2014 Hyundai Sonata UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Owner-reported problems and safety issues filed with NHTSA. Review common failures, severity levels, and complaint trends over time.
Complaint Timeline
Chronological view of owner reports
I was driving my 2014 Hyundai Sonata in a rural area when smoke suddenly entered the cabin from the engine compartment. Two bystanders waved me down, alerting me that they could see fire underneath the engine compartment. I immediately stopped the vehicle, turned it off, and exited safely. I attempted to contact 911, but reception was poor. The fire spread from the engine compartment and engulfed the vehicle, producing thick smoke that created a serious safety risk. Emergency services arrived approximately 15 minutes after being notified and extinguished the fire. The vehicle burned for approximately 30 minutes in total resulting in total loss. There were no warning lights or messages prior to the fire. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives beyond the fire report. It was towed and is being stored on private property awaiting investigation.
Unknown
My family purchased the vehicle as a gift to me in 2018. It had 17,000 miles on it and was previously owned by an older woman who hardly used it, according to the salesman at North Freeway Hyundai in Spring, TX. In 2019, the AC compressor failed in the middle of summer. In Texas, being in a car with no AC in the summertime can and has been deadly. I had the part replaced at the same dealership as mentioned above. The part began to fail again at the end of 2024. When doing research on the issue, it came to my attention that this is a known issue pertaining to my vehicle, and that Hyundai is aware. Again, particularly in the south, this IS a safety hazard. Hyundai confirms that a couple different issues with the car can cause a “premature failure” of the compressor. I’ve replaced it once before and it’s incredibly expensive, and I don’t think it should already be failing again, and it sounds like Hyundai agrees with me. The logical thing to do here is to issue a recall on the part, which would allow myself and others with this issue to get it fixed at no cost. I can’t afford a major repair like this, as I just recently replaced the catalytic converter and o2 sensors as well. This cost should not be placed on the consumer when Hyundai is seemingly aware there is an issue.
My car has had excessive oil consumption for over a year. Hyundai looked at it. Did something to fix it for a couple months and now it’s back worse then ever and they don’t want to do anything about it.
The entire dashboard is cracking and has caused the airbag light warning light to come on, due to the compromised dashboard. This makes me feel unsafe because I'm not sure if the airbag will launch prematurely. I see online that many Hyundai owners have experienced this same issue and have the same concerns.
I was driving at approx 30mph and all of a sudden I get a warning on my dashboard that says "Hybrid System Warning - Check brakes- safely stop and do not drive". My car slowed down and the brakes went to the floor. I was able to coast it to the side and turn off my car. I waited a few minutes, turned it back on and it was fine. The same thing happened 3 months ago. I took it to the dealer the first time it happened and they replaced the 12v battery and cleared all the codes. They couldn't find out exactly what was wrong. Suggestion was if it continues, then replace the hydraulic module for over $5k. It did happen again, but didn't take it to the dealer, but to a local mechanic. They checked the brakes and are fine. The codes were the same and said it might be the Hydraulic Booster High Pressure Accumulator (HPA). I was reading the Hyundai forum and this seems to happen to many Hyundai hybrids. I'm concerned for my safety and the safety of others if I was driving on the freeway and the same thing happens. There's no advance warning. I could cause an accident because of it. Seems that Hyundai needs to issue a recall on the hydraulic module and replace it.
[XXX] While driving down [XXX] into Kansas City Kansas all of the sudden there was a loud explosion, sounded like a gun shot. Then we heard the air coming in the sunroof/moonroof. Nothing hit us it just exploded! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The two struts that hold the engine hood in the upright position fail abruptly without warning causing the hood to randomly slam shut that can result in a traumatic brain injury, amputation, etc. that may result in an injury or death. Some other vehicles with engine hoods that are held up by two struts have a metal prop to ensure the hood is held in the upright position in the event the hood struts fail. This safety issue put me at risk as I narrowly avoided severe injury and potential amputation of my hand and/or fingers when the hood randomly slammed down. This problem has not yet been confirmed by a dealership or independent service. This vehicle component has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure.
The trunk lid on my 2014 Hyundai Sonata will not open. This is a safety issue since there is no way to access the spare tire if needed and there is no emergency exit. The left rear passenger seat is able to be folded down but it is the narrow one and there is no way to reach the seat release for the right-hand side which would allow someone to climb into the trunk and try to release from inside. Even then, it may not release based on what has been reported online. It seems there is a recall for later Hyundai Sonata model years (NHTSA report 21V619000 recall #208 for the 2016/2017 model year) but the problem exists as well in the 2011-2017 Sonatas. NHTSA should expand the model years in the recall or issue a new recall that covers the 2011-2017 Sonatas.
