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2014 Hyundai Elantra Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2014 Hyundai Elantra carries 2 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering pedals and linkages and control unit/module. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “ABS module recall parts backorder.” Hyundai's owner's manual splits service into Normal and Severe schedules. Most US drivers qualify as Severe due to short trips, extreme temperatures, or stop-and-go traffic. Hyundai Assurance covers the first 3 years / 36,000 miles of complimentary maintenance on new vehicles. The Theta II 2.0L and 2.4L engines (2011-2019) are subject to TSBs around oil consumption — strict adherence to oil intervals matters.

2 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES

Campaign #17V769000 · Nov 30, 2017

Issue: 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.

Risk: If the brake light switch plunger does not retract as it should when the brake pedal is not being pressed, the brake lights may stay illuminated preventing accurate communication to following vehicles that the vehicle is slowing or stopping. Additionally, if the brake switch plunger is not retracted, then the transmission can be shifted out of PARK without depressing the brake pedal. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake pedal stopper pad, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 8, 2018. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 170. This campaign expands recall 16V574.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

Campaign #23V651000 · Sep 22, 2023

Issue: 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.

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, 2024 through October 11, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 251.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2014 Hyundai Elantra.

1 active NHTSA investigation

Source: NHTSA

  • Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires

    Action #AQ23002 · opened Nov 17, 2023

    The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electron…

    View on NHTSA →

Reported to NHTSA

ABS module recall parts backorder

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

50 NHTSA complaints · 2023-11 → 2026-07

“ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM ("ABS") MODULE remains a threat to my life. Hyundai should be required to fix this in a timely manner, yet has failed to do so”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11555956
“Nervous driving the car but don't have a choice. When will recall be fixed by Hyundai?”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11568370
“Dear National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, I'm writing out of deep concern and frustration regarding the unrepaired safety recall on my 2014 Hyundai Elantra”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11580568

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Brake light switch stuck illuminated

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

7 NHTSA complaints · 2021-06 → 2023-11

“The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the brake lights failed to turn off”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11419374
“The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the brake light was illuminated, and the brake pedal stopper pad detached”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11438103
“The brake light switch plunger does not retract as it should when the brake pedal is not being pressed, the brake lights stay illuminated preventing accurate communication to following vehicles that the vehicle is slowing or stopping”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11549412

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Sunglass holder latch failure

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

3 NHTSA complaints · 2020-11 → 2023-06

“The sunglasses console for the 2014 Hyundai Elantra is not closing anymore. The latch has deteriorated and it will continue to keep opening if you try to shut it close no matter what you do”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11527516
“sunglass holder continuously pops open for no reason and blocks my view in my rearview mirror while driving. Has happened since I bought it in 2019”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11460541
“THE SUNGLASS HOLDER ON THE CEILING REPEATEDLY BREAKS AND HANGS DOWN BLOCKING THE REAR VIEW MIRROR. LESS THAN A YEAR OR 2 AFTER I BOUGHT THIS CAR NEW, THE CLASP WHICH HOLDS THE SUNGLASS HOLDER UP BROKE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11372861

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine knocking noise, stalling, and failure

ENGINE

94 NHTSA complaints · 2020-06 → 2026-07

“Noticed symptoms about a week before I had it towed to a garage for what I thought was a timing chain tensioner, Tech scoped it and found out it was much worse”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11729621
“Engine failure related to piston slapping in upper motor. 3 months out of warranty and 115,000 miles”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11635836
“The car is stalling with no warning lights. The engine would quit running and I would have coat it into a safe spot, this happened while I was crossing an intersection and driving down the road at 35 MPH or less”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11480339

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine compartment fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE

8 NHTSA complaints · 2021-09 → 2026-08

“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 report, NHTSA ODI #11760458
“I believe there was an electrical issue. While driving the car started smoking and my daughter pulled over and the there was fire coming from the engine and after that it just engulfed in flames. Fire was also coming from underneath when 1st started”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11576600
“Vehicle was parked and turned off in a residential driveway when a fire spontaneously ignited in the engine compartment. There were no warning lights, unusual sounds, or symptoms prior to the incident”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11737763

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Airbag warning light and deployment failure

AIR BAGS

8 NHTSA complaints · 2020-07 → 2025-11

“There is a light is always on and it says passenger airbag off”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11672636
“Airbag sensor on dash board states air bag is off and driver dashboard still reflects issue. Air bag fuses were checked:they are okay”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11607739
“I was involved in an accident where I was rear ended at a high rate of speed and pushed into the vehicle in front of me. I was thrown forward, hitting my head/left eye on something inside the vehicle”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11437538

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Note: NHTSA also opened 1 defect investigation(s) on this vehicle that closed without action.

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 11, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 11, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 3,750 mi

Severe service: every 3,750 miles. Normal service: 7,500 miles. Theta II 2.0L/2.4L (Sonata, Santa Fe, Tucson 2011-2019): never extend — oil consumption issues are documented in Hyundai TSBs.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate tires every 7,500 miles. AWD Tucson and Santa Fe owners benefit from rotation at 5,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, calipers, and parking brake every 7,500 miles. Elantra and Sonata front pads typically last 40,000-50,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Replace DOT 3 brake fluid every 30,000 miles or 24 months. Required to maintain ABS and ESC pump life.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace engine air filter every 30,000 miles. Severe service or dusty conditions: 15,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Severe service: every 30,000 miles. Normal: 60,000 miles. Use Hyundai SP-IV or SPH-IV — substitutes can cause harsh shifting and torque converter damage.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Spark Plugs

Every 105,000 mi

Iridium spark plugs are rated 105,000 miles on Theta II, Lambda II, and Smartstream engines. 1.6T (Veloster N, Kona N): 60,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Long-Life Coolant

Every 30,000 mi

Hyundai Long-Life Coolant (pink): first change at 60,000 miles, then every 30,000. Do not substitute green or orange coolant — it damages the cylinder head gasket on GDI engines.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 15,000 mi

Replace cabin air filter every 15,000 miles. Located behind the glove box on most Hyundai models.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Drive Belt Inspection

Every 60,000 mi

Inspect serpentine belt and tensioner every 60,000 miles. Replace at 90,000 miles on most models.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$195–$235

Shop

~$135–$165

DIY

~$20–$50

DIY-friendly if you can reach the tensioner. Inspect for cracks rather than swap on a strict mileage interval.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

146 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

35

complaints mentioning a crash

15

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2014 Hyundai Elantra reflects Hyundai's published service intervals and the Service Reminder system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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