle then caught fire in the engine compartment, causing the windshield…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · January 28, 2022 · fire

ON SUNDAY I WAS AT A FLAT DIRT LOT AT A BOAT RAMP... AFTER MY FISHING TRIP I HOPPED INTO THE CAR PUT IT IN REVERSE... BACKED OUT OF MY SPOT CAREFUL TO LOOK BEHIND AT ALL THE TRAILERS AROUND ME... STOPPED AND SHIFTED INTO DRIVE... THE BACKUP CAMERA TURNED OFF AND THE D LIT UP ON THE DASH... I…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · July 10, 2016 · crash

2014 Hyundai Tucson — common questions

Is the 2014 Hyundai Tucson reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 238 complaints put the 2014 model at #11 of 22 Tucson years, and a defect investigation remains open. It is one of the Tucson years to avoid.

What are the most common 2014 Tucson problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (112 complaints), brakes (56 complaints), electrical system (17 complaints).

Does the 2014 Hyundai Tucson have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2014 Hyundai Tucson. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2014 Hyundai Tucson 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 Tucson years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Tucson years to avoid are 2016, 2017, 2022, 2018, 2019, 2025, 2013, 2012, 2015, 2014, 2020, 2011, 2021, 2010. The cleanest record among Tucson years belongs to 2009.

How safe is the 2014 Hyundai Tucson?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2014 Hyundai Tucson earned an overall rating of 4 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.