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

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 it’s very bad. It’s difficult to keep in the lane. I brought it to my mechanic who said it was most likely the electronic steering motor assembly. He said he would not drive it in its current condition. Hyundai themselves said that it would be dangerous to operate. On the complaint website I was looking on there was around 50 complaints that have been reported to the NHTSA already and the website said it would also be very dangerous to drive.

NHTSA ODI 11652572

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

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.

NHTSA ODI 11643116

I drive a 2014 Sante Fe Sport. I noticed a clicking noise when turning the steering wheel. Initially, I heard it once in a while. I thought it was a one-time event. The clicking noise is more constant, when making a turn while the car is in motion. Sometimes the steering wheel feels 'loose' or uncontrollable. It seems to be an issue with the steering coupler. It seems as this is a safety concern for me and others while driving.

NHTSA ODI 11595705

The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that the ABS warning light, the steering warning light, and the Hill Descent control warning light were illuminated. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, another vehicle in the left turn lane was intruding into his lane. The contact stated that he slightly swerved to the right; however, the wheels locked up, and the vehicle skidded before it came to a stop, nearly causing a crash. The dealer was notified of the failure, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) which he related to the failure; however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

NHTSA ODI 11574678

Steering has clicking noise when turning. I believe this is related to The MDPS (motor driven power steering) flexible rubber coupler. Similar issue exists for certain model of Hyundai Sonata and Elantra, which resulted in extended warranty. https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2017/MC-10110926-9999.pdf I believe the issue is the same part that Hyundai offered extended warranty on. I feel excessive vibration on the steering wheel during 70MPH speed on a highway and going over bumps. I feel unsafe driving my 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport with this issue. Please investigate. Thanks!

NHTSA ODI 11521012

I received a notice of recall on the ABS for my Hyundai Santa Fe 2014 Sport. My ABS light recently illuminated, I went to the Hyundai site to make an appt. I was given one a week out, while waiting for the appt my brake lights wouldn’t turn off unless I disconnected the battery. I took the vehicle to the dealership in Brevard Fl, the guy kept trying to upsell me $180 for diagnostics and that I had to pay it for every light on. Which I explained had all happened since the ABS light. I was there for 4 hours and I asked him to fix the ABS he didn’t said he didn’t have time and I had to reschedule. I had to wait another week, I took it to a friend who is a certified mechanic. He put it on his diagnostic computer and it kept coming back with ABS code. Said he couldn’t do the brakes until that was fixed. Went back this week, didn’t ask me anything when I pulled in, not even an hour later said my vehicle was done come get it. He handed me a quote of $1300 for brakes. I asked if I paid that would it fix the ABS he said no, but ur vehicle is not safe to drive. I explained I know, it wasn’t safe last week and you didn’t help me. I was able to get my vehicle to nearby brake-shop. I explained everything that happen, they also ran diagnostics and said it was ABS that they couldn’t fix it either until the dealership fixed the ABS. Now my vehicle is stuck at brake-shop and I just started a new job and have already had to miss two days work. I am completely dumbfounded as to why I am getting the run around and no one wants to help. I deplore having to complain, however it feels as though there is no more customer service/satisfaction.

NHTSA ODI 11510999

I HAVE A 2014 HYUNDAI SANTA FE SPORT THAT BURNS AN EXSESSIVE AMOUNTS OF OIL. I DO ALOT OF DRIVING MAYBE AROUND 36 MILES A DAY. EVERY TWO WEEKS ANOTHER OIL CHANGE IS NEEDED. BOUGHT THIS VECHLE IN 2017 WITH ONLY 20,000 MILES ON IT THE EVERYTIME I GOES TO JIFFY LUBE IT SHOWS THAT THE ENGINE WAS SUPPOSED TO BE REPLACED. THERE HAS BEEN MULTIPLE PROBLEMS WITH THIS VECHILE SINCE DAY ONE OF HAVING IT. I NEVER GOTTEN A NOTICE ABOUT THIS INFORMATION. HYUNDAI HAS BEEN CALLED NUMEROUS OF TIMES CONCERNING THIS MATTER. THE ENGINE WAS NEVER REPLACED OIL STILL BURNING REALLY FAST. ITS CAUSING A LOT OF TIME AND MONEY. I DONT THINK ANY OF THE PROBLEMS WERE TAKEN CARE OF.

NHTSA ODI 11478334

Steering column coupler is failing. If it breaks completely, I could lose control of steering and it could lead to a crash. It is available for inspection and has been inspected by Hyundai and confirmed that it is a coupler failing. The only known problem, that I didn't realize was a problem, was vibration upon braking (I thought that was the rotors needing attention) and vibration when hitting speeds between 65-75 (which I thought was an alignment issue). It was when I tool it in for an alignment that I was asked if there was any "play" or clicking in the steering column and there was, but it was so slight, I had not thought anything of it. I was told there was a recall on this part for two models in 2014, but my Santa Fe was not part of that. There was also a recall for this part on a Santa Fe 2016 forward; again, it excluded my vehicle. The job is expensive, for a $24.00 part replacement. I am told the entire steering column needs to be replaced at a cost of $2800.00 and that was from the Hyundai dealer.

NHTSA ODI 11472639

I have a Steering Coupler failure on a 2014 Santa Fe with 67k miles. Hyundai has already recalled the Steering Coupler in the Elantra and Sonata models, however this same part is used across multiple models including the Santa Fe and Azera. My family is forced to replace this on a 2014 Santa Fe and 2013 Azera. The defective part causes a heavy clunking in the steering column which could lead to an accident. Below is the recall notice. https://autoservice.hyundaiusa.com/TXX7/MicroSiteTemplate/MicroSiteTemplateVINValidate/2687 The part being replaced is below, which as you can see is across multiple models. MDPS Flexible Coupling Replacement 56315- 2K000-FFF Applicable Vehicles: 2010~2014 Sonata (YFa), 2011~2014 Sonata Hybrid (YF HEV) 2007~2017 Elantra (HD, MD/UD), 2009~2012 Elantra Touring (FD), 2013~2014 Elantra GT (GD), 2013~2014 Elantra Coupe (JK) 2013~2018 Santa Fe (NC) 2012~2017 Azera (HG) 2012~2017 Veloster (FS) I wanted to report this to ensure that the government agency responsible knows that this part is used in more than 2 models. This is a common complaint against Hyundai if you read online about their complaints. It is unsafe and unfair for other models to not be included in this recall.

NHTSA ODI 11469225

Vehicle had a steering coupler failure at 37766 miles. It is out of warranty, but other models with the same design have been granted an extended 100000 miles/10 year coverage for steering coupler replacement.

NHTSA ODI 11433964

All incidents, no accidents[Thannk God!] I drive a 2014 Sante Fe Sport. I noticed a clicking noise when turning the steering wheel. Initially, I heard it once in a while. I thought it was a one time noise. The clicking noise is more constant, when making a turn while the car is in motion. Sometimes the steering wheel feels 'loose' or uncontrollable. I believe it is the steering wheel or coupler. I am concerned for my safety and other drivers. Hearing this clicking constantly, sounds like the steering wheel is going to break. It is annoying! I am not comfortable driving this vehicle. I have no other means of transportation. I looked on the internet. I saw where customers have listed this complaint. There was a recall for 2018. The recall was shown as 173. This did not include my year, 2014. There was no recall shown. Please review the links listed below! https://www.carcomplaints.com/news/2018/hyundai-santa-fe-steering-wheels-can-fall-off-recall.shtml -39 to 325 complaints https://www.carcomplaints.com/Hyundai/Santa_Fe/2014/steering/steering.shtml https://www.carcomplaints.com/investigations/https://www.carcomplaints.com/news/2018/hyundai-power-steering-lawsuit-denied-class-action-certification.shtml As of 6.2.2021, Local Dealer and 855.371.9460 [corporate] has no information on recall or complaints. No warning lights or messages appear! HELP !!!

NHTSA ODI 11421237

The steering column makes a loud clicking noise - read online an several YouTube videos that there is a defective part in the steering unit on a lot of these. Steering is very big part of control especially with kids in the car I think there should be a recall to fix the part in hyaundia that is clicking in all the steering very serious problem because it is how u control the car.

NHTSA ODI 11418940

MY 2014 HYUNDAI SANTA FE SPORT ,I THINK IT IS CALLED COLUMN FLEXIBLE COUPLER. IT MAKES A CLICKING NOISE WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL.THIS HAPPENS WHEN STATIONARY OR IN MOTION.

NHTSA ODI 11408483

WHEN TURNING THE WHEEL, IT MAKES A LOUD CLICKING NOISE AND MOVES TOO MUCH. THE STEERING WHEEL IS VERY LOOSE.*DT

NHTSA ODI 11408003

WHILE DRIVING UP A STEEP WINDING ROAD MY CAR BEGAN MAKING A FLUTTERING NOISE LIKE A PADDLEBOAT. THERE WAS A LOT OF PLAY IN THE STEERING WHEEL WITH A SMALL SQUEAK TO ONLY THE LEFT, IN THE PLAY OF THE STEERING WHEEL. THE DEALERSHIP HAS LET ME KNOW I NEED TO REPLACE THE STEERING SHAFT. WHAT ACTUALLY MAKES THE STEERING SHAFT GO OUT, ISN'T THAT A COMPONENT THAT HAS A LONG LIFE? THE NOISE WAS MORE INTENSE DRIVING UP THE ROAD THAN GOING DOWN. AS REACHED A CITY LEVEL THE DRUMMING NOISE WAS STILL HAPPENING, BUT INCONSISTENT.

