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2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport Report

Known issues, recalls, running costs, and what to check before you buy.

Updated May 30, 2026·Ethan Miller·5 Critical Recalls
2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport Report

Overall Score

7.1/ 10
Our Verdict
Proceed with caution

Key Takeaways

  • The engine is the most significant concern, with numerous reports of catastrophic failure, seizure, and oil consumption linked to bearing wear.
  • ABS module defects present a fire risk, prompting owners to park outside as a precaution.
  • While safety ratings are high (5-star overall), the severity of engine and brake system issues warrants extreme caution.
  • Confirm all outstanding recalls, particularly those concerning the engine and ABS module, have been addressed by a qualified technician.
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OverviewWho This Car Is ForReliability & ProblemsVehicle SpecsUnlock Full ReportFAQ
Overview

2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport

The 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport offers practical space and decent fuel economy, but its appeal is significantly dulled by a troubling reliability record. Buyers should be aware of widespread engine issues, including catastrophic failures and fire risks, alongside critical defects in the ABS system. While it achieved top marks in NHTSA crash tests (5-star overall), the underlying mechanical concerns demand careful consideration and a rigorous pre-purchase inspection. With 6 recalls and nearly 200 complaints logged, potential owners face a vehicle where critical components have proven prone to failure, impacting long-term ownership costs and dependability.

Critical Failure Risk

Significant and recurring critical engine failures, including seizure and fire risk, are a major concern. This often stems from premature bearing wear due to manufacturing defects. Recalls address these issues, but persistence suggests vigilance is required.

Early detection can help you avoid a $3,000-$7,000 repair.

Open Maintenance Analysis →

Safety & Bulletins

Open Recalls6
Service Bulletins0
Full Recall History →

Owner Complaints

195
Engine83
Detailed Issue Breakdown →

Performance & Efficiency

Fuel Efficiency
Combined
21
MPG
City
19
MPG
Highway
25
MPG
Full Vehicle Specifications ↓

Reliability

7.6/ 10

Practicality

5.0/ 10

The score is mainly limited by high fuel consumption.

Buyer Fit

Who This Car Is For

Best for

Buyers prioritizing upfront practicality and space over long-term reliability.

+2 more buyer-fit notes in the full report

Avoid if

Buyers seeking a dependable, worry-free daily driver.

+2 more buyer-fit warnings in the full report

2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport Reliability Analysis

Explore comprehensive reliability data including official safety recalls, consumer complaints, and common mechanical failures for the 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport.

  • Recall TimelineOfficial safety notices
  • Owner ComplaintsReal driver reports
  • Failure AnalysisKnown part defects
Specs

Vehicle Specs

Fuel Type
Regular
Transmission
Automatic 6-spd
Drivetrain
4-Wheel Drive
Body Style
Suv
EPA Combined MPG
21

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Most Common Issues

1. ENGINE

Most reported

Usage: 83 reports

2. Braking System

Usage: 16 reports

See all common issues in the maintenance guide

First Service Interval

- Oil Change (5W-30 Synthetic) (Parts: 5W-30 Synthetic Oil, Oil Filter) - Tire Rotation - Inspect Brakes

Est. shop cost: $80 - $150

7,500 mi

Unlock the full maintenance guide for every scheduled service interval and cost forecast.

Full pre-purchase inspection checklist
Complete maintenance schedule (5 service intervals)
Repair forecasts with mileage and cost context
Full buyer-fit guidance and who should avoid it
Full specs and trim-level context
6 recall campaign details & remedy notes
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FAQ

FAQ

Is the 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport reliable?▾

The CarFocal Reliability Score for the 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport is 7.6/10. Reliability score is 7.6/10. NHTSA recalls: 6. Owner complaints: 195.

How practical is the 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport for daily use?▾

Practicality score is 5.0/10. The score is mainly limited by high fuel consumption. EPA combined economy is 21 MPG.

What is the overall score for the 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport?▾

The CarFocal Overall Score for the 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport is 7.1/10. Overall score is 7.1/10 (Good). Confidence 85%. Maintenance 8.5/10. Practicality 5.0/10.

What does it cost to own and maintain a 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport?▾

Based on Carfocal's data, First listed service: - Oil Change (5W-30 Synthetic) (Parts: 5W-30 Synthetic Oil, Oil Filter) - Tire Rotation - Inspect Brakes at 7,500 miles. Estimated first-year maintenance: $400 - $700. Repair prediction highlight: Engine (typical at 70,000 miles, estimated cost Min: $3,000 • Max: $7,000+).

What engine is in the 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport?▾

Engine specs list 4 • 2.4.

What transmission does the 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport use?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, transmission is Automatic 6-spd. The paired drivetrain is 4-Wheel Drive.

What is the combined EPA MPG for the 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport?▾

EPA combined estimate is 21 MPG.

What driver assistance and safety features are available on the 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport?▾

1 standard driver assistance features. Key features include Tire Pressure Monitoring System.

What body style is the 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, body style is suv.

What drivetrain does the 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport use?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, drivetrain is 4-Wheel Drive. Transmission is Automatic 6-spd.

What are the NHTSA safety ratings for the 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport?▾

NHTSA ratings: Overall 5/5 • Frontal 5/5 • Side 5/5 • Rollover 4/5.

What are the most common engine problems on the 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport?▾

Top complaint category: engine (83 reports, 42.6% of complaints).

Are there open safety recalls on the 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport?▾

This model year has 6 official safety campaigns listed.

Should buyers consider alternatives to the 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport?▾

Alternatives listed in this guide: 2014 Toyota RAV4 and 2014 Honda CR-V.

Start Here

Maintenance guide

Costs + intervals

Recall report

Campaigns + remedy notes

Owner complaints

Issue volume + categories

In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Who This Car Is For
  3. 03Reliability & Problems
  4. 04Vehicle Specs
  5. 05Unlock Full Report
  6. 06FAQ

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