Reliability, what owners report, and what it costs to keep.
AVOIR's read: the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit.
Owners have filed 494 complaints with NHTSA about the 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe, and it carries 3 recalls. These are owner allegations rather than confirmed defects, but the pattern of what people complain about is the most useful signal a used buyer has.
| Area | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 207 | 42% |
| Steering | 32 | 6% |
| Service brakes | 19 | 4% |
| Unknown or other | 16 | 3% |
| Service brakes | 14 | 3% |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 11 | 2% |
| Electrical system | 11 | 2% |
| Structure | 10 | 2% |
| Power train | 9 | 2% |
| Power train | 7 | 1% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
I request that NHTSA review what I believe is a misleading Hyundai warranty extension involving the Occupant Classification System (OCS/ODS), part of the air bag system. Around Mid May 2026, my air bag warning light beg
NHTSA complaint: Air bags
We are the original owner of a 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe. The vehicle is experiencing issues from internal engine oil consumption caused by a manufacturing defect in the GDI powertrain. In 2023, while driving under normal op
NHTSA complaint: Engine
My car was in shop for Smog inspection and failed. Mechanic told me that the most likely reason was that the engine has issues related to failing crankshaft position sensor which triggered the check engine light. He furt
NHTSA complaint: Engine
Driving to work at 0730 on 20 may, i put my foot down to accelerate from 40mph and nothing happened, i tried again thinking foot placement and the engine died. All ligjts went out, engine turned off and i free coasted fo
NHTSA complaint: Engine
My insurance company said I have an urgent Recall on my vehicle. Recall # 251 ABS fuse replacement. NHTSA# 23V651000. I would like this replaced.
NHTSA complaint: Service brakes
My engine failed and was diagnosed as needing to rebuilt or replaced by the dealership. During the pandemic it was hard to get parts so they rebuilt it. At first it was missed diagnosed because it was a 3.3l V6 and only
NHTSA complaint: Engine
While driving at approximately 70MPH on the highway, my 2014 Hyundai Tucson Limited suddenly locked up with no warning lights, no noise and no prior symptoms. The engine completely seized, causing immediate loss of powe
NHTSA complaint: Engine
The engine has been running rough for awhile and emissions light came on. My car was having problems accelerating, 2 years ago the light came on but didn’t stay on so the dealer couldn’t diagnose problem.
NHTSA complaint: Vehicle speed control
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for the 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe. Recalls are free to have fixed at a franchised dealer regardless of who owns the car now, but only if they were never done, so check the VIN of the specific car rather than trusting the model.
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.
Risk: 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 vehic
Fix: 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. H
Hyundai is recalling certain model year 2014 Santa Fe vehicles manufactured November 5, 2013, through November 15, 2013, and equipped with P235/65R17 103T Continental Crosscontact LX tires. The tires may have a damaged sidewall.
Risk: The damaged sidewall may result in a separation between the belt edges which could cause tread detachment or rapid air loss, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Hyundai notified dealers to suspend sales of affected Santa Fe Sport vehicles equipped with the P235/65R17 103T tires, and replace them with alternative tires. All affected vehicles were remedied pri
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 B
Risk: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: 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, 2
| Reliability raw | 70 | good |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 74 | good |
| Maintenance | 81 | excellent |
| Depreciation | 66 | good |
| Performance | 66 | good |
| Efficiency | 38 | below average |
Percentile ranks against other SUVs in the catalog.
What stands behind each score for this car:
Owners have filed 494 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and engine is the most reported area with 207 of them (42%). There are 3 recalls on record. Check any specific car against its VIN before buying.
AVOIR scores its reliability 70/100 (good) from NHTSA recall campaigns and complaint density. That figure is a raw complaint count, not yet adjusted for sales volume, so a high-volume model scores worse than it deserves.
AVOIR scores its longevity 74/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2014 car has no 200,000-mile population to observe yet, so treat it as a prior rather than evidence.
AVOIR's read: be careful, because the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit. Its overall ownership score is 69/100. Condition, mileage and service history still matter more than any score, so get a pre-purchase inspection on the specific car.
Sources: NHTSA recalls and complaints, EPA fuel economy, IIHS awards, and live market listings. A score describes a model-year, not the individual car in front of you. Get a pre-purchase inspection.