Unknown
I've received a recall and have tried on 3 occasions to set up an appointment at the local Hyundai dealership in West Monroe, Louisiana. I've tried 2 times online and 1 time I called and was told they probably wouldn't call me back that I could take care of it online. Please advise what i should do as this recall sounds important. Thank You,
Following erratic behavior of cruise control 1. not setting cruise. 2. Sometime after after setting cruise, it had accelerated many time ( not pressed on gas pedal) on its own...end up putting the brake. Cruise Cancel button did not work. 3. Cruise did not get set with set button... sometimes it gets set when pressing cancel button.
I brought my 2014 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid in for the 964- AUXILIARY CANISTER INSTALLION & 966- ENGINE MONITORING LOGIC Service recall campaigns on 12/08/21. Today, 12/21/21, in heavy traffic on the highway, my car engine abruptly shuts off, immediately decelerating, completely losing any ability to accerate while the engine light, parking break light come on along with an "electric motor warning - safely pull over and do not drive" message on the dashboard. All this happens while a high pitch alarm goes off. All happening simultaneously without warning on the highway with vehicles surrounding us driving 70 mph! This has never happened prior to today and should never happen. How we managed to avoid an accident or worse was a miracle. This was life threatening and should not be taken lightly!
3rd Brake light. The tailgate light that is in the rear middle inside the vehicle goes off and the bulb base is melting due to heat. It's available for inspection upon request. Moreover, it's a known problem in many models of my vehicle. This light is a part of the safety inspection in my state VA which means it's important to have it working all the time. If the vehicle driver behind me doesn't notice that I'm in a stopping process or pressing on the brake paddle, both of us will be at risk especially on the high way. Yes the problem was confirmed by Hyundai and many service centers confirmed it. There was also a recall regarding this problem but didn't solve it permanently. It happened again and service centers don't fix those affected vehicles again. Since there was a recall before, this component was inspected and confirmed by the manufacturer. They should keep fixing it till they find a permanent solution or change the part with a better one like LED for example to reduce heat. There was no warning lamp, message, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. It's discovered when someone behind the affected vehicle warns me or the traffic police stops me. This is the most important brake light because at night it's the only light that warns other vehicles drivers behind me that's I'm reducing the speed or in a stop status since other right and left stop lights are shared with normal tailgate lights and might not warn others. This 3rd brake light is high enough to be seen by all vehicles behind my vehicle.
MY VEHICLE DIDN'T PASS SAFETY INSPECTION DUE TO THE BRAKES GOING ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR WHEN PRESSED. HYUNDAI CASE NUMBER #16939771 WAS CREATED AND IT WAS TAKEN TO TONY HYUNDAI IN WAIPIO HAWAII TO BE SERVICED. THE ACTIVE HYDRAULIC BOOSTER WAS FOUND FAULTY AND REPLACED THEY STATED ALL WAS FINE BUT PEDAL WILL STILL TOUCH THE FLOOR AND BRAKE SENSITIVITY IS EXTREMELY HIGH CAUSING FULL ONSET OF BRAKES WHILE DRIVING AT FREEWAY SPEEDS. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD AND HAS NEARLY CAUSE ME TO LOSE CONTROL AT HIGH SPEEDS SEVERAL TIMES. I AM UNABLE TO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE ON THE FREEWAY.
on 06/29/21 10am, I was entering Hwy 287 NO. from Hwy 80's Mawah exit. I accelerated from 50 MPH to 65 MPH, the engine shuts down. I was able to pull over to the shoulder. After a few minutes, I put the car in park and the engine restarted. I drove the car towards the next exit, then the engine shuts off again. I called AAA and I am waiting right now for the car to be towed. This is a very dangerous safety issue.
2014 SONATA LIMITED. HEADLIGHTS FLICKER WHEN USING LEFT BLINKER SIGNAL. SOMETIMES GO OFF BRIEFLY. TRIED DIFFERENT POSITIONS ON MULTI WITCH SEEMS TO BE WORSE ON AUTO. VEHICLE WILL DO IT WHEN STATIONARY AS WELL AS TURNING. RESEARCH THIS AND SEE THIS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM ON HYUNDAI MODELS AS FAR BACK AS 2009. SON HAS A 2013 HAS THE SAME PROBLEM.
