2014 Hyundai Sonata

High concern

Owners filed 745 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the engine. It has been recalled 7 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k

391 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 75,00090,000 miles; the median is 70,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Engine254
3166
Electrical System92
160
Exterior Lighting59
120
Service Brakes47
322
Steering44
101
Unknown or Other40
230
Fuel System, Gasoline33
011
Air Bags28
11119
Power Train26
302
Fuel/Propulsion System22
040

7 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings22V312000
Filed May 6, 2022215,171 vehiclesHyundai Motor America

Defect. Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Sonata vehicles. The low pressure fuel hose that connects the low pressure fuel pump to the direct injection fuel pump may crack over time, due to heat generated within the engine compartment.

Risk. A cracked fuel hose may leak fuel, which can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy. Dealers will replace the low pressure fuel hose, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 10, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 227. This recall replaces NHTSA recall number 20V-121. Vehicles previously repaired under recall 20V-121 that did not receive a replacement fuel hose will need to have this new recall remedy performed.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings20V121000
Filed Feb 28, 2020216,799 vehiclesHyundai Motor America

Defect. Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Sonata vehicles. The low pressure fuel hose that connects the low pressure fuel pump to the direct injection fuel pump may crack over time due to heat generated within the engine compartment.

Risk. If the fuel line cracks, a fuel leak can occur, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy. Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the low-pressure fuel hose for damage or leaking, replacing it as necessary. If no damage or leaking is found, heat-protective tape will be installed. Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began August 10, 2020. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 189. This recall has been replaced by NHTSA recall number 22V-314.

Engine18V934000
Filed Dec 28, 2018150,730 vehiclesHyundai Motor America

Defect. Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Sonata and 2013-2014 Santa Fe Sport vehicles previously repaired under recall numbers 15V-568 and 17V-226. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned, or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, allowing fuel to leak from the pipe.

Risk. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy. Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 1, 2019. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's recall number for this recall is 180.

Seat Belts › Pretensioner17V617000
Filed Oct 4, 2017443,545 vehiclesHyundai Motor America

Defect. Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Sonata and 2011-2015 Sonata Hybrid vehicles previously repaired under recall campaign 17V-152. The seat belt linkages for both front seat belts may detach from the seat belt anchor pretensioners.

Risk. If the seat belt linkage detaches from the seat belt anchorage, it can not properly restrain the occupant in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy. Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will again verify the connection between the seat belt linkage and the pretensioner and additionally install a warning label to prevent future seat belt linkage detachment, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 169.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine17V226000
Filed Mar 31, 2017572,000 vehiclesHyundai Motor America

Defect. Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Sonata and Santa Fe Sport vehicles. Machining errors during the engine manufacturing process may cause premature bearing wear within the engine.

Risk. Bearing wear may result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. 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 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 162.

Seat Belts › Front › Anchorage17V152000
Filed Mar 8, 2017977,778 vehiclesHyundai Motor America

Defect. Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Sonata and 2011-2015 Sonata Hybrid vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the seat belt linkages for both front seat belts may detach from the seat belt anchor pretensioners.

Risk. In the event of a crash, if the seat belts detach from the anchor pretensioners, it can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy. Hyundai will notify owners and dealers will inspect the connection between the seat belt linkages and the seat belt anchor pretensioners, repairing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 7, 2017. Owner's may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for the recall is 160.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission14V434000
Filed Jul 18, 2014883,000 vehiclesHyundai Motor Company

Defect. Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Sonata vehicles manufactured December 11, 2009, through May 29, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the transmission shift cable may detach from from the shift lever pin.

Risk. If the transmission shift cable detaches, the transmission gear selection may not match the indicated gear and the vehicle may move in an unintended or unexpected direction, increasing the risk of a crash. Furthermore, when the driver parks the vehicle, despite selecting the 'PARK' position, the transmission may not be in 'PARK.' If the vehicle is not in the 'PARK' position and the parking brake is not applied, there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.

Remedy. Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, repair the connection between the shift cable and shift lever, free of charge. The recall began in September 2014. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 123.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Engine
Filed Sep 11, 2026141,000 milesCA

The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Sonata. While the contact's wife was driving 65 MPH, the engine seized. The vehicle rolled to the shoulder of the road. The driver attempted to restart the vehicle, and the vehicle started. The contact stated that the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate. The vehicle failed to accelerate above 25 MPH, and the engine shuttered. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the roadway. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The dealer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The dealer requested that the contact provide a fleet email associated with the VIN from Enterprise, which was the previous vehicle owner. The manufacturer was contacted by phone but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 141,000.

Unknown or OtherFire
Filed Sep 9, 2026MO

Me and my friends are actually going to a trip on three cars. And I am the only one driving my car. All of a sudden when I am on US Highway 82. It started smoke. Immediately I tried to pull over. With in seconds it started fire. I inhaled lot a of smoke. I am a asthama patient so felt dozy immediately. Somehow I immediately came out of the car. I called 911 and whitesbore pd and fire engine team immediately arrived. But with in that time the front hood completely burnt and front seats as well.

Engine
Filed Aug 20, 2026VA

The vehicle suffered an abrupt, internal engine seizure while operating in active traffic at highway speeds. This sudden loss of power created an immediate crash hazard, as the vehicle decelerated rapidly in the travel lane, narrowly avoiding a rear-end collision and putting my family and other motorists at extreme risk. The vehicle was towed immediately to an authorized Hyundai dealership service center where it is currently awaiting the physical recall inspection. Prior to the complete engine failure, there were no warning lights, abnormal gauge readings, dashboard messages, or noticeable performance symptoms. The engine seized completely without warning. The vehicle has an open, uncompleted Federal Safety Recall 162 (NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V729000) for this exact engine manufacturing defect and bearing failure.

Steering
Filed Jul 18, 2026CA

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 f

Engine
Filed Jul 13, 2026MO

The check engine lights blinking, it overheats and it shuts down.

Electrical System
Filed Jun 29, 2026NC

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.

Air Bags
Filed Jun 28, 2026MA

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)

Engine
Filed May 31, 2026PA

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.

Engine
Filed May 5, 2026NC

Vehicle Information: Year/Make/Model: 2014 Hyundai Sonata Mileage: less than 120,000 miles Ownership: Second owner Complaint: I am filing a complaint regarding a serious engine failure in my 2014 Hyundai Sonata. My vehicle experienced issues beginning with a faulty knock sensor, which escalated into complete engine failure. This issue appears to be identical to problems that have already been identified in recalls involving similar Hyundai Sonata models. Despite experiencing the same symptoms and failure pattern, my specific VIN is not included in the recall. My vehicle has been well maintained, has under 120,000 miles, and should not have experienced a total engine failure under normal conditions. Based on the known recall issues related to engine defects and knock sensor failures, I believe my vehicle is affected by the same underlying defect. I am concerned that vehicles like mine are being excluded from the recall despite having identical safety-related issues. Engine failure while driving presents a serious safety risk, including potential loss of power, stalling, or inability to accelerate in traffic. I have had the car looked by a professional and advised of the engine failure and this is a common issue with this make and model.

Unknown or Other
Filed May 2, 2026MO

I was driving my vehicle on multiple occasions in which the car started to alarm and say, "Check charging system" at which point the car stopped all together. Also, when the cruise control is engaged, it will turn off automatically. It doesn't matter the speed the cruise control is set at, it will turn off.

Service Brakes
Filed Apr 8, 2026CA

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
Filed Apr 1, 202679,000 milesNH

The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that after driving over a pothole, the steering wheel became difficult to handle, with a clicking sound coming from the steering wheel. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 79,000.

Unknown or Other
Filed Mar 29, 2026AL

1. Dash Board has several cracks especially over airbag. 2.The location and severity of the cracks raises concerns regarding the structural integrity of the dashboard during a collision and the potential for obstructed airbag deployment. 3.It has not been inspected. I plan to carry it to the dealer tomorrow. 4.There were no warnings. I just realized the cracks a few weeks ago. I had seen them prior but thought they were part of the design until they became more pronounced.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Mar 27, 2026GA

The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the residence and was started. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with turbo charger failure. The contact was informed that the turbo charger needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was unknown.

Engine
Filed Mar 6, 2026OH

I had gotten an engine back in 2021 because of a recall, and now the newer engine is burning all my oil up.

Fuel System, GasolineFire
Filed Mar 2, 2026200,000 milesGA

The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle and leaving it unoccupied, the contact's daughter, who was seated on a porch, called the contact informing her there was grey/blue smoke emitting from the vehicle. The smoke increased, and fire droppings were coming from underneath the vehicle. The contact arrived back at the vehicle and saw the fire coming from underneath the vehicle. The fire started in the engine bay. There was property damage to the driveway, and the fire was eventually extinguished by the fire department. Prior to the fire department, the contact's daughter and neighbors attempted to extinguish the fire with water. The front passenger side tire blew out as a result of the fire. The contact's insurance company informed her that her vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V312000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE), the recall repair was never completed due to the owner being unaware of it. The vehicle was left on the driveway. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 200,000.

Electrical System
Filed Feb 17, 2026GA

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.

Engine
Filed Jan 27, 2026TX

I had recall 162 - engine replacement completed in 2024 , now I have fuel leak at high pressure fuel pump, the pump that is a component of the engine has now failed which was installed during the engine replacement which can cause a major fire

Power Train
Filed Jan 16, 2026OH

While driving with my family on a busy freeway at approximately 70 mph, our vehicle suddenly displayed a loud, urgent warning: “Hybrid System Warning – Safely Stop and Do Not Drive!” At the same moment, the car lost the ability to accelerate without any prior signs of trouble. We were extremely fortunate to have enough momentum to coast to the shoulder and shut the vehicle off, unsure of how serious the issue might be. Being stranded without warning on a high‑speed highway put my entire family in a dangerous situation. After a few minutes, we restarted the car to see if we could at least get it off the freeway. The warning had disappeared, and the vehicle drove normally, allowing us to take back roads home. The lack of any prior symptoms makes this even more concerning. Losing acceleration at highway speeds with no warning is a major safety hazard. We took the vehicle to a dealership immediately, but because the warning light was no longer active, they were unable to diagnose the problem. A few days later, the same warning appeared again—this time only a couple minutes from home. I turned around immediately for safety, parked the car, and once again the warning disappeared as soon as the vehicle was shut off. At this point, we have a car sitting in our driveway that we do not feel safe driving. The dealership cannot identify or repair the issue unless the warning is active, & even then, they cannot guarantee that a diagnostic code will appear. After researching this problem o

Engine
Filed Jan 11, 2026NC

The engine failed in my 2014 Hyundai Sonata for the 2nd time while driving in evening traffic on a major interstate with my elderly father in the car with me. The engine completely shut down while in mid drive on the interstate with no power. The engine and oil lamp indicators immediately came on right before the engine lost power on the interstate. This caused my safety and the safety of my father to be put at risk by not being able to have any power while in the lane of evening traffic. My vehicle was towed to the nearby Hyundai dealership, Modern Hyundai of Concord, where their service department conducted inspection of the engine issue and where it was kept for 4 months with no repairs made per the orders of Hyundai Motor America. Hyundai Motor America refused to honor their own warranty to replace the engine (engine in need of replacement for the 2nd time).

20 of 745 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2011
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20263100Routine
202516000Routine
202446100Routine
202386200Routine
202292300Routine
2021131400Routine
2020178410Routine
2019161060Routine
20183721131Fatalities reported
20177633111Fatalities reported
20167256281Fatalities reported
20151,1449482Do not drive
2014 — this page7457400High concern
20131,9099971Fatalities reported
20121,5568951Fatalities reported
20113,376141123Fatalities reported
2010345232Fatalities reported
20094602110Above average
20084255110Above average
2007696760Above average
20061,0471191Fatalities reported
2005165120Routine
2004202120Above average
2003199620Routine
2002319740Above average
2001205300Above average
2000276490Above average
1999124430Routine
199849100Routine
199749211Fatalities reported
199623101Fatalities reported
199566210Routine
19943100Routine
199326100Routine
199222100Routine
199129160Routine
199016300Routine

Compare every Sonata year →

Reading this record

A high number of complaints describe fires or crashes.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: May 6, 2022. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.