Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
1) What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? I tried to park in the parking space next to it by making a slight right turn. As soon as I stepped on the brake to park, the car began to rush forward. I noticed again and again that my foot was slamming on the brakes, but the car didn't stop. My car went over the ledge between the parking lot and the store, slammed into the pillar of the building on the left, smashed all the glass in the dance studio, and hit the wall on the right before coming to a stop. It took six seconds from rushing forward to into the store. 2) How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? I must have been severe injured if the car didn't stop by hitting a right-side wall of the store. And if there were people, I was not able to avoid casualites. …
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
While driving on the MA Route 90 on April 29, 2022, the vehicle stopped accelerating and became unsafe drive. I brought the car to Midas and was told that the car needed a new engine. I contacted a Hyundai dealer and was told that they could not look at the car as they had over a hundred Hyundai engines to replace. Prior to this incident, there were no warning lights or messages. I have learned that there seems to be significant problems with many Hyundai models. I believe this was extremely dangerous as the car would not accelerate whileI was in the fastlane of the highway.
Car not shifting correctly. No power. Could not gain speed to merge into traffic. Was intermittent for months finally the engine light came on. My mechanics diagnostic showed it was the turbo charger. There is a service bulletin 22-22-EM-004H
Loss of acceleration and stuttering when I was trying to get up to speed on the interstate going up a hill. Instantly blinking check engine light. Won't go above 2000rpm or 60mph. P1326 code read glow relay short circuit
The engine has been running rough for awhile and emissions light came on. My car was having problems accelerating, 2 years ago the light came on but didn't stay on so the dealer couldn't diagnose problem.
Hyuandi recalled Santa Fe 2.4L engines. Ignoring and refuses to acknowledge many 3.3L Santa Fe's SAME engine failures as they have had lawsuits over. I'm reaching out AGAIN demanding investigations EVERY FAILED ENGINE REPORTED. Denying accountability For the safety of their customers! My engine blew driving onI-40 interstate. I was accelerating to pass a vehicle. During my attempted acceleration I lost all petal pressure and my foot went to the floor. The RPM's spiked up 5-6k. the oil pressure escalated rapidly. My car seemingly stalled out. Losing ability to keep moving. What looked like steam coming out of the passenger side front wheel well. Assumed that was from a liquid hitting the hot brakes. After sitting for a few moments, I attempted to restart the vehicle. turning it off & it never came back on. Following failure to start back up. I checked the oil level. …
I received a notice of recall on the ABS for my Hyundai Santa Fe 2014 Sport. My ABS light recently illuminated, I went to the Hyundai site to make an appt. I was given one a week out, while waiting for the appt my brake lights wouldn't turn off unless I disconnected the battery. I took the vehicle to the dealership in Brevard Fl, the guy kept trying to upsell me $180 for diagnostics and that I had to pay it for every light on. Which I explained had all happened since the ABS light. I was there for 4 hours and I asked him to fix the ABS he didn't said he didn't have time and I had to reschedule. I had to wait another week, I took it to a friend who is a certified mechanic. He put it on his diagnostic computer and it kept coming back with ABS code. Said he couldn't do the brakes until that was fixed. …
Hi I'm in the car with my granddaughter 9 years old We will ready to visit my oldest son his daughter my 3rd grandchild 9 months old.my 9 year old granddaughter we were on I75 north ready to change lanes into the right slow lane as I am ready to merge onto exit 275 Ramp Land o lakes. I notice my rpm numbers are at zero, my SUV was losing speed, I had a green 18 wheeler tractor trailer exactly on my back end of my Hyundai Santa fe sport 2014, exactly on top of us. I can see the grill count bugs on it. My granddaughter was so upset, crying, panicky afraid to get hit by the cars, trucks,staying stranded.myquick thinking I kept my foot on the gas gave it all I could manage to get my SUV on the triangle safe spot in front of the sign exit 275. …
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. …
NHTSA investigations
Throttle control system vulnerabilities
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a petition letter dated October 10, 2021, requesting an investigation of possible defects in the electronic throttle control (ETC) system on certain Kia vehicles resulting in the opening of DP21-003.
Acceleration complaints in other Santa Fe years
Frequently asked questions
How common are acceleration problems on the 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe?
NHTSA has 27 complaints about the speed control & acceleration of the 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe, 5% of the model year's 493 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe acceleration problems?
No. NHTSA lists no speed control & acceleration recall for the 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe, though it has 3 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe acceleration problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 47,000 miles, and 38% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to speed control & acceleration problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.