2014 Hyundai Sonata Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2014 Hyundai Sonata, 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
- Engine32232.2%
- Electrical13513.5%
- Exterior lighting11211.2%
- Fuel system898.9%
- Brakes696.9%
- Steering656.5%
- Powertrain (other)555.5%
- Driver assistance414.1%
- Airbags313.1%
- Seat belts262.6%
- Body & structure171.7%
- Interior & seats101.0%
- Visibility101.0%
- Other / unspecified90.9%
- Suspension70.7%
- Tires & wheels30.3%
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
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
Summary of Event: This vehicle was brought to an authorized Hyundai dealership for a mandatory safety recall engine replacement under the Theta II Engine Recall Campaign. The dealership successfully installed a replacement engine provided by the manufacturer. However, the dealership and Hyundai Motor America are now refusing to return the vehicle to me in a functional, safe condition. Safety Hazard & Defect: The dealership states that the replacement engine shipped by Hyundai is mechanically and physically incompatible with the vehicle's original, factory-installed high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP). In an official written correspondence from a Hyundai Motor America Corporate Case Manager, Hyundai explicitly documented that: "dealership stated that it is not safe to drive the vehicle with old fuel pump." Despite acknowledging that the vehicle is now in an "unsafe to drive" condition due to the mismatched replacement parts provided by the manufacturer, Hyundai Corporate and the dealership are refusing to complete the safety recall remedy unless I pay $1,500 out-of-pocket for a new, compatible fuel pump.
I was driving on the freeway about 100 miles outside of Boise, ID when the vehicle went into limp mode and a flashing check engine light came on. I had it towed to the Hyundai dealership in Boise where they ran a diagnostic check and it came back with a P1326 code, which is the issue related to the engine/ball bearings. They said it passed the bearing clearance test (BCT) so they updated the software and gave the car back. I picked it up a week later and while driving it from Boise to Salt Lake City (where I live), it went into limp mode again with a flashing check engine light. This happened about 100 miles north of Salt Lake City. I had it towed to a dealership in Murray. They indicated it passed the BCT again, but they replaced the knock sensor and did an oil change and gave the car back. I picked it up, and the next day, while on the freeway, the same thing happened again. I took it back to the dealership. They indicated the knock sensors they just installed the day before needed to be updated, so they updated the software for the knock sensors. I just picked it up, and within 45 seconds of being on the freeway, it went right back into limp mode with the flashing check engine light. This has happened 4 times now, on the freeway forcing me to immediately get over, and I have almost gotten into two separate accidents because of this. Hyundai says they will not replace the engine because it keeps passing the BCT. The vehicle is not safe to drive and it is likely causing irreparable damage to the other systems of the car.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
I was driving my 2014 hyundai sonata that I only had for 3 months when it just quit on me. I pulled over and seen when white smoke was coming from the wires.
Odometer Fraud. The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Sonata. The contact purchased the vehicle on April 28, 2025, with 28,974 miles from a dealer. On January 20, 2026, while attempting to start the vehicle after being parked for a while, the vehicle lost power and failed to start. The contact walked to an AutoZone nearby, where a mechanic diagnosed that the battery and starter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired while with the mechanic, and the contact was informed that the actual mileage on the vehicle was 170,123. The contact reported the issue to the dealer and was informed that it would be investigated; however, the contact had not received any additional information. The dealer had taken possession of the vehicle and informed the contact that payments were still expected despite the odometer discrepancy. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and the odometer discrepancy. The failure mileage was not provided.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
Brake lights not working. Checked fuses and bulbs, neither are the issue.
Engine light is blinking and put safety of my family in danger. I called the close Huyndai dealer also I have a case number. However, it takes forever for them to answer. I only have this car. I am driver and this how I make living. I have no choice in driving this recall vehicle and kill my self and my family. No body care!