NHTSA ODI 11406623

SOMETHING INSIDE THE STEERING IS BROKEN , MAKES CLICKING SOUND WHEN TURNING THE WHEELS.

NHTSA ODI 11405909

STEERING WHEEL IS CLICKING WHEN TURNING TO EITHER SIDE. FEELS AND SOUNDS LOOSE. IT IS NOTICEABLE WHEN CAR IN MOVING OR SITTING STILL. HAS BEEN DOING IT FOR QUITE SOME TIME BUT WAS NEVER DIAGNOSED BY HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP.

NHTSA ODI 11398871

CAR LOSES PRESSURE CAR DOWN SHIFTS VERY HARD AND JERKS NON STOP WHILE DRIVING

NHTSA ODI 11375217

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE TRACTION CONTROL WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE LOSS MOTIVE POWER AND WOULD NOT PROPERLY ACCELERATE WHILE DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER RICK CASE HYUNDAI LOCATED AT 3180 SATELLITE BLVD NW, DULUTH, GA 30096, WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,000.

NHTSA ODI 11362153

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN MADE A LOUD CLUNKING NOISE WHILE DRIVING. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED ABOUT LOSING POWER STEERING WHILE DRIVING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V118000 (STEERING). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HER HUSBAND PURCHASED THE PART TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE HIMSELF. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 81,000.

NHTSA ODI 11361123

MY 2014 SANTA FE SPORT BEGAN SHAKING VIOLENTLY AT 72 MPH. I TOOK IT TO A SHOP THINKING THE WHEELS HAD BECOME UNBALANCED. IMMEDIATELY THE VEHICLE BEGAN SHAKING AGAIN. I AGAIN TOOK IT FOR RE-BALANCING. SAME SHAKING PROBLEM. I TOOK IT A THIRD TIME TO AN AUTO REPAIR SHOP WHO FOUND THAT THE CALIPERS WERE SO HOT THEY WERE ABOUT TO BURN. YOU COULD FEEL AND SMELL THE HEAT. THE SHOP REPLACED THE CALIPERS THINKING THE SHAKING WAS A BRAKING ISSUE SINCE EVERY TIME I APPLIED THE BRAKES, THE VEHICLE WOULD SHAKE EVEN WORSE. THE CALIPER REPLACEMENT DID NOT FIX THE ISSUE. FINALLY AFTER REPLACING THE BRAKE PADS, CALIPERS, AND ROTORS, THE SHOP DID ANOTHER ROAD TEST. THEN THE CAR NOT ONLY SHOOK BUT THE ENGINE STARTED KNOCKING DUE TO TIE ROD FAILURE. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO BE DANGEROUS TO DRIVE, SO THE SHOP HAD IT TOWED TO HYUNDAI FOR AN ENGINE REPLACEMENT UNDER A TSB. HYUNDAI REPLACED THE ENGINE BUT WOULD NOT TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE CALIPER AND BRAKING ISSUES, WHICH ENDED UP BEING DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE ENGINE ISSUE.

NHTSA ODI 11310516

CAR STEERING COMPLETELY GAVE OUT WITHOUT WARNING, WHILE THE CAR WAS RUNNING. LUCKILY I WAS PARKED, BUT THERE WAS NO WARNING, IT JUST STOPPED WORKING.

NHTSA ODI 11243826

WHEN TURNING, THE VEHICLE MAKES A CLUNK SOUND. HAD IT INSPECTED AT HYUNDAI OF WESLEY CHAPEL AND IT WAS FOUND TO HAVE AN INTERNAL FAILURE OF STEERING RACK GEAR ASSEMBLY AND NOW REQUIRES A REPLACEMENT OF THE STEERING RACK ASSEMBLY. THIS IS AN ONGOING ISSUE WITH HYUNDAI, AS THE 2017 SANTA FE'S WERE RECALLED FOR THIS ISSUE.

NHTSA ODI 11242491

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SHOOK AND RATTLED VIOLENTLY. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT HAD TO DRIVE BELOW THE SPEED LIMIT. MURFREESBORO HYUNDAI (2203 NW BROAD ST, MURFREESBORO, TN 37129, (615) 898-0700) WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO CALL THE MANUFACTURER TO SEE IF THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN A RECALL AND COULD ASSIST WITH REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 66,000.

NHTSA ODI 11220617