Home · 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Hev · Complaints

What 493 owners told NHTSA about the 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Hev

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (493)Crash / fire / injury (48)Engine (275)Brakes (54)Steering (52)Electrical system (49)Transmission & drivetrain (36)Fuel system (32)Speed control (27)Body & structure (20)Visibility & wipers (15)Airbags (12)

24 of 493 complaints match · Engine · crash/fire/injury only · clear filters

Aug 30, 2025Transmission & drivetrainElectrical systemEngineFire

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

NHTSA ODI 11684072

Mar 1, 2025SteeringElectrical systemEngineFire

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

NHTSA ODI 11645773

Aug 2, 2023EngineFire

On July 29, 2023, while driving in McAllen, Texas, our 2014 Hyundai engine failed, to wit: head gasket. Typically, this would not be a national issue and on first blush, seems related to a singular, isolated incident. However, this does not appear to be the case. Last summer, Hyundai settlement included a new engine for this car. (See class action settlement). The engine was replaced, however, it has come to light that Hyundai has set aside defective replacement motors. Indeed, there are consumers nationwide, complaining of the same. On July 29th, the unit began to catch fire, in that the wiring harnesses, and other wiring which are adjacent to and connected to the block, and its appendages, experienced extreme heat, melting, and burning. If not for my quick and necessary reaction, it is possible and likely that a catastrophic fire would have ensued. Hyundai has not corrected the original problem and has intentionally or by gross negligence, put into motion a series of events, if left unchecked, will, with little doubt, cause the loss of property and life. The engine has about 35,000 miles on it since replacement. The total mileage is approximately 129k. Case #21799766 (reported to Hyundai) initial case # 18911395 (Prior to engine replacement.

NHTSA ODI 11536005

Jul 17, 2023EngineFire

Driving on the highway for approximately 10 minutes when the vehicle began to lose power and the check engine light came on. Immediately pulled over onto the highway shoulder and white smoke began to come out from under the hood. Exited the vehicle and the white smoke increased in amount and intensity. Less than 5 minutes from the initial loss of power, the smoke turned black and large flames engulfed the entire engine compartment and front of vehicle. Fire department arrived approximately 10 minutes after the fire began and managed to extinguish the fire. The entire engine compartment had been consumed with almost no recognizable components remaining. Car has been claimed by insurance company and is likely to report vehicle as a complete loss after their inspection.

NHTSA ODI 11532726

Feb 10, 2023EngineFire

I was driving down the street when the engine suddenly seized up. My wiring caught fire and my starter blew apart. No warning at all

NHTSA ODI 11506575

Dec 4, 2022EngineFire

I purchased this 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe 3.3L V6 with what I think must be the Lambda II engine in 2020 from a Honda Dealership in Louisville Kentucky. Upon purchase, I was not made aware of any recalls, Manufacturer Communications, Investigations, or class action law suits with this model. On May 27, 2021 I took the car in for an oil change and again was not made aware of the above issues. Not enjoying my service experience at that dealership, I took my car in to a Hyundai dealership for an oil change on June 15, 2022 it was reported the engine only had 1 quart of oil. Upon leaving, once again, I was not informed of the above issues with Hyundai, specifically the engine and engine cooling in various models and engines. On October 3, 2022 I took my car into a Good Year for an oil change and was told the car had zero oil. Ironically, Good Year is who told me about the class action law suit regarding the engine and oil issues. They told me to keep checking the oil and adding oil as needed to avoid a problem. 4 days later on October 7, 2022 I was driving on a highway when all of a sudden and without warning my engine blew, my accelerator deactivated and white smoke billowed from under my hood and I could not see. Thankfully I was able to quickly pull over to the side of the highway. I feared the engine was on fire but the smoke eventually cleared. I took pictures underneath the engine (attached) and of the large pool of oil that spilled from the car (attached). The car was towed to the nearest Hyundai dealership where they told me the car experienced a catastrophic engine failure and I would need a new engine. I do not have warranty and it appears my model and year are not included in any of the recalls or investigations. However, my car did experience the exact failure and I want my year, model and engine to be included in the investigation, recalls and remediation. I would appreciate a response with advice for next steps. Thank you!

