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2014 Hyundai Equus Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2014 Hyundai Equus carries 1 open NHTSA recall — most recently covering control unit/module. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “ABS brake recall repair parts unavailable.” 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.

1 Open Recall

Source: NHTSA

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 13, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

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

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 brake recall repair parts unavailable

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

7 NHTSA complaints · 2023-12 → 2024-05

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11588709
“THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM ("ABS") MODULES THAT COULD LEAK BRAKE FLUID INTERNALLY AND CAUSE AN ELECTRICAL SHORT OVER TIME. AN ELECTRICAL SHORT COULD RESULT IN SIGNIFICANT OVERCURRENT IN THE ABS MODULE INCREASING THE RISK OF AN ENGINE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11570143
“I am unable. To drive my car anywhere. Each time I start my car. All warning lights flash like a Christmas light. It causes the car to suddenly be slowed down. Or not to go full speed?”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11558345

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Front passenger seat moves via rear seat control

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SEATS

2 NHTSA complaints · 2014-02 → 2014-08

“WHEN THE BACK SEAT PASSENGER PUSHES THE RECLINE BUTTON ON THE RIGHT REAR PASSENGER SEAT CONTROLS, THE FRONT SEAT STARTS TO COLLAPSE. WHAT HAPPENS IS THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT STARTS TO MOVE FORWARD WITH THE BACK OF THE SEAT MOVING IN A COLLAPSING MOTION PINNING THE FRONT SEAT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10621680
“SUDDENLY, THE PASSENGER SEAT STARTED TO MOVE FORWARD & AT THE SAME TIME THE SEAT BACK BEGAN TO FOLD FORWARD. MY SON SHOUTED OUT THAT THE SEAT WAS MOVING, BUT NEITHER HE NOR I WERE TOUCHING ANY OF THE CONTROLS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10568446

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Air suspension collapse or lowering while driving

SUSPENSION

7 NHTSA complaints · 2019-11 → 2023-08

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11533343
“The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Equus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lowered, causing the contact to nearly lose control of the vehicle”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11473408
“Car is equipped with an air bag suspension system. There was a failure with the airbags around 18 months ( in 2016) of the car being put in service”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11424809

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Front seat headrest sudden deployment or failure

SEATS

4 NHTSA complaints · 2020-09 → 2025-08

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11680967
“The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Equus. The contact stated that while his wife was outside on a hot day, upon opening the door, the front headrest air bag deployed without impact. There were no warning lights illuminated”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11607024
“THE FRONT PASSENGER HEADREST SPLIT OPEN SPONTANEOUSLY. THERE WAS NO EXTERNAL IMPACT OR CRASH. THERE WAS NO PUSHING/PULLING OR OTHER PRECEDING INCIDENT TO CAUSE THIS. IT APPEARS THAT THE INTERNAL PLASTIC PART OF THE HEADREST FAILED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11352946

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Headlight intermittent shutoff or reduced beam distance

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

4 NHTSA complaints · 2018-12 → 2023-01

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11501608
“Headlight provides inadequate lighting, car not in compliance with FMVSS 108. Caused by the reflector bowl in the low beam HID projector losing its reflective coating. Heat/UV emitted by the bulbs burns it off. Visibility reduced to 38 feet”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11458481
“HEADLIGHTS ON THE CAR WILL GO TOTALLY OFF FOR TWO/THREE SECONDS. IT DOES NOT OCCUR EVERYTIME I DRIVE AT NIGHT BUT HAS HAPPENED 3 TIMES IN THE PAST TWO WEEKS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11163381

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Unintended acceleration after cruise control disengagement

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

3 NHTSA complaints · 2019-01 → 2019-10

“CAR STARTS ACCELERATING ON ITS OWN AFTER LONG HIGHWAY DRIVES ONCE CRUISE CONTROL IS DISENGAGED. MESSAGE APPEARS 'SERVICE ENGINE IMMEDIATELY. VEHICLE SPEED LIMITED DUE TO MALFUNCTION' WHEN IN FACT VEHICLE CONTINUES TO ACCELERATE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11269083
“SPORADICALLY IN WET OR DAMP CONDITIONS THE CAR ON STARTUP MY REV PAST 5000 RPM AND WILL NOT STOP. TOUCH ACCELERATOR WITH NOT CHANGE, MUST TURN OFF AND RESTART SEVERAL TIMES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11172301
“2) WHEN RESETTING THE CRUISE CONTROL TO THE PREVIOUS SETTING, IT CONTINUES TO ACCELERATE PAST PREVIOUS SETTING (OVER 100 MPH) UNTIL BEING MANUALLY DISENGAGED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11231361

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine failure or seizure

ENGINE

3 NHTSA complaints · 2018-02 → 2025-11

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11697541
“Engine failure/thrown rod in engine while drive. 90k miles”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11547515
“ENGINE FAILURE - CAR HAS 32K MILES; NEVER HAD ANY WARNING LIGHT APPEAR ON THE DASH; OUT OF NO WHERE DEVELOPED A KNOCKING NOISE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11110780

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 14, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 14, 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)

2 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.

0

complaints mentioning a crash

0

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 Equus 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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