DASHBOARD IS CRACKED BEAR AIRBAG ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. AFRAID THAT IT MIGHT BURST. RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM WAS DONE IN 2012 BUT NOW HYUNDAI WILL NOT RECALL. NOT COVERED UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY
THERE IS RECALL 189 ON MY CAR (2014 2.0 TURBO) FOR A POSSIBLE LEAKING FUEL LINE DUE TO HEAT CAUSING CRACKS IN THE FUEL LINE. A "FIX" WAS PERFORMED IN JULY 2020 BY THE DEALERSHIP WHICH SEEMS TO BE WRAPPING THE FUEL LINE FROM WHAT I HAVE LEARNED. I STARTED SMELLING FUEL INTERMITTENTLY N THE FOLLOWING MONTHS,, BUT WASN'T DRIVING MY CAR MUCH SO LET IT SLIDE. ALSO MY FUEL MILEAGE AND PERFORMANCE WAS OFF. I RECENTLY STARTED DRIVING MY CAR MORE AND NOTICED THE SMELL WAS UNBEARABLE AT TIMES. AFTER DRIVING THE CAR I PULLED THE ENGINE COVER OFF AND FOUND FUEL DRIPPING ONTO THE VALVE COVER AND AFTER A FEW MINUTES THE PLASTIC QUICK DISCONNECT FUEL LINE THAT IS PART OF THE RECALL WAS LOOSE (I COULD PUSH IT IN AND OUT ON THE FUEL PUMP CONNECTOR) SINCE IT HAD LOST PRESSURE FROM THE FUEL LEAKING. IT WAS LEAKING BETWEEN THE QUICK DISCONNECT TO THE RUBBER ISOLATOR ON THE LINE (SEE PICS) AND WAS NOT CLEAR WHERE THE LEAK WAS, THOUGH FUEL WAS COVERING THE VALVE COVER TO THE FRONT OF THE CAR ON THE VALVE COVER SO SEEMED LIKE THE CONNECTOR/O RING WAS NOT THE LIKELY CAUSE. THE NEXT MORNING I STARTED THE CAR AND THERE WAS NOT A LEAK WHEN IT WAS COLD (AND THE FUEL LINE WAS PRESSURIZED), BUT AFTER DRIVING IT FOR A FEW MINUTES I CHECKED AND IT WAS DRIPPING FUEL AGAIN. I CONTACTED THE DEALER THAT PERFORMED THE RECALL AND THEY SAID TO BRING IT IN IMMEDIATELY. THEY LOOKED AT IT AND SAID THE LINE WAS BAD, BUT SINCE THE "RECALL FIX" HAD BEEN PERFORMED HYUNDAI CORPORATE WOULD NOT COVER THE FUEL LINE REPLACEMENT. LUCKILY THE DEALER SAID THEY WOULD AND THEY ARE CURRENTLY REPLACING IT. THE "RECALL FIX" THAT WAS PERFORMED WAS OBVIOUSLY INADEQUATE AND COULD HAVE LED TO A FIRE. WHY WASNT THE FUEL LINE JUST REPLACED UNDER THE RECALL ORIGINALLY????
STARTED CAR KNOCKING NOISE SOUNDED LIKE COMING FROM NEAR STEERING WHEEL AFTER FURTHER INVESTIGATION COMING FROM AIR CONDITION. DID IT FOR 15 SECONDS AND THEN STOPPED. IF THE DEFROST IS ON IS WHEN IT MAKES THE KNOCKING NOISE AND THE LEVEL IS ON 3. IT WAS ONLY MAKING THE NOISE WHEN I STARTED THE CAR BUT NOW IF I CHANGE TO THE AC OR HEAT IT STARTS THE KNOCKING NOISE.
I WAS IN MOTION ON A HIGHWAY DOING AND ALL OF A SUDDEN A HYBRID SYSTEM WARNING MESSAGE DISPLAYED READING STOP HYBRID VEHICLE CHECK BRAKE AND GREEN READY LIGHT WAS FLASHING. ATTEMPTING TO PUSH BRAKE PEDALS UNABLE TO INITIALLY STOP BUT THEN CAME TO A SCREECHING HOLT. GRINDING NOISE FROM FRONT BRAKES. VIBRATING SOUND FROM BRAKE LINE .PROBLEM IS PERSISTENT BELIEVE IT MAY BE THE HYDRAULIC POWER UNIT. *TR
WHEN BRAKING AND TURNING, IN FORWARD OR REVERSE, ENGINE INTERMITTENTLY REVS AND PROPELS CAR. THROWING IT INTO PARK SOMEWHAT SLOWS IT DOWN, BUT I HAVE HIT A CAR I REVERSE, AND ALMOST RAN INTO A BUILDING TWO WEEKS AGO - STOPPED BY HEAVY SHRUBS LEAVING THE WHOLE FRONT END WRECKED. MECHANIC AND HYUNDAI HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO REPLICATE, BUT IT HAPPENS ONLY INTERMITTENTLY, MAYBE 6 TIMES IN TWO YEARS. IN PARKING LOTS, DRIVEWAY OR DRIVE THROUGH FOOD WINDOW. *LN*JB
SUN ROOF SHATTERED WHILE DRIVING. NOTHING HIT THE SUNROOF TO CAUSE THIS.
UNKNOWN: EXPERIENCING A GAS LEAK SMELL WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN IDLE MODE. UNKNOWN: EXPERIENCING ROUGH IDLE COMING FROM THE ENGINE THAT'S INTERMITTENT.
THE AC ACTUATOR BLENDER DOOR KEEPS GETTING STUCK AND CAUSES KNOCKING IN MY DASH BOARD EVERY TIME I TURN ON CAR. IT MAKES THE NOISE FOR FEW MINUTES AND THEN STOPS.
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Quick Summary
The 2014 Hyundai Sonata has 32 UNKNOWN OR OTHER complaints on file. 2 crashes have been reported. Review the timeline above for detailed owner experiences.