NHTSA ODI 11495941

Nov 21, 2022EngineFire

On October 20, 2022 my husband was driving the vehicle traveling around 40mph. He said he noticed that the engine light went on and then it sounded different and the vehicle struggled to accelerate. He quickly pulled into the first parking lot that was available and he parked, turned off the car and went to get out and within seconds, the entire vehicle was engulfed in flames. Had he waited and kept driving, he probably wouldn't be here today. Thank goodness my baby wasn't in the car. I can't imagine ripping a child out of her carseat while the car is on fire!

NHTSA ODI 11494415

Aug 25, 2022EngineFire

The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while the vehicle was at standstill to make a left turn, the brake pedal was rigid and the steering wheel seized. The contact stated the Unlock Your Steering Wheel message was illuminated. The contact stated she started to smell and saw smoke exiting from the hood. The contact was able to exit the vehicle safely and shortly after the vehicle was engulfed in flames. The fire department was able to extinguish the fire. A fire report was filed. The contact stated a police officer came to the location of the incident but was not aware if a police report was filed. The contact stated no one was injured nor sought medical attention. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle first to towing lot and then to a repair facility. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.

NHTSA ODI 11481156

Jul 18, 2022Electrical systemEngineFire

My 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport broke down while driving home on 5/30/2022. No active warning lights at time of incident. Vehicle slowed down while driving on interstate and lost the ability to accelerate. A noise was made (may have been considered knocking). Once parked on the side of the highway, nothing happened when START/STOP button was pressed except random lights across dash (NO WARNING LIGHTS). Vehicle did not appear to be ON. Vehicle had to be towed to local Hyundai dealership. Dealership replaced the starter, performed an engine diagnostics, then parked vehicle on lot. The vehicle caught fire on 6/20/2022 after service tech exited it; considered a total loss. The vehicle was inspected by Hyundai Dealership representative, owner's insurance company, and vendor for Hyundai Motor America. HMA ruled incident as No Root Cause for engine seizing: no fault of workmanship nor manufacturer. In addition, in January 2022, this vehicle went into LIMS mode, no active warning lights were observed, and the same dealership replaced Knock Sensor. The vehicle passed engine diagnostics test.

NHTSA ODI 11474431

Jun 30, 2022EngineFire

On June 1, 2022, the vehicle was towed into the dealership. Customer complained it stopped while running and wouldn't start. Initial engine Dx was completed. The battery and starter were replaced. Upon replacing both, the engine started, but was making a "clicking" sound. On June 20, 2022, another engine Dx was performed. Dx revealed DTC P1326 - Knock Signal Range/Performance and DTC B1688 - Cluster Ionizer Fault. Engine was under an extended warranty. Given known engine issues with these vehicles, Dealership planned to request Hyundai replace the customer's engine. Customer was the original owner and routinely serviced vehicle at the dealership. The vehicle was moved to the back of the storage lot. Several minutes after parking same, they observed smoke coming from the engine compartment. Three fire extinguishers were used in an effort to suppress the engine fire. The Fire Dept. was ultimately called to extinguish the blaze.

NHTSA ODI 11471721

May 27, 2022Electrical systemEngineDriver assistanceFire

I was driving to pickup my dog from daycare centre and when I arrive to house, put my car in Park then a huge amount of smoke came out from the front hood of car. The smoke got bigger and bigger within 30 seconds I couldn't see anything from front of car and around driver's seat. There was no Hazard alerts or signs on my car that my car was overheating. There was no signal or emergency shut off on the car when the overheating began. My boyfriend was in car at time. My dog was walking outside with daycare caretaker when a flame started on Driver's side engine. The flame lit and sparked into a huge flame. I ran out of car while my boyfriend yelled for everyone to back away from car before it explodes. The flame grew and engine bursted into flames, a loud explosion followed. I did not have any time to even gather what was going on before my eyes, I was trembling in shock and could not speak clearly. Immediately, I called police to come put out the fire. The fire department was transferred into my phone call. I was able to give address and they arrived on scene within 3-4 minutes. Fire department put out the flames with a water hose. The car was completely damaged, falling apart into pieces, front hood was on fire to the back seats, doors were on fire, steering wheel was gone, entire front dashboard and chairs were melted and gone in pieces. I started feeling sick and overwhelming stressed.

