Research · Midsize Cars

2014 Hyundai ElantraRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 387 owner complaints for the 2014 Hyundai Elantra. Most complaints involve engine (167) and electrical system (47). The EPA rates it 27–31 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.

Combined MPG
27–31mpg
EPA · 6 versions
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
2campaigns
Latest Sep 2023
Owner complaints
387
Top: engine
Fuel cost / yr
$2,050est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

2 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Service brakes

Park outsideFree remedy

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 Brake System (ABS) module may leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.

Service brakes, hydraulicReported Sep 22, 2023NHTSA 23V651000

Service brakes

Free remedy

Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Elantra sedan, coupe and GT vehicles. The brake pedal stopper pad can deteriorate allowing the brake light switch plunger to remain extended when the brake pedal is released. This will allow the brake lights to remain illuminated continuously. It can also allow the shift lever to be moved without depressing the brake pedal, or activate the engine management brake pedal override feature.

Service brakes, hydraulicReported Nov 30, 2017NHTSA 17V769000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 3, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

387 complaints filed with NHTSA · Apr 2014 – Oct 2026
  1. Engine167
  2. Electrical system47
  3. Service brakes, hydraulic46
  4. Service brakes41
  5. Air bags32
  6. Steering28
  7. Vehicle speed control27
  8. Power train22
  9. Fuel/propulsion system22

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Elantra model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
1996101
1997118
199856
1999133
2000200
2001329
2002348
2003234
2004182
2005137
2006155
2007267
2008316
2009287
2010455
2011461
2012676
20131,330
2014387
2015262
2016293
2017770
2018284
2019252
2020254
2021132
2022102
2023101
202456
202522
20263
Crashes reported
35
Fires reported
16
Injuries reported
31
Deaths reported
2
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 3, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Engine

167 reports8 crashes12 fires
“I was sold this car in July of 2025, and I was sold an extended warranty. I didn’t know about the recall, the recall caused engine failure so the warranty company refuses to pay for the new engine and Hyundai refuses to pay for the new engine even though the recall caused it and the dealership that sold it to me refuses to pay for the new engine even though they sold it to me with the open recall please help!”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 8, 2026EngineODI 11769829

Electrical system

47 reports2 crashes5 fires
“I woke up to my neighbor banging on my door that my car was on fire. My car was in flames. The fire department had already been called. The entire front of my car as well as the interior was completely destroyed.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 28, 2026Electrical system, EngineFire reportedODI 11760458

Service brakes, hydraulic

46 reports1 crash2 fires
“The contact owned a 2014 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and turned off with the contact seated inside the vehicle, there was an abnormal burning odor coming from the vehicle. The contact had previously been smoking a cigarette. The vehicle was idling high, and hesitating while accelerating with a weak battery. The battery warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the battery had melted. During a storm, there was a burst of wind followed by a cloud of smoke. The contact and a family member opened the hood and became aware that the engine compartment was on fire. The engine bay was engulfed in flames. The fire was extinguished with rainwater, a shower towel, and a fire extinguisher with assistance from bystanders. The fire department inspected the vehicle and determined that there was no evidence of foul play and that the fire originated from the engine compartment. A good Samaritan sustained burns while assisting. The contact and others reported inhaling toxic fumes or chemicals from the fire. The contact stated that the vehicle was a total loss, as there was no insurance coverage and the contact and her family…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 8, 2026Service brakes, hydraulic, EngineFire reportedODI 11769808
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

6 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Midsize Cars
Engines
1.8L 4-cyl · 2.0L 4-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic 6-spd · Manual 6-spd
Drive
Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 3, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Elantra
Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.8 L · Front-Wheel Drive
273731$2,050285
Elantra
Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.8 L · Front-Wheel Drive
273630$2,150290
Elantra Limited
Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.8 L · Front-Wheel Drive
273630$2,150290
Elantra
Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive
243428$2,300319
Elantra
Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive
243327$2,400321
Elantra Coupe
Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive
243327$2,400322
  • Elantra
    Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.8 L
    27 city · 37 hwy · $2,050/yr
    31
    mpg comb.
  • Elantra
    Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.8 L
    27 city · 36 hwy · $2,150/yr
    30
    mpg comb.
  • Elantra Limited
    Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.8 L
    27 city · 36 hwy · $2,150/yr
    30
    mpg comb.
  • Elantra
    Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L
    24 city · 34 hwy · $2,300/yr
    28
    mpg comb.
  • Elantra
    Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L
    24 city · 33 hwy · $2,400/yr
    27
    mpg comb.
  • Elantra Coupe
    Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L
    24 city · 33 hwy · $2,400/yr
    27
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 3, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

2 tested variants
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5
Hyundai Elantra 4 DR FWD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
10.9%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 3, 2026Vehicle 8652Vehicle 8124
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2014 Elantra questions

How many recalls does the 2014 Hyundai Elantra have?

2 safety recalls as of Nov 3, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2014 Hyundai Elantra problems?

Owners filed 387 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (167), electrical system (47), service brakes, hydraulic (46). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2014 Hyundai Elantra get?

The EPA rates the 2014 Hyundai Elantra at 27–31 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (6 versions rated).

How safe is the 2014 Hyundai Elantra?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2014 Hyundai Elantra 5 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 3, 2026