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
Summary of Event: This vehicle was brought to an authorized Hyundai dealership for a mandatory safety recall engine replacement under the Theta II Engine Recall Campaign. The dealership successfully installed a replacement engine provided by the manufacturer. However, the dealership and Hyundai Motor America are now refusing to return the vehicle to me in a functional, safe condition. Safety Hazard & Defect: The dealership states that the replacement engine shipped by Hyundai is mechanically and physically incompatible with the vehicle's original, factory-installed high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP). In an official written correspondence from a Hyundai Motor America Corporate Case Manager, Hyundai explicitly documented that: "dealership stated that it is not safe to drive the vehicle with old fuel pump." Despite acknowledging that the vehicle is now in an "unsafe to drive" condition due to the mismatched replacement parts provided by the manufacturer, Hyundai Corporate and the dealership are refusing to complete the safety recall remedy unless I pay $1,500 out-of-pocket for a new, compatible fuel pump.
I am submitting this complaint regarding a serious safety issue involving my Hyundai Sonata. While driving under normal conditions, my vehicle suddenly entered a low-power ("limp") mode without warning. The vehicle would not accelerate beyond approximately 30–35 mph, creating a potentially hazardous situation in traffic. At the same time, the check engine light began blinking. The sudden loss of power significantly reduced my ability to maintain traffic speed and safely maneuver the vehicle. This condition could have increased the risk of a rear-end collision or other accident. I brought the vehicle to an authorized Hyundai dealership (Fred Beans Honda Of Abington PH# 215-392-9020) for diagnosis. The dealership confirmed that the vehicle stored Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P1326, related to the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS). According to the dealership, the vehicle entered limp mode as a result of this fault. The abrupt reduction in vehicle power and speed occurred without sufficient warning and created a safety concern. I am reporting this incident so that NHTSA can investigate whether this condition represents a broader safety defect affecting Hyundai Sonata vehicles equipped with the KSDS system. Vehicle Information: Make: Hyundai Model: Sonata Model Year: 2014 I request that NHTSA review this issue and evaluate whether additional action is warranted regarding vehicles experiencing DTC P1326 and associated limp-mode operation.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, a bystander notified the contact that the brake lights were inoperable. An independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed and determined that the brake light housing needed to be replaced. The brake light housing was replaced; however, the failure persisted.
ABS module/brakes system goes into limp mode randomly, which causes brake malfunction, throwing codes c1233, c1234 and c1236. There was a recall repair performed by Hyundai about two years ago, however there was two options on NHTSA recall 23V651000/campaign 251. One was to replace a safety plug fuse issue, TSB 23-01-054H . That is the recall they performed. The other recall repair which they did not perform is to replace the ABS module. The Hyundai dealer says I must pay a $225 diagnostic fee for them established they need to do this recall repair . Does that sound correct to you?
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
I am submitting this complaint because I believe this issue presents a serious safety concern. My 2014 Hyundai Sonata experienced a failure related to the steering angle sensor, causing the ESC, ABS, and traction control warning lights to illuminate while driving. As a result, these important safety systems lost functionality and were no longer available to assist in maintaining vehicle stability and traction during normal driving conditions. This failure occurred without warning and required replacement of the steering angle sensor, followed by a required calibration. A critical steering-related component should not fail under normal driving conditions, especially when its failure can disable multiple electronic safety systems. Drivers may not immediately realize that these systems are no longer functioning, increasing the potential risk during emergency maneuvers, wet road conditions, or sudden avoidance situations. While researching this issue, I found that many other Hyundai owners have reported similar steering and electronic stability control problems. I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate whether steering angle sensor failures, related steering system components, or the associated calibration requirements represent a widespread defect affecting 2011–2014 Hyundai Sonata vehicles. If this issue is determined to be common, I ask that Hyundai be required to address the defect through an appropriate recall or extended warranty program so owners are not responsible for repairs involving a critical vehicle safety system.
