Problems · NHTSA complaints

2014 Hyundai Equus problems

Owners filed 37 complaints about the 2014 Hyundai Equus with NHTSA between Feb 2014 and Jun 2026. The most-cited component is seats (7).

Complaints
37
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
0
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Seats7
  2. Suspension7
  3. Electrical system6
  4. Service brakes, hydraulic4
  5. Exterior lighting4
  6. Engine3
  7. Steering3
  8. Structure3
  9. Vehicle speed control3
  10. Power train2
  11. Fuel/propulsion system2
  12. Service brakes2
  13. Air bags1
  14. Wheels1

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

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 8, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20142
20150
20161
20170
20183
20194
20201
20213
20224
20235
20249
20254
20261

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Seats

7 reports
“The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Equus. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the driver's side head restraint suddenly deployed from the seat. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the head restraint needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure had occurred with the passenger's side headrest, and the headrest was replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 95,156.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 15, 2025SeatsODI 11680967

Suspension

7 reports
“I was driving my 2014 Hyundia Equus on the interstate going 65 mph when my from suspension collapsed. The air ride suspension failed as I was driving. The car became unstable as my safety and the safety of those around me could have been catstrophic. By the Grace of God, I was unharmed and able to get off the road without harming anyone in the process. The turning Ratius was cut to 1/4 of its full capabilities as the entire front of the car has collapsed completely where the tire is rubbing against the top of the wheel well. Hyundia's solution is for me to convert me entire suspension to a third-party coil kit as they no longer make the airbag components to fix my problem. They also want to charge $6,000 for the process. Imagine not being able to find a key safety component for a 9-year-old car forcing the owner to pay $6,000 for a complete conversion that isn't even supported by Hyundia?! They literally took ZERO responsibility for their lack of sound engineering. Another alarming fact is no warning lights or messages appeared before or after, it's like the car didn't even register the problem.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 19, 2023SuspensionODI 11533343

Electrical system

6 reports
“For the last year or so when driving my Equus the signal lights left or right side has been working intermittently. I can go months without any issues but lately it seems to be worsening. I transport my Mom that has dementia around and its scary because it seems never know when the lights may not work at all. People drive so crazy and if its dark or light they dont see my arm out the window. Please tell me that you can assist with this issue. I inherited this car from her brother that died of cancer, this car was his dream. I'm doing all I can to keep it in top condition. I can't replace the car, but I always try to keep it in top condition. Help please.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 3, 2026Electrical systemODI 11741912

Service brakes, hydraulic

4 reports1 related recall
“The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Equus. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the ABS warning light had illuminated and the vehicle was taken to a dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and replaced the front brake pads. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the ABS warning light illuminated again and the vehicle was driven to another dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000. Parts distribution disconnect.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 14, 2024Service brakes, hydraulicODI 11588709

Exterior lighting

4 reports
“On November 2014, purchased Hyundai Equus from Bob King Hyundai located in Winston-Salem, NC. Within a month, our headlights flashed on and off for a brief second. Occurred more often after that and the dealer checked the car to resolve problem. Nothing found. Months later, problem got more severe and once again dealer tried to fix and could not find a problem. Two or three times car went back to dealer and also a Hyundai dealer in Hickory, NC and once again, nothing was found defective. Over the past year, car has experience longer periods of light going off. Recorded on Dash-Cam at 1:00am on Interstate 77 lost of lights for 5 seconds at 70mph. I can supply a copy of that event if needed. I would say that I traveled over 300-500 feet without lights at that speed which could have been fatal. No warming lights or messages about the fault. I wrote the President of Hyundai Motor Company on December 3, 2022 with certified mail and return receipt and have not heard or been contacted by the company. I think this is a possible accident waiting to happen and injuries being incurred. Please help me with this issue as the safety of me and my family are at stake. Thank…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 13, 2023Electrical system, Exterior lighting, WheelsODI 11501608

Engine

3 reports
“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 power. I was barely able to coast off the highway exit to a final stop on the feeder shoulder, in a desolate area. The vehicle has always been properly maintained and is in excellent condition. Upon research, I learned that Hyundai has known of internal engine defects caused by metallic debris left from manufacturing since 2010, which can cause bearing failure and engine seizure. My Tucson's failure matches the same pattern described in Hyundai's Theta II engine recall and warranty extension campaigns. This sudden failure created an extremely dangerous situation at highway speed and possibility of injury while being stranded on an open road. Many owners, myself included, were never properly notified of the risks. I am filing this report because this incident represents a serious safety defect and potential recurrence among similar vehicles that may not yet be covered by recall. I respectfully request that the National Highway Traffic Safety…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 4, 2025EngineODI 11697541
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 8, 2026

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