NHTSA ODI 11466451

Jan 3, 2022EngineFire

On December 31, 2021, at approximately 12:30pm CST, I was driving my fathers 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe down I-94 in Michigan City/ LaPorte area of Indiana. In the vehicle was my father, my wife and my brother. I was driving at approximately 70-75 mph and I started hearing a rattling noise when I accelerated. It sounded as if the vehicle had a loose heat shield on the exhaust, so I didn't think too much of it. About 45-60 seconds after that, all the dash lights came on and I pulled off to the side of the highway. I turned the vehicle off and waited about 30 seconds and tried to start it back up, which it did not do. I then noticed smoke coming from under the hood, so I told everyone to get out of the vehicle and I popped the hood latch. I opened the hood and tried to determine where the smoke was coming from, however it was coming from under other parts in the engine, so I could determine what exactly was smoking. I then saw a flame. I told everyone to get back and I immediately called 911. Within 10-15 minutes, a firefighter pulled up in a pick-up truck. He assessed the situation and spoke with my father. Ten minutes after that, other firefighters showed up with an engine and extinguished the fire. By that time though, the fire had completely engulfed the entire front end of the vehicle. We spoke with the police officers after a short wait, a tow truck came and picked up the vehicle and we were picked up by other family members.

NHTSA ODI 11446081

Jun 27, 2021EngineCrash

[XXX] and is leasing the car. We received a notice of 8:18-cv-02223. I called the dealer for help. They promise to return my called to book a appointment .They never contacted me to fix the issue. The same week my fiancé was helping my sister move in Baltimore. When she returning home the car turned off in the meddle of the hi way. Other car where close to hit her. That when shecalled 911. When they arrived they notice she was few asthma attack to the situation. They where nice to ask me to wait inside of they state car. I was in the car for few minutes. When a officer came over to do the report. He asked for my documentation when suddenly she hurt a big impact in the officer car.Shewas having intense headache. She was transfer to the nearest emergency room.The incident is causing a-lot financial and health issues. One of the those issue is the car. The has done some repair but dint replace all parts. Now the car is having a house calling system leaking. We got in contact with the dealer. They dint offer solution but more problem. They dint want to provider another car while our gets fix. we only have one car and we depend of it. PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ODI 11422466

May 14, 2021EngineFire

THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE JERKED ABNORMALLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SMOKE STARTED COMING FROM THE PASSENGER’S SIDE TIRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE OIL FROM THE ENGINE WAS LEAKING ONTO THE BRAKES CAUSING THE SMOKE. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND UPON EXITING THE VEHICLE, NOTICED THAT THE ENGINE WAS DAMAGED. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO GOSSETT HYUNDAI SOUTH (2660 MT MORIAH RD, MEMPHIS, TN 38115) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE CONTACT RELATED THE FAILURE TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V226000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 110,000.

NHTSA ODI 11416622

Dec 4, 2019EngineCrash

VEHICULO EN MOVIMIENTO COMENZO A TENER RUIDO SE LLEVA A MECANICO Y DESCUBREN QUE LAS BERING ESTABAN ROTAS Y DAO EL MOTOR.

