2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Transmission Problems

36 owners have reported transmission & drivetrain problems with the 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe to NHTSA — 7% of all 493 complaints for this model year. The typical failure happened around 40,000 miles. That ranks #9 of 26 Santa Fe model years for transmission complaints (a typical year has 24). No transmission recall has been issued for this model year.

36complaints
40ktypical miles
0related recalls
4crashes
1fires
1injuries

Mileage when the problem started

  • Under 25k
    943%
  • 25k–50k
    210%
  • 50k–75k
    314%
  • 75k–100k
    524%
  • 100k–150k
    210%
  • 150k+
    00%

Owner reports

Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).

Bien,mi auto tuvo varios problemas al mismo tiempo: 1-falla en todo el sistema el ctrico,aire acondicionado,control de tr fico ambas partes, Power steering,ABS,P rdida de potencia en el motor,problemas con el receptor de la llave remoto,tiene un problema el ctrico sin precedente todo ocurri de la nada,todo ocurri un mismo d a cuando bamos camino a una excursi n mi familia y yo estuvimos en un gran riesgo,todos los componentes han sido inspeccionados y no he podido a n arreglarlos porque se necesita el consecionario de este autom vil para descubrirle las grandes fallas que presenta,a n tiene 3 se ales en el tablero, check Engine, Power String, ABS, todo prendi despu s del problema

Jun 2025 · fire

The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle made an abnormal knocking sound. There was no warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated while driving at various speeds and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle sputtered and hesitated while responding. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 63,547.

64,000 miles · Oct 2024

The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while driving 10 mph, the vehicle loss motive power. The contact stated that the ABS and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed but was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact was awaiting a response. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.

40,000 miles · Jun 2021

My 2014 Hyundai Sonata is subject to the recall campaign for the 2.0L and 2.4L Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engines. Since June 24, 2024, the vehicle has exhibited multiple issues: 1. Check Engine Light: The check engine light is continuously on and blinking, signaling that the vehicle is unsafe to drive. Diagnostic codes retrieved include P0140 (O2 Circuit), P0172 (System Too Rich), and P0126 (Knock Sensor Circuit). While the P0126 code pertains to the knock sensor, there has been no definitive diagnosis to determine if the issue is isolated to the sensor or indicative of a deeper engine problem. 2. Engine Power Issue: The car experiences jolts and kicks back during acceleration, along with intermittent lack of power. Furthermore, an independent mechanic performed some tests on the engine, determining that it runs too rich. …

Jun 2024

While driving on a busy highway on December 26th, 2021 the vehicles check engine light suddenly illuminated and began flashing. There was a sudden loss of power and unable to accelerate. No warning lamps or indications that a catastrophic failure was impending. This was an extremely dangerous situation that almost ended in a fatal accident with other drivers having to slow down and go around the car in "limp mode.". Today, on January 5th, 2022 the dealership informed us that this vehicle is part of a massive lawsuit and settlement due to defective engines in Hyundai and Kia vehicles that throw rod bearings and even catch fire. There is a claim currently pending with Hyundai to have this engine replaced. There is an estimated 3-4 week turnaround before having the vehicle returned to us. We're to wait 3-5 business days to determine if Hyundai will approve or deny the claim. …

Dec 2021

While driving normally, suddenly the vehicle will jolt and the RPMs go down to zero despite the vehicle still moving. Even with the gas pedal pushed down to the floor, and being able to hear the engine 'vrooming', the vehicle will not increase speed. It is extremely dangerous to not be able to speed up when on a highway or interstate. The check engine light does not come on, the diagnostic at the dealership does not throw any codes and the issue is intermittent so no one knows how to fix it since they can't duplicate the problem on demand. Usually turning the car off and on will 'fix' the problem until it happens again out of nowhere. The vehicle is extremely unsafe; this has been happening on and off for months. We do have videos of this occurring; no one at the dealership or any friends who are mechanics have any idea of what is wrong.

Jul 2022

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

Aug 2025

Engine started to make a knocking noise right at 100k miles. We bought the car used with 78k miles on it and kept up with oil changes and tires. Once we noticed the noise we changed the oil again just to make sure everything was lubricated correctly. There were a lot of metal shavings in the oil and the noise just kept getting louder and louder so we stopped driving it and it has been sitting for about 9 months now and everyone we talk to says that the engine has blown. After looking into it, Hyundai has had many vehicles with this exact issue. This model and year needs to be covered under the engine recall that is for the Santa Fe sports and Sonatas.

Nov 2021

The Turbo failed and is not functional. I took the car in and found out that it needed to be replaced. They stated they would replace it but it would take a while since the turbo is currently on back order. I called every dealer in town to find out that the all had cars needed this part and that it would be a while before they get the part. One dealership advice me that he had a car since January. I think an investigation in regards to this matter is warranted. We felt something weird when we took it for an oil change. Weeks later when we went over the 100,000 mile mark, the check engine light turned on. We took it in right away.

Sep 2021

2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport vehicles equipped with 2.0 liter and 2.4 liter gasoline direct injection (GDI) engines manufactured through September 12, 2014 at Kia Motor Manufacturing. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID: 17V226000 Vehicles Affected: 572000 Consequence: Bearing wear may result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash. What You Should Do: 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 [phone]. Hyundai's number for this recall is 162.

May 2023

Transmission complaints in other Santa Fe years

’01’02’03’04’05’06’07’08’09’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24’25’262313352111531242410921245236222116610372651574545223
Transmission complaints per model year, Hyundai Santa Fe.

Frequently asked questions

How common are transmission problems on the 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe?

NHTSA has 36 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe, 7% of the model year's 493 complaints.

Is there a recall for 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe transmission problems?

No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?

Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 40,000 miles, and 43% before 25,000 miles.

Is it dangerous?

Owners linked 4 crashes, 1 fire and 1 injury to transmission & drivetrain 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.