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2014 Hyundai Equus Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
36
Latest Jun 3, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
14
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
0

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2014 Hyundai Equus, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Suspension714.6%
  • Electrical612.5%
  • Brakes612.5%
  • Interior & seats510.4%
  • Exterior lighting48.3%
  • Driver assistance48.3%
  • Body & structure36.3%
  • Steering36.3%
  • Fuel system24.2%
  • Powertrain (other)24.2%
  • Seat belts24.2%
  • Engine24.2%
  • Other / unspecified12.1%
  • Airbags12.1%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Engine failure/thrown rod in engine while drive. 90k miles.

NHTSA ID 11547515 · filed Sep 30, 2023

The air bag suspension in these model cars are a known issue and they been known to fail almost every equus has this same problem and Hyundai knows about it

NHTSA ID 11541032 · filed Aug 27, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

For the last year or so when driving my Equus the signal lights left or right side has been working intermittently. I can go months without any issues but lately it seems to be worsening. I transport my Mom that has dementia around and its scary because it seems never know when the lights may not work at all. People drive so crazy and if its dark or light they dont see my arm out the window. Please tell me that you can assist with this issue. I inherited this car from her brother that died of cancer, this car was his dream. I'm doing all I can to keep it in top condition. I can't replace the car, but I always try to keep it in top condition. Help please.

NHTSA ID 11741912 · filed Jun 3, 2026

I am unable. To drive my car anywhere. Each time I start my car. All warning lights flash like a Christmas light. It causes the car to suddenly be slowed down. Or not to go full speed? I got the recall notice in the mail 4 weeks ago. My car has been parked in the garage for four months and has been there ever since. I need my car to go to work and I don't know what else to do. I can only do so much by using the cars of families and friends, but I need my car back because it's inconveniencing them too as well.

NHTSA ID 11558345 · filed Dec 4, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Equus. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the ABS warning light had illuminated and the vehicle was taken to a dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and replaced the front brake pads. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the ABS warning light illuminated again and the vehicle was driven to another dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID 11588709 · filed May 14, 2024

The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Equus. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID 11586503 · filed May 2, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I am reporting a recurring safety-related defect in the headrest mechanisms of my 2014 Hyundai Equus. The first incident occurred in the front passenger seat. While driving, I lightly leaned my arm on the passenger headrest when it suddenly popped up with a loud, startling noise and occurring an road incident . The internal components crumbled instantly, requiring a complete replacement. This was a costly repair, which I first inquired about with the service department at AutoNation Hyundai in Columbus, GA. It was eventually repaired and completed at Columbus Body Collision, Columbus, GA On [XXX], the driver’s headrest failed in the same way. It popped out of position unexpectedly, and the internal structure again appears to have broken and crumbled, while I was parked at QuikTrip fuel station. Alpharetta, GA. This incident has made me concerned about occupant safety, especially regarding whiplash protection and the risk of the headrest becoming a projectile or collapsing under impact. Since both front seat headrests have failed in the same way, I believe this may indicate a design or manufacturing defect. I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate this issue and consider a recall so that affected Hyundai Equus owners are not left with expensive and unsafe repairs. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID 11664572 · filed Jun 3, 2025

THE FRONT PASSENGER HEADREST SPLIT OPEN SPONTANEOUSLY. THERE WAS NO EXTERNAL IMPACT OR CRASH. THERE WAS NO PUSHING/PULLING OR OTHER PRECEDING INCIDENT TO CAUSE THIS. IT APPEARS THAT THE INTERNAL PLASTIC PART OF THE HEADREST FAILED.

NHTSA ID 11352946 · filed Sep 3, 2020

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

On November 2014, purchased Hyundai Equus from Bob King Hyundai located in Winston-Salem, NC. Within a month, our headlights flashed on and off for a brief second. Occurred more often after that and the dealer checked the car to resolve problem. Nothing found. Months later, problem got more severe and once again dealer tried to fix and could not find a problem. Two or three times car went back to dealer and also a Hyundai dealer in Hickory, NC and once again, nothing was found defective. Over the past year, car has experience longer periods of light going off. Recorded on Dash-Cam at 1:00am on Interstate 77 lost of lights for 5 seconds at 70mph. I can supply a copy of that event if needed. I would say that I traveled over 300-500 feet without lights at that speed which could have been fatal. No warming lights or messages about the fault. I wrote the President of Hyundai Motor Company on December 3, 2022 with certified mail and return receipt and have not heard or been contacted by the company. I think this is a possible accident waiting to happen and injuries being incurred. Please help me with this issue as the safety of me and my family are at stake. Thank you for your attention into this matter. Cordially, Fred Crump 4958 River Bend road Claremont, NC 28610 Cell: 828-244-5555 hom: 828-459-7080

NHTSA ID 11501608 · filed Jan 13, 2023

Headlight provides inadequate lighting, car not in compliance with FMVSS 108. Caused by the reflector bowl in the low beam HID projector losing its reflective coating. Heat/UV emitted by the bulbs burns it off. Visibility reduced to 38 feet. Happens on all years/trims. No known repair. Replacement headlight assemblies also affected.

NHTSA ID 11458481 · filed Mar 27, 2022

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THE STRUTS WENT OUT WHILE I WAS DRIVING. AFTER IT WENT OUT THE, TIRES WOULD TOUCH THE FENDER OF THE CAR. IT DAMAGED THE PASSENGER SIDE AND DRIVER SIDE OF MY FRONT FENDER. IT ALSO RUBBED THE TREAD AWAY FROM THE TIRE DUE TO RUBBING AGAINST THE FENDER. IT WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE BECAUSE IT WAS SO LOW TO THE GROUND THAT I ALMOST TORE THE FRONT FENDER OFF.

NHTSA ID 11277697 · filed Nov 2, 2019

CAR STARTS ACCELERATING ON ITS OWN AFTER LONG HIGHWAY DRIVES ONCE CRUISE CONTROL IS DISENGAGED. MESSAGE APPEARS 'SERVICE ENGINE IMMEDIATELY. VEHICLE SPEED LIMITED DUE TO MALFUNCTION' WHEN IN FACT VEHICLE CONTINUES TO ACCELERATE. PLACING CAR IN 'PARK' CAUSES ENGINE TO REV OUT OF CONTROL. RESTARTING THE CAR DOES NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME FOUR TIMES IN THE PAST SIX MONTHS, ONLY AFTER DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 3 1/2 HOURS. I'VE READ NEARLY IDENTICAL DESCRIPTIONS ONLINE. DEALER HAS TO 'REPRODUCE' THE PROBLEM, DOES NOT ACCEPT VIDEOS, AND YET THIS IS ONLY HAPPENED AFTER A LONG DRIVES.

NHTSA ID 11269083 · filed Oct 17, 2019

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Driver's exterior door handle failed for second time since owning vehicle resulting in having to manually return the external handle to the latched position by rolling window down. This part was replaced in 2017 the first time. This defect also prevents the key from unlocking the driver's side door.

NHTSA ID 11481604 · filed Aug 28, 2022

MY HYUNDAI EQUUS HAS AIR SHOCK ISSUES NOT RAISING AN LOWERING TO PROPER HEIGHT HYUNDAI FORUMS ONLINE HAS MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS ON THIS ISSUE. ISSUES 2 SUBPAR PAINT USED ON VEHICLE PAINT HAS FADED AWAY ON HOOD AND TRUNK AREA HAVE ANOTHER OLDER 2007 HYUNDAI AZERA WHERE THE PAINT LUSTER STILL SHINES ALL OVER VEHICLE. THERE ARE MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS LIST GONE HYUNDAI FORUM FOR PAINT ISSUES TO.

NHTSA ID 11413145 · filed Apr 21, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

To: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) – Office of Defects Investigation From: [XXX] Date: 2 June 2025Vehicle: 2014 Hyundai Equus Location: Columbus, GA   (Other driven locations: Buford, GA; Alpharetta, GA; Duluth GA)1. Summary of Vehicle Cyber Incident:My 2014 Hyundai Equus has been compromised through what I believe to be a remote cyberattack targeting the vehicle’s infotainment and navigation systems. This began shortly after I reported widespread digital and identity theft to law enforcement in Columbus, GA.2. Symptoms Observed: Navigation system lockout: The navigation system is entirely disabled. A satellite symbol with a circle and diagonal slash appeared on the interface and has not gone away, indicating a potential denial of satellite/GPS signal or remote access control. Rear Seat Entertainment (RSE) Override: The RSE system appears to be remotely controlled, with the interface appearing on my front console screen without input. I attempted to check the RSE control box in the settings menu, but it was consistently unchecked upon restart—as if overridden remotely. Video evidence interference: I recorded multiple videos of the system anomalies, including screen mirroring and control takeover. Some were blocked from sending or sharing; others went through under inconsistent conditions. Unauthorized device influence: I believe connected devices (iPhones, etc.) are being used as access vectors into my vehicle system.3. Timeline of Events: [XXX] (Sunday evening): After visiting the Columbus Public Safety Center and speaking with Deputies McBride and I. Sanchez about ongoing cyber intrusions (mobile, home, and vehicle), the car infotainment system began behaving abnormally that night. May 20, 2025 (Tuesday): I returned to Columbus Police Department to formally report the vehicle hacking. A CPD officer expressed genuine concern and said he would relay my case to Detective Gross. May 23, 2025: I visited AutoNation Hyundai in Columbus INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATIO

NHTSA ID 11664557 · filed Jun 3, 2025

Car is equipped with an air bag suspension system. There was a failure with the airbags around 18 months ( in 2016) of the car being put in service. I was driving on a hway at 70 mph w/grandkids in the car when the airgbags failed and the nose of the car immediately went down and the car started to veer. Luckily there was no other cars around me and I was able to slow down and pull off the hway. Coincidentally, I was just a mile from the dealership and immediately took the car to them and they gave me loaner car and took it in to repair under warranty. Approximately 18 months later, the air bags failed again and the car was just past warranty so I paid for the repair but contacted Hyundai and they reimbursed me.Hyundai told me they had problems with the design of the airbags and redesigned it which is what my car was then equipped with. The air bag system has failed twice more since then. The most recent incident caused many problems with the car. The air bag system had a leak and caused the compressor to keep filling them. I don't believe this compressor was built to be in use so much and caused my battery and alternator to fail, then the compressor itself finally failed. All this took place because of the faulty suspension air bag system. I believe Hyundai was negligent in not issuing a recall when the airbags originally failed back in 2016 as it could have led to a bad accident. I went on line and found many chat rooms with people having had the same or similar experiences to me. Hyundai is well aware of the problems with the system yet has chosen to ignore it and hope the problem goes away. Because of all the problems with this suspension, they have since done away with it and gone to a standard suspension system on all the newer cars that are similar to mine ( now Genisis). They need to do something for all the older cars still on the road with this old suspension. The date listed below is for the last incident mentioned in this document.

NHTSA ID 11424809 · filed Jul 14, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The problem is with the Accelerator pedal. It malfunctions, and is also known as a 'Dead pedal' at different times without warning and could cause an accident if it happens at the wrong time, like making a turn and the car will not accelerate, or move, just getting the car to move . I checked with a dealer if they have had any of these type reports and there answer was no they had not. It is very UN-nerving when it happens.

NHTSA ID 11602830 · filed Jul 16, 2024

I am unable. To drive my car anywhere. Each time I start my car. All warning lights flash like a Christmas light. It causes the car to suddenly be slowed down. Or not to go full speed? I got the recall notice in the mail 4 weeks ago. My car has been parked in the garage for four months and has been there ever since. I need my car to go to work and I don't know what else to do. I can only do so much by using the cars of families and friends, but I need my car back because it's inconveniencing them too as well.

NHTSA ID 11558345 · filed Dec 4, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The problem is with the Accelerator pedal. It malfunctions, and is also known as a 'Dead pedal' at different times without warning and could cause an accident if it happens at the wrong time, like making a turn and the car will not accelerate, or move, just getting the car to move . I checked with a dealer if they have had any of these type reports and there answer was no they had not. It is very UN-nerving when it happens.

NHTSA ID 11602830 · filed Jul 16, 2024

Engine failure/thrown rod in engine while drive. 90k miles.

NHTSA ID 11547515 · filed Sep 30, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Equus. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the driver's side head restraint suddenly deployed from the seat. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the head restraint needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure had occurred with the passenger's side headrest, and the headrest was replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 95,156.

NHTSA ID 11680967 · filed Aug 15, 2025

The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Equus. The contact stated that while his wife was outside on a hot day, upon opening the door, the front headrest air bag deployed without impact. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was possibly caused due to the heat. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that there no previous reports of the failure. The contact was informed to scheduling an appointment to have the vehicle diagnosed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 79,850.

NHTSA ID 11607024 · filed Aug 7, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Engine failure/thrown rod in engine while drive. 90k miles.

NHTSA ID 11547515 · filed Sep 30, 2023

ENGINE FAILURE - CAR HAS 32K MILES; NEVER HAD ANY WARNING LIGHT APPEAR ON THE DASH; OUT OF NO WHERE DEVELOPED A KNOCKING NOISE. THE CAR WAS SITTING FOR APPROXIMATELY 2 WEEKS AND ONCE STARTED AND DRIVING A KNOCKING NOISE STARTED APPROXIMATELY 5 MINUTES INTO MY DRIVE; THEREFORE I BROUGHT IT IMMEDIATELY TO THE DEALER. NEW ENGINE IS NEEDED DUE TO EXCESSIVE SLUDGE BUILD UP AND OIL BLEEDING INTO THE ENGINE AND TIMING CHAIN. MANUFACTURER STATED IT'S NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. A LOCAL MECHANIC SHOP TOLD ME THIS HAS BEEN NOTED IN A COUPLE OTHER SAME MODELS THAT CAME THROUGH THEIR SHOP ALTHOUGH THOSE OWNERS TRADED THE CAR IN TO GET OUT OF THE SITUATION THEY WERE IN. OIL WAS CHANGED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE MANUFACTURERS SPECIFICATION ALTHOUGH NOT THROUGH A DEALER SINCE I DON'T LIVE CLOSE TO A DEALER. IF THE MANUFACTURER REQUIRES IT TO BE CHANGED OR MAINTAINED THROUGH A DEALER, THAT SHOULD BE DOCUMENTED IN THE OWNERS MANUAL. THIS MANUFACTURER SEEMS TO HAVE A LOT OF ISSUES WITH ENGINE FAILURES. THIS COULD HAVE POTENTIALLY CAUSED THE CAR TO STALL IN THE MIDDLE OF A BUSY HIGHWAY POTENTIALLY CAUSING TO HARM TO PEOPLE IN MY CAR OR CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT.

NHTSA ID 11110780 · filed Jul 11, 2018

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

On November 2014, purchased Hyundai Equus from Bob King Hyundai located in Winston-Salem, NC. Within a month, our headlights flashed on and off for a brief second. Occurred more often after that and the dealer checked the car to resolve problem. Nothing found. Months later, problem got more severe and once again dealer tried to fix and could not find a problem. Two or three times car went back to dealer and also a Hyundai dealer in Hickory, NC and once again, nothing was found defective. Over the past year, car has experience longer periods of light going off. Recorded on Dash-Cam at 1:00am on Interstate 77 lost of lights for 5 seconds at 70mph. I can supply a copy of that event if needed. I would say that I traveled over 300-500 feet without lights at that speed which could have been fatal. No warming lights or messages about the fault. I wrote the President of Hyundai Motor Company on December 3, 2022 with certified mail and return receipt and have not heard or been contacted by the company. I think this is a possible accident waiting to happen and injuries being incurred. Please help me with this issue as the safety of me and my family are at stake. Thank you for your attention into this matter. Cordially, Fred Crump 4958 River Bend road Claremont, NC 28610 Cell: 828-244-5555 hom: 828-459-7080

NHTSA ID 11501608 · filed Jan 13, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

The right of my dash leather is lifting up, which will eventually affect the deployment of the right front air bag.

NHTSA ID 11572593 · filed Feb 18, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .