Problems · by component

2014 Hyundai Santa Fe power train problems

36 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe cite power train, 7% of all 494 complaints for this model year.

Complaints
36
7% of all complaints
Crashes
4
Reported by owners
Fires
1
Reported by owners
Injuries
1
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the power train

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“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”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 30, 2025Power train, Electrical system, EngineFire reportedODI 11684072
“In relation to this incident, approximately 3,00 miles after an oil change, the engine oil drain plug fell out and caused all oil to leak and cause engine damage. Engine oil change was at approximately 125,000 miles. Drain plug fell out at approximately 128,000 miles. No warning lights or symptoms were present prior to vehicle shutting off and dying while driving. Vehicle was then towed to shop who previously did oil change. Shop confirmed drain plug was missing and oil level was empty. I am the manager of this shop submitting this on behalf of the customer with this vehicle. We are aware of the ongoing concerns in relation to case DP22-003 and would like to submit this information as further evidence for this case”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 28, 2025Power train, Vehicle speed control, EngineODI 11683753
“The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle made an abnormal knocking sound. There was no warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated while driving at various speeds and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle sputtered and hesitated while responding. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 63,547.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 31, 2024Power train, EngineODI 11622994
“I have been notified that I am in need of a new engine due to possible complete engine failure which is on the near horizon. I have the Lambda II V6 3.3L engine. It is knocking, making noises, hesitates to go, feels like it will stall out at all speeds, and is scaring me terribly. My certified local mechanic replaced a part for failed emissions, which cost almost $900. However the check engine light came back on. They stated I must go to Hyundai because they did not believe they could fix the car as it required a new engine. I took it to my Hyundai dealer, where my contact stated yes it should be covered as it was having the issues as have been identified with this engine. He later came back and stated his managers would not let him put through the claim, and said my estimate was now a whole new timing system at a cost of $4600. My car has less than 83,000 miles on it. My previous Hyundai is still running at 200,000 miles, so yes, I take good care of my vehicles. This is an early equipment failure on the part of Hyundai and Kia that they are now owning up to. I drive on busy 4 lane local roads, and I am afraid of this engine failure. Also, when I did take my…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 7, 2024Power train, Vehicle speed control, EngineODI 11618527
“My 2014 Hyundai Sonata is subject to the recall campaign for the 2.0L and 2.4L Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engines. Since June 24, 2024, the vehicle has exhibited multiple issues: 1. Check Engine Light: The check engine light is continuously on and blinking, signaling that the vehicle is unsafe to drive. Diagnostic codes retrieved include P0140 (O2 Circuit), P0172 (System Too Rich), and P0126 (Knock Sensor Circuit). While the P0126 code pertains to the knock sensor, there has been no definitive diagnosis to determine if the issue is isolated to the sensor or indicative of a deeper engine problem. 2. Engine Power Issue: The car experiences jolts and kicks back during acceleration, along with intermittent lack of power. Furthermore, an independent mechanic performed some tests on the engine, determining that it runs too rich. After the second white smoke through exhaust incident, the vehicle struggles, and often does not reach, 60 MPH; aligning with "Reduced power and/or hesitation" (case #2) in the recall campaign. 3. Exhaust Smoke: On two separate occasions, within a month, white smoke has been observed exiting the exhaust. Engine oil has been below 3/5…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 5, 2024Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11618243
“Same issue with my Santa Fe Sport with the engine burning oil. It left me stranded on a back road up hill when it just slowly stopped accelerating and shut off. I had it towed to Hyundai dealership who wanted me to purchase a brand new engine. After talking to a friend who is a mechanic he told me about the lawsuit going on. I confronted Hyundai with this new information I had gotten. I was able to get the engine replace but I’m appalled at Hyundais sketchy way of trying to bypass this. Had not for my friend told me then I would have paid for a new engine! Dealership kept my vehicle for 4 months because they were out of stock in engines due to the amount of vehicles having the same issue! Wow now the truth unfolds. Shortly after getting the car back the check engine light came on. When reversing the vehicle would buck and seem like it wanted to stall out. Autozone hooked up computer and said torque converter code showed. Autozone said if I just had my engine replaced then the dealership didn’t install it right or broke something during the process. I took it back to Hyundai and they verified converter code and said I needed a new transmission! Prior to the…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 9, 2024Power train, Vehicle speed control, EngineODI 11576352

Showing 6 of 36 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page

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