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).
The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that the ABS warning light, the steering warning light, and the Hill Descent control warning light were illuminated. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, another vehicle in the left turn lane was intruding into his lane. The contact stated that he slightly swerved to the right; however, the wheels locked up, and the vehicle skidded before it came to a stop, nearly causing a crash. The dealer was notified of the failure, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) which he related to the failure; however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
My steering would work while I was driving with my kids in the car, my breaks were barely working, the hood started smoking and something under the hood in the engine caught on fire, there was a horrible smell when I was breaking and the breaks would jolt. The engine and cooling was not turning off even with my key taken out, the fan engine was running nonstop no matter what, smoking etc
All incidents, no accidents[Thannk God!] I drive a 2014 Sante Fe Sport. I noticed a clicking noise when turning the steering wheel. Initially, I heard it once in a while. I thought it was a one time noise. The clicking noise is more constant, when making a turn while the car is in motion. Sometimes the steering wheel feels 'loose' or uncontrollable. I believe it is the steering wheel or coupler. I am concerned for my safety and other drivers. Hearing this clicking constantly, sounds like the steering wheel is going to break. It is annoying! I am not comfortable driving this vehicle. I have no other means of transportation. I looked on the internet. I saw where customers have listed this complaint. There was a recall for 2018. The recall was shown as 173. This did not include my year, 2014. There was no recall shown. Please review the links listed below! …
I have a Steering Coupler failure on a 2014 Santa Fe with 67k miles. Hyundai has already recalled the Steering Coupler in the Elantra and Sonata models, however this same part is used across multiple models including the Santa Fe and Azera. My family is forced to replace this on a 2014 Santa Fe and 2013 Azera. The defective part causes a heavy clunking in the steering column which could lead to an accident. Below is the recall notice. https://autoservice.hyundaiusa.com/TXX7/MicroSiteTemplate/MicroSiteTemplateVINValidate/2687 The part being replaced is below, which as you can see is across multiple models. …
Steering column coupler is failing. If it breaks completely, I could lose control of steering and it could lead to a crash. It is available for inspection and has been inspected by Hyundai and confirmed that it is a coupler failing. The only known problem, that I didn't realize was a problem, was vibration upon braking (I thought that was the rotors needing attention) and vibration when hitting speeds between 65-75 (which I thought was an alignment issue). It was when I tool it in for an alignment that I was asked if there was any "play" or clicking in the steering column and there was, but it was so slight, I had not thought anything of it. I was told there was a recall on this part for two models in 2014, but my Santa Fe was not part of that. There was also a recall for this part on a Santa Fe 2016 forward; again, it excluded my vehicle. …
The vehicle is making a loud clunking noise in the steering column when driving down the road. It is veering all over the road and when I hit a bump it's very bad. It's difficult to keep in the lane. I brought it to my mechanic who said it was most likely the electronic steering motor assembly. He said he would not drive it in its current condition. Hyundai themselves said that it would be dangerous to operate. On the complaint website I was looking on there was around 50 complaints that have been reported to the NHTSA already and the website said it would also be very dangerous to drive.
Steering has clicking noise when turning. I believe this is related to The MDPS (motor driven power steering) flexible rubber coupler. Similar issue exists for certain model of Hyundai Sonata and Elantra, which resulted in extended warranty. https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2017/MC-10110926-9999.pdf I believe the issue is the same part that Hyundai offered extended warranty on. I feel excessive vibration on the steering wheel during 70MPH speed on a highway and going over bumps. I feel unsafe driving my 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport with this issue. Please investigate. Thanks!
I drive a 2014 Sante Fe Sport. I noticed a clicking noise when turning the steering wheel. Initially, I heard it once in a while. I thought it was a one-time event. The clicking noise is more constant, when making a turn while the car is in motion. Sometimes the steering wheel feels 'loose' or uncontrollable. It seems to be an issue with the steering coupler. It seems as this is a safety concern for me and others while driving.
The steering column makes a loud clicking noise - read online an several YouTube videos that there is a defective part in the steering unit on a lot of these. Steering is very big part of control especially with kids in the car I think there should be a recall to fix the part in hyaundia that is clicking in all the steering very serious problem because it is how u control the car.
Vehicle had a steering coupler failure at 37766 miles. It is out of warranty, but other models with the same design have been granted an extended 100000 miles/10 year coverage for steering coupler replacement.
Steering complaints in other Santa Fe years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe?
NHTSA has 52 complaints about the steering of the 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe, 11% of the model year's 493 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering 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 steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 29,000 miles, and 47% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to steering 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.