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2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport carries 5 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering engine and latch. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “ABS/HECU module recall 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.

5 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

ENGINE

Campaign #18V934000 · Dec 28, 2018

Issue: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Sonata and 2013-2014 Santa Fe Sport vehicles previously repaired under recall numbers 15V-568 and 17V-226. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned, or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, allowing fuel to leak from the pipe.

Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

Fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 1, 2019. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's recall number for this recall is 180.

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH

Campaign #17V358000 · May 6, 2017

Issue: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the secondary hood latch actuating cable may corrode and bind, causing the secondary hood latch to remain in the unlatched position when the hood is closed.

Risk: If the hood is not securely closed or the primary latch is inadvertently released and the secondary latch is not engaged, the hood could unexpectedly open while driving, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the secondary latch cable, free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2017. Owner's may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for the recall is 163.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

Campaign #17V226000 · Mar 31, 2017

Issue: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Sonata and Santa Fe Sport vehicles. Machining errors during the engine manufacturing process may cause premature bearing wear within the engine.

Risk: Bearing wear may result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine, replacing the engine short block, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 162.

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

Campaign #21V303000 · Apr 28, 2021

Issue: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. Brake fluid may leak inside the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) module, possibly resulting in an electrical short.

Risk: An electrical short in the ABS module can increase the risk of an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.

Fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures as a precaution until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS multi-fuse, and inspect and replace the ABS module, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 25, 2021. Note: This recall includes all vehicles previously recalled under NHTSA recall number 20V-520. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 205.

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

Campaign #20V520000 · Aug 27, 2020

Issue: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. Brake fluid may leak inside the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) module, possibly resulting in an electrical short.

Risk: If the ABS module short circuits, there is an increased risk of an engine compartment fire.

Fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ABS module and replace it if necessary, free of charge. Owners are advised to park outside as a precaution until the recall repair is complete. The recall began December 22, 2020. Note: This recall has been superseded by NHTSA Recall 21V-303 and all affected vehicles will now be repaired under 21V-303. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 194.

Recall data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport.

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/HECU module recall parts unavailable

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

17 NHTSA complaints · 2020-11 → 2026-06

“Vehicle is currently grounded at Rowe Hyundai Westbrook in Westbrook, Maine. Dealer confirms HECU has an active electrical short matching Recall 205 (Campaign 21V303000) but refuses to replace the safety defect because it lacks an external fluid leak”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11746439
“The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V303000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11472928
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V520000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11377476

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Excessive oil consumption

ENGINE

8 NHTSA complaints · 2022-02 → 2025-11

“I dont know the exact component that's failed, but it is consuming way too much oil, i have to put a quart in just about everytime i drive it”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11699093
“The contact stated that prior to the engine failure the contact observed that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact was adding approximately 1-quart of oil every week”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11606765
“The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a knocking sound coming from the vehicle. Additionally, the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11452390

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Door latch or lock failure preventing door operation

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

6 NHTSA complaints · 2018-05 → 2026-07

“Both front doors stopped opening cant get in the vehicle or out of the vehicle from the front doors. Both stopped working within two weeks”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11751278
“My drivers side door opened while driving. The latch wouldn’t allow me to close my door”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11685388
“I closed my door and the driver door latch became stuck and will no longer open from the inside or outside”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11673959

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Steering wheel clicking noise and misalignment

STEERING

4 NHTSA complaints · 2018-08 → 2021-07

“The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated while driving 10 mph and making a turn, he heard an abnormal cracking sound coming from the steering wheel”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11423717
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 HYUNDAI SANTA FE SPORT. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND MAKING A TURN, THE STEERING MADE A CLICKING SOUND AND THE VEHICLE SHOOK WITHOUT WARNING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11235087

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Sudden engine stall or seizure (Theta II GDI engine)

ENGINE

97 NHTSA complaints · 2017-06 → 2026-08

“On March 20, 2026, while driving, my 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport (VIN: [XXX]) equipped with a Theta II 2.4L GDI engine, the car experienced a catastrophic, sudden loss of motive power”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11748225
“Failure consistent with known recall defect (NHTSA Recall 17V226) involving premature bearing wear resulting in engine seizure and sudden loss of power while driving”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11730941
“The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated and blinked intermittently. The contact stopped at a gas station”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11706822

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Non-collision engine compartment fire

ENGINE

15 NHTSA complaints · 2018-01 → 2026-07

“I OWNED A 2014 SANTA FE SPORT. IT WAS BLOWING BLACK SMOKE OUT OF THE EXHAUST. I WOULD BRING IT IN FOR AN OIL CHANGE AND THEY WOULD TELL ME THE OIL WAS BONE DRY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11062637
“AFTER DRIVING THE VEHICLE 15 MILES ON THE HIGHWAY, WE DROVE ON RESIDENTIAL STREET FOR ABOUT 1.5 MILES. AS I WAS TURNING INTO A PARKING STRUCTURE THE ENGINE STOPPED AND THE VEHICLE LOST POWER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11105401
“On June 20, 2026, while the 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport was being driven on Richardson Highway near Mile 155 in Alaska, smoke and flames developed from the engine compartment without any collision”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11753388

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Note: NHTSA also opened 4 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 13, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 13, 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.

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 Santa Fe Sport 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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