NHTSA (USA)CriticalPark Outside
At a glance
This page covers 9 recalls, 764 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2014 Hyundai Sonata.
24–37 mpg combined
6.4–9.8 L/100km
Large Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 3 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Engine complaints dominate what 2014 Sonata owners report, with well over 200 filings describing failures that range from knock sensor faults escalating into complete engine seizure to sudden stalling while driving. A recurring thread involves engines failing without much warning, often at highway speeds. Exterior lighting draws the second-largest share of complaints, with owners describing headlights and taillights failing or behaving erratically. Steering complaints are the third most common, with some owners describing the wheel becoming stiff or difficult to control, occasionally accompanied by clicking sounds, often after driving over rough road surfaces. A smaller cluster of reports describes electrical gremlins, cruise control disengaging on its own and charging system warnings appearing before the car shuts down completely. A handful of owners also report the ABS system entering a reduced-function state and triggering brake-related fault codes.
764
Total Complaints
32
Crash-Related
40
Fire-Related
27
With Injuries
By System
The 2014 Hyundai Sonata has 9 recalls, the most serious involving engine bearing wear that can cause the engine to seize without warning, raising the risk of a crash.
Three recalls involve fire risk from fuel system problems. A low-pressure fuel hose can crack from engine heat and leak fuel, and on vehicles that previously had engine work done under an earlier recall, the high-pressure fuel pipe may have been damaged or misaligned during that repair, also allowing fuel to leak. There is also a separate recall covering the anti-lock brake control module, which can cause an engine compartment fire while the vehicle is parked or in motion. On the drivetrain side, the transmission shift cable can detach from the shift lever pin, leaving the gear indicator showing one position while the transmission is actually in another, which can cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Two recalls address the front seatbelts: the belt linkages on both front seats can detach from the anchor pretensioners in a crash, and a prior repair attempt under an earlier recall did not fully resolve this issue for all affected vehicles. Note that some recalls apply only to hybrid models.
At a glance
We may earn a commission for purchases made through these links.
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
What can fail
The Anti-Lock Brake System module may leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short, potentially starting a fire in the engine compartment.
What the fix does
The ABS fuse will be replaced at no cost to restore normal brake system function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The low pressure fuel hose connecting the low pressure fuel pump to the direct injection fuel pump may crack over time due to engine compartment heat.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the low pressure fuel hose at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The connecting rod bearings inside the engine may wear prematurely over time, potentially causing engine damage.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the engine and replace it if bearing damage is found. A software update with a new Knock Sensor Detection System will be installed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The low-pressure fuel hose connecting the fuel pump to the direct injection pump may crack over time from engine heat.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the hose for damage or leaks and replace it if needed, or apply heat-protective tape if undamaged.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The high pressure fuel pipe connecting to the fuel pump may be damaged, misaligned, or improperly torqued from a previous engine replacement, causing fuel to leak.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe as needed at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front seat belt linkages may come loose and separate from the seat belt anchor pretensioners, which are devices that tighten seat belts during a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will check the connection between the seat belt linkage and pretensioner, then install a warning label to prevent future detachment.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Manufacturing errors during engine production may cause engine bearings to wear prematurely, potentially leading to engine damage.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect your engine and replace the engine short block if needed at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front seat belt linkages may detach from the seat belt anchor pretensioners, causing the seat belts to fail.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and repair the connections between the seat belt linkages and pretensioners at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The transmission shift cable can detach from the shift lever pin, which may prevent proper gear selection.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and repair the connection between the shift cable and shift lever at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.