Updated NHTSA Complaint DraftVehicle Information: 2014 Hyundai SonataVIN: [XXX] Incident Date: XXX Description of Safety Defect:While driving on XXX, the vehicle's engine experienced a catastrophic mechanical failure and completely shut off without warning, causing an immediate loss of motive power. This sudden engine stall created an extreme, hazardous traffic safety risk.A subsequent professional inspection revealed that the vehicle's odometer had been illegally rolled back and tampered with by the selling dealership (Johny's Auto Center in 120 bleu hill ave Roxbury, MA) 02119 prior to purchase. The true, undocumented mileage of the engine is significantly higher than indicated, directly causing this sudden component failure. I am reporting this incident both as a critical vehicle safety defect and as a case of illegal odometer fraud. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
My 2014 Hyundai Sonata experienced a failure of the transmission shift cable connection, the same safety-related defect addressed by Hyundai Recall Campaign 123 (NHTSA Recall 14V-434). The gear selector stopped functioning correctly. Although I could physically move the shifter using the shift-lock release, the dashboard continued displaying Neutral even when I selected Park. The vehicle would not start because it was not recognizing the correct gear position. This malfunction raises serious safety concerns because a failure of the shift cable connection can cause the transmission’s actual gear position to differ from the driver’s selected position, potentially creating an unintended vehicle movement or rollaway hazard. On September 4, 2026, Courtesy Hyundai Tampa, an authorized Hyundai dealership, inspected my vehicle and diagnosed the shift-cable connection failure, confirming the problem I had reported. Hyundai Motor America verified that Recall Campaign 123 had previously been completed on my vehicle on September 16, 2014, when it had approximately 13,000 miles. Despite that prior recall repair, the same type of failure occurred again at approximately 187,000 miles. Hyundai refused to perform another recall repair at no cost, citing the previous completion of Campaign 123 and the vehicle’s expired warranty. Hyundai provided this denial in writing under Corporate Case #43215357. Because the dealership quoted more than $1,000 for the repair, I subsequently had the vehicle repaired at an independent repair facility. I am concerned that the original recall remedy may not have permanently addressed this safety defect. I request that NHTSA investigate this recurrence and determine whether the effectiveness of Recall Campaign 123 requires further review. No crash or injury is being reported in connection with this complaint.
I am submitting this complaint regarding a serious safety issue involving my Hyundai Sonata. While driving under normal conditions, my vehicle suddenly entered a low-power ("limp") mode without warning. The vehicle would not accelerate beyond approximately 30–35 mph, creating a potentially hazardous situation in traffic. At the same time, the check engine light began blinking. The sudden loss of power significantly reduced my ability to maintain traffic speed and safely maneuver the vehicle. This condition could have increased the risk of a rear-end collision or other accident. I brought the vehicle to an authorized Hyundai dealership (Fred Beans Honda Of Abington PH# 215-392-9020) for diagnosis. The dealership confirmed that the vehicle stored Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P1326, related to the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS). According to the dealership, the vehicle entered limp mode as a result of this fault. The abrupt reduction in vehicle power and speed occurred without sufficient warning and created a safety concern. I am reporting this incident so that NHTSA can investigate whether this condition represents a broader safety defect affecting Hyundai Sonata vehicles equipped with the KSDS system. Vehicle Information: Make: Hyundai Model: Sonata Model Year: 2014 I request that NHTSA review this issue and evaluate whether additional action is warranted regarding vehicles experiencing DTC P1326 and associated limp-mode operation.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
As I was pulling up to a gas pump, my car suddenly accelerated. Applied the brakes to stop but it kept accelerating. My choices were to hit the car in front of me or a snow bank. I chose the snow bank. Tons of damage to my car. Don’t have that info yet, though.