NHTSA ODI 11286939

Oct 10, 2019EngineFire1 injury

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2014 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING, THE ENGINE BLEW UP AND FLIPPED THE HOOD IN AN UPRIGHT POSITION. IN ADDITION, THE BRAKES MALFUNCTIONED AND ALL THE ELECTRICAL FUNCTIONS TURNED OFF. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PULL THE VEHICLE OVER AS BLACK SMOKE FILLED THE CABIN. THE CONTACT WAS BARELY ABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE AFTER INHALING BLACK SMOKE. THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND WAS TOTALLY ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT VISITED HIS DOCTOR RATHER THAN A HOSPITAL AND WAS PRESCRIBED AN INHALER TO HELP WITH HIS RESPIRATORY NEEDS. A POLICE AND A FIRE REPORT WERE FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AWAY TO A SCRAP YARD. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND PROVIDED A CASE NUMBER AND A LOANER VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER ALSO OFFERED TO PAY OFF THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT'S MEDICAL EXPENSES, PROPERTY EXPENSES, AND A FLAT MONETARY AMOUNT OF $5,000. THE CONTACT TRIED TO NEGOTIATE WITH THE MANUFACTURER AND AGREED TO MEET AFTER THE 25 DAY WAITING PERIOD. THE CONTACT WAS CONTACTED BY MANUFACTURER THEY WILL INVESTIGATE WHY THE ENGINE FAILED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 51,000. *TR*JB *LN*JB

NHTSA ODI 11267603

Sep 10, 2019EngineFire

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2014 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE THE CONTACT'S HUSBAND WAS DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE DID NOT ACCELERATE WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AS SMOKE APPEARED FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. THE DRIVER OPENED THE HOOD AND NOTICED FLAMES IN THE CORE OF THE ENGINE WITHOUT WARNING. ANOTHER DRIVER STOPPED TO ASSIST BUT BOTH MEN WERE UNABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO THE SCENE AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE POLICE ARRIVED AND BOTH FIRE AND POLICE REPORTS WERE FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED AND TOWED TO A TOW YARD. THE CONTACT CALLED HUDSON HYUNDAI AT 866-710-6765 (LOCATED AT 977 COMMUNIPAW AVE, JERSEY CITY, NJ 07304) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 45,000.

NHTSA ODI 11254452

Sep 5, 2019EngineFire

08/31/2019 TRAVELED 60 MILES ON INTERSTATE HWY AND STOPPED TO GO THROUGH A FAST FOOD DRIVE-THROUGH, IDLING MY VEHICLE FOR ABOUT 10-15 MINS. MY 2014 SANTA FE SPORT 2.0L TURBO BEGAN TO EMIT SMOKE FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE ENGINE. I OPENED THE HOOD AND LOOKING FROM THE TOP TOWARD THE BACK PART OF THE ENGINE I COULD SEE THE REFLECTIVE INSULATION AT THE BACK PART OF THE ENGINE AND SMOKE WAS DRIFTING OUT OF THE BOTTOM OF THE ENGINE AND THERE APPEARED TO BE AN ORANGE GLOW REFLECTING FROM THE REFLECTIVE INSULATION. NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS WERE ON AND THE CAR SEEMED TO BE RUNNING FINE. I DECIDED TO RETURN BACK TO MY HOME AND STOPPED BY THE HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP ON THE WAY. SERVICE DEPARTMENT WAS CLOSED, BUT HAD ONE OF THE SALES PEOPLE TAKE A LOOK AT THE ENGINE WITH ME AS I AGAIN OPENED THE HOOD. THIS ENGINE WAS NO LONGER SMOKING. I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP TUESDAY. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT PERFORMED A RECALL SERVICE ITEM WITH COMPLIMENTARY OIL CHANGE AND TOLD ME THAT A FIRE HAD HAPPENED ON THE SKID PANEL UNDERNEATH THE ENGINE. THEY CLAIM THAT THE FIRE WAS STARTED FROM A LARGE PLASTIC ZIP TIE THAT HAD FALLEN ON THE TURBO ENGINE MANIFOLD AT THE BACK OF THE ENGINE AND HAD DRIPPED DOWN TO THE SKID PAN CATCHING AND BURNING INTO THE PLASTIC PAN. I DO NOT UNDERSTAND HOW A ZIP TIE COULD HAVE JUST "HAPPENED" TO HAVE BROKEN AND FALLEN IN JUST THE EXACT SPOT TO CATCH FIRE? I MENTIONED TO THE DEALER THAT I HAD READ ONLINE ABOUT RECALLS CONCERNING ENGINE FIRES ON KIA SORENTO AND HYUNDAI SANTA FE SPORT FOR MY YEAR MODEL VEHICLE. THEIR COMMENT WAS THAT THOSE PROBLEMS WERE ONLY ASSOCIATED WITH THE HYUNDAI SONATA. THE SERVICE WRITER SAID HE WOULD NOT REPLACE THE BURNT PLASTIC SKID PANEL AND STATED THAT THIS WAS JUST A FLUKE AND THE CAR WAS SAFE TO DRIVE. I STILL HAVE MANY CONCERNS AS TO HOW THIS COULD HAVE HAPPENED AND WHAT OTHER DAMAGE IS THERE FROM THE HOT BURNING FIRE?

NHTSA ODI 11253327

Jun 17, 2019EngineFire

WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT ABOUT 75MPH, IN THE LEFT LANE, WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED, MY 2014 HYUNDAI SANTE FE (3.5L V6, 94K MILES AND VERY WELL MAINTAINED) STARTED TO MAKE A QUIET TICKING NOISE. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN ON THE HIGHWAY FOR ABOUT 40 MINUTES SINCE THE LAST STOP. ABOUT ONE MINUTE AFTER THE TICKING BEGAN, BOOM! HUGE EXPLOSION. CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE. THE ENGINE EVIDENTLY SEIZED, THREW A ROD THROUGH THE BLOCK, PUNCTURED THE OIL PAN SPRAYING OIL EVERYWHERE AND IGNITING. PARTS WERE FLYING OUT FROM THE BEHIND THE VEHICLE AND HEAVY WHITE SMOKE WAS BILLOWING. LUCKILY I WAS NEAR AN EXIT RAMP AND THE MOTORISTS AROUND ME WE KIND ENOUGH TO LET ME OVER TO COAST OFF THE RAMP. ONE LADY FOLLOWED ME AND PULLED ALONGSIDE MY VEHICLE TO URGENTLY INFORM ME THAT MY CAR WAS ON FIRE. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER AND PARKED THE VEHICLE AND ME, MY WIFE, AND MY DAUGHTER JUMPED OUT. FLAMES WERE VISIBLE FROM UNDERNEATH THE CAR. MY WIFE AND ANOTHER MOTORIST CALLED 911 FOR FIRE SUPPORT. THREE GENTLEMAN, ONE IN A SEMI, TWO IN AN SUV, HAD PARKED ON THE HIGHWAY AND RAN OVER TO OUR LOCATION WITH A FIRE EXTINGUISHER (ABOUT 200 YDS). BY THE TIME THEY GOT THERE THE FIRE HAD GONE OUT. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED SHORTLY AFTER THAT AND CHECKED THE VEHICLE WITH AN THERMO SCANNER TO MAKE SURE THE FIRE WAS OUT. THE INCIDENT WAS TERRIFYING AND EXTREMELY DANGEROUS.

NHTSA ODI 11220677

May 8, 2019EngineFire

ON FRIDAY 4/26/19, I WAS DRIVING ALONG THE HIGHWAY AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THERE WAS A JERKING MOVEMENT, ALL ERROR LIGHTS CAME ON TO THE DASHBOARD, AND LOTS OF SMOKE OUT THE BACK UNDERNEATH THE CAR. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY AND A GENTLEMAN SAW WHAT HAPPENED SAID TO SHUT OFF THE ENGINE THAT THERE WAS FIRE. I GOT OUT AND NOTICED ALL OF THE OIL DRAINING FROM THE ENGINE AND LIQUID DRIPPING AND SPARKING UPON REACHING THE GROUND. THERE WAS A BOLT FOUND ON THE FLATBED TOW TRUCK WHICH WAS DETERMINED TO BE A BOLT FOR A PISTON ROD THAT SHOT THROUGH THE BLOCK AND OIL PAN. THERE WAS A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE TO THE ENGINE.

NHTSA ODI 11206336

Jul 24, 2018EngineFire

WHILE RETURNING FROM VACATION ON JULY 17, 2018, TRAVELING ON THE NEW JERSEY TURNPIKE FROM BOSTON, MA TO ARNOLD, MD, AFTER APPROXIMATELY TRAVELING FOR 4 HOURS, WITH A STOP 1 HOUR PRIOR TO A REST AREA, WE TOOK EXIT 7A TO PROCEED ONTO I-295 AND THE CAR SUDDENLY LOST ALL POWER. PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE, OPENED HOOD, SMOKE AND FLAMES COMING FROM THE ENGINE WITH NO WARNING. VEHICLE BURNED AND EXPLODED PRIOR TO THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVING. VEHICLE IS TOTALLY GONE AND THERE IS A METAL SHELL, THE ENTIRE CAR WAS IN FLAMES AND BURNED UP. THIS HAPPENED VERY QUICKLY WITH NO WARNING. CAR HAD APPROXIMATELY 61,000 MILES, EXTENDED WARRANTY, AND ALL REQUIRED MAINTENANCE HAD BEEN PERFORM BY THE LOCAL HYUNDAI DEALER IN ANNAPOLIS, MD.

NHTSA ODI 11113354

May 9, 2017EngineFire

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE LOST ACCELERATION. A CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT OF SMOKE STARTED EMERGING FROM THE EXHAUST PIPE. THE CONTACT CONTINUED DRIVING TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DETERMINED THAT THE VEHICLE PRESENTED A TIMING DEFAULT FAILURE AND IT WAS USING FOUR CYLINDERS INSTEAD OF SIX. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE SAME FAILURE OCCURRED IN MARCH OF 2017. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE GASKET WAS FAULTY ON TOP OF THE ENGINE, CAUSING THE LOSS OF ENGINE OIL AND ACCELERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY REPLACING THE GASKET AND CHANGING THE OIL FILTER; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE STILL OCCURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 19,000. UPDATED 06/23/ 17 *BF *AS THE CONSUMER STATED THE MANUFACTURER FAILED TO PROMPTLY REPAIR THE VEHICLE UNDER RECALL. THE CONSUMER REQUEST TO REIMBURSED FOR THE PURCHASE OF THE VEHICLE. *JS

NHTSA ODI 10984546

Apr 11, 2017AirbagsBody & structureEngineCrash2 injuries

DRIVING IN THE FAR LEFT LANE ON THE INTERSTATE AT ROUGHLY 55 MPH I ATTEMPTED TO AVOID A DRIFTING CAR AS I CORRECTED THE STEERING WHEEL AND ACCELERATOR FAILED TO RESPOND. AS A RESULT I STRUCK A VEHICLE STOPPED ON THE SHOULDER OF THE INTERSTATE. THE AIRBAGS IN THE OTHER VEHICLE DEPLOYED. THE AIRBAGS IN MY VEHICLE DID NOT DEPLOY. THE FRONT END COLLISION WAS BAD ENOUGH THAT THE SUV WAS DECLARED A TOTAL LOSS. THE ADJUSTER ALSO FOUND THAT THE FIREWALL HAD SPLIT AND APPEARED TO BE FAULTY. DUE TO THE AIRBAGS NOT DEPLOYING DURING THE COLLISION I SUFFERED A CONCUSSION AND VARIOUS OTHER INJURIES AS WELL AS LOSS OF HOURS AT WORK, LOSS OF PAY, MEDICAL BILLS AND EXPENSES IN ADDITION TO OWNING MONEY ON MY CAR LOAN AS THE INSURANCE DID NOT COVER THE COST OF THE LOAN.

NHTSA ODI 10971940

Feb 2, 2017Fuel systemBody & structureEngineFire

WHILE DRIVING HOME, MY VEHICLE BEGAN TO MAKE CLUNKING NOISES, WHILE IN THE PROCESS OF EXITING THE HIGHWAY, FOR SAFETY REASONS, THE CAR CUT OFF ON THE EXIT RAMP. BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO RESTART THE VEHICLE; A PASSERBY SHOUTED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. UPON EXITING THE VEHICLE THE POLICE WERE ON THE SCENE AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO A LOCAL BODY SHOP TO AWAIT A TOW TO MY PLACE OF RESIDENCE. *TR

NHTSA ODI 10949004

Working with the data? Download all 493 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 19, 2026

How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Hev verdict →