I was driving and my car started beeping and the wheel jerked to the left and my car slowed down from 65mph to 20mph and almost caused me to have an accident. After I replaced the breaking module, my battery started shorting out and my car once again jerked off to the side and then slowed down abruptly from 65 mph to 20mph.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
Updated NHTSA Complaint DraftVehicle Information: 2014 Hyundai SonataVIN: [XXX] Incident Date: XXX Description of Safety Defect:While driving on XXX, the vehicle's engine experienced a catastrophic mechanical failure and completely shut off without warning, causing an immediate loss of motive power. This sudden engine stall created an extreme, hazardous traffic safety risk.A subsequent professional inspection revealed that the vehicle's odometer had been illegally rolled back and tampered with by the selling dealership (Johny's Auto Center in 120 bleu hill ave Roxbury, MA) 02119 prior to purchase. The true, undocumented mileage of the engine is significantly higher than indicated, directly causing this sudden component failure. I am reporting this incident both as a critical vehicle safety defect and as a case of illegal odometer fraud. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle before the front passenger's side air bag independently deployed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact was advised not to take the vehicle for a diagnostic test until contacted by the manufacturer. The contact had no additional communication with the manufacturer. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
My safety was put at risk because i was driving on the highway and the engine went out on me. The engine is also knocking making a loud sound. I took the car to the dealer and they refused to do the safety recalls.
No accident happened. Seat belt on drivers side will not attach to the cars anchor. Did receive a recall notice several years ago but was not a problem at that time. Will bring the car to the dealer but could not get an appointment until June 7 2022.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
Shortly after we bought the vehicle in 2021, my 7 year old daughter (who weighed about [XXX] at the time) got in the car through the driver side rear door and closed it normally. When we got home, the door would no longer open and has not opened now for 5 years. A mechanic said it would cost more than $1400 to repair because he would have to remove the door paneling from the inside of the vehicle to even diagnose what the issue is. If we were to get into a car accident, having a door that will not open is a significant safety concern. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? >Rear Window Imploded, Rear Moon Roof Hairline Fractures How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? >Shards of glass fell. If a passenger was present, glass would have fell on them Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? >No Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? >Not Yet. Insurance Claim just made. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? >No warnings present Uploads of photos/videos will occur afterwards.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
The electrical in the entire car is malfunctioning. Sometimes the brake lights don’t work due to wiring, other times the seats control don’t work and the cables to battery is not connected/firing correctly. Has an entire electrical issue
The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact attempted to open the trunk manually using the key fob; however, the trunk intermittently failed to open. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE WINDSHIELD WASHER ON THIS VEHICLE IS AN IMPORTANT SAFETY FEATURE. THE WATER TO THE WINDSHIELD WASHER DOES NOT FLOW FROM THE WATER PUMP, WHICH IS FUNCTIONING. I BELIEVE THIS IS HAPPENING ON MORE VEHICLES THAN JUST MINE. I BELIEVE IT IS A MANUFACTURES DEFECT. THE WATER PUMP ON THE WINDSHIELD WIPER IS NOT FAILING. WHAT IS FAILING IS THE LINE THAT DIRECTS THE WATER FROM THE WATER WELL TO THE WINDSHIELD. WHEN I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN AUTHORIZED HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR THEY WANTED TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE UNIT/WATER PUMP. BUT THE WATER PUMP IS NOT BROKEN. I BELIEVE THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL ISSUE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 HYUNDAI SONATA. EVER SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED BRAND NEW, THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED ISSUES WITH THE AIR CONDITIONER BLOWING THE WRONG TEMPERATURE DURING THE SEASONS. THE BRAKE LIGHTS WERE ALSO MALFUNCTIONING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO RAY BRANDT HYUNDAI (1700 WESTBANK EXPY, HARVEY, LA 70058, (504) 684-8039), BUT THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURES AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE CONTACT TOOK HIS VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER NUMEROUS TIMES, BUT THE AIR CONDITIONER FAILURE CONTINUED. FOR EXAMPLE, THE DEFROSTER WOULD BLOW OUT COLD AIR IN THE WINTER. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THERE WERE NO FAILURES WITH THE VEHICLE SINCE THE DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 500.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while her son was driving at an undisclosed speed, he started to smell an abnormal burning odor, and the front vehicle started smoking. There were several unknown lights illuminated. The contact’s son attempted to pull over and the brake pedal was depressed but failed to stop the vehicle. The contact's son applied the parking brake and was able to stop the vehicle. The vehicle caught fire. No injuries nor medical attention were needed. The Fire department extinguished the fire. A Police report and a Fire Department report were filed. The vehicle was towed to an impound lot. The insurance company had not yet deemed the vehicle destroyed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
The contact owned a 2014 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while in an undisclosed store, she was notified by the store P.A. giving a description that her vehicle was on fire. The contact stated that after she exited the store, she noticed that her vehicle was inflamed from the front end of the vehicle to the rear of the vehicle. No injuries were sustained. No medical attention was required. The fire department was notified, and the fire was extinguished. The contact stated that she was informed by the fire department that the origin of the fire was engine-related. A police and fire report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot and deemed a total loss by the insurance company. Additionally, the contact stated that a year ago she had received the NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V226000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer where the engine was replaced, and the recall was completed. The dealer nor the manufacturer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unavailable.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY STEERING SYSTEM IS LOOSE AND MAKE THE CAR HARD TO CONTROL AT TIMES. I HAVE HAD A FRONT END ALIGNMENT DONE WHICH HAS NOT HELPED. I HAVE HYUNDAI ABOUT THE PROBLEM BUT HAVE NOT GOTTEN ANY HELP IN THIS PROBLEM. I UNDERSTAND THE THE STEERING WHEEL COUPLER IS MADE OF PLASTIC. THIS PROBLEM HAPPENS ON ANY STREET OR HIGHWAY.
I AM HAVING AN ISSUE WITH THE PANORAMIC SUNROOF. I HAS LOUD RATTLE SOUND AS HELL. I HAVE CONTACTED SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE MY WARRANTY EXPIRES BUT THEY REFUSED TO FIX IT
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
OUR 2014 HYUNDAI SONATA GLS 4-DOOR SEDAN CAME EQUIPPED WITH KUMHO SOLUS KH 25 TIRES, SIZE 205/65R16. THE CAR HAS APPROXIMATELY 27,000 MILES. WHEN REMOVING A FLAT TIRE, I NOTICED THAT SMALL CHUNKS OF RUBBER WERE COMING OFF OF THE TIRE. I THEN CHECKED THE OTHER THREE TIRES & FOUND THE SAME PROBLEM. SOME OF THOSE RUBBER CHUNKS COMING OFF WERE ALONG THE EDGES & SOME WERE IN THE CENTRAL PART OF THE TIRES. I CALLED THE MANUFACTURER & WAS REFERRED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, KAUFFMAN TIRES IN THIS CARE. THEY CLAIMED THAT THIS IS NOT A WARRANTY ISSUE SO THEY STATED THAT NOTHING COULD BE DONE EXCEPT TO SELL ME NEW TIRES & OTHER CAR SERVICES. IT SEEMS TO ME THAT THIS IS ABNORMAL FOR TIRES TO BE FAILING AFTER ONLY APPROXIMATELY 27,000 MILES. SINCE I'M CONCERNED ABOUT SAFETY, I WILL BE REPLACING ALL FOUR TIRES BUT NOT WITH KUMHO TIRES. I CERTAINLY NEVER BUY THAT BRAND OF TIRE &, WILL CHECK TO SEE WHAT BRAND OF TIRES ARE ON ANY CAR THAT I WILL BUY IN THE FUTURE TO BE SURE THAT THEY AREN'T KUMHO TIRES
4 KUMHO TIRES, ORIGINAL TIRES WITH LESS THAN 30,000 MILES & 2 YEARS AGE ARE CHIPPING AWAY ON THE TREAD. CONTACTED HYUNDAI & KUMHO & THEY WERE DENYING ANY DEFECTS. THESE TIRES SEEM DEFECTIVE & TREAD SEPARATION AT HIGHWAY SPEED IS POSSIBLE MAKING THEM VERY UNSAFE. THESE TIRES WERE USED ON CITY STREETS & STATE HIGHWAYS ONLY. *TR
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
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .