2014 Hyundai Santa Fe
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2014 models.

- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- Sport AWD 2.4l Premium/2.4l Luxury/2, Sport FWD 2.4l/2.4l Premium/2.0t, Xl FWD 4dr SUV, Xl Premium/Luxury/Limited AWD 4dr Su
- Engines
- 2.4L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.3L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 23 combined · 20 city / 27 hwy
- Length
- 184.6–192.9 in
- Curb weight
- 3,726–4,339 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 7 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
- Many owner complaints634 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 143 for similar models — most often about the engine.
- "Park outside" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 27 similar 2014 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe is a small SUV offered with 3 engines (2.4L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 3.3L 6-cyl) and front-wheel drive, 4-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 185 inches long and 74 inches wide on a 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,863 lb (Sport AWD 2.4l Premium/2.4l Luxury/2).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 23 MPG combined (20 city / 27 highway), 0% better than the 2014 small SUV average of 23.1 MPG, for an estimated $2,900 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 7 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 634 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2014
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2013 Santa Fe — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2013; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2013 Santa Fe →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Built in: Ulsan, South Korea
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2014 Santa Fe configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sport AWD 2.4l Premium/2.4l Luxury/2 | 184.6 in | 74 in | 66.5 in | 106.3 in | 64.2 / 64.6 in | 3,863 lb | 56/44 |
| Sport FWD 2.4l/2.4l Premium/2.0t | 184.6 in | 74 in | 66.5 in | 106.3 in | 64.2 / 64.6 in | 3,726 lb | 56/44 |
| Xl FWD 4dr SUV | 192.9 in | 74.4 in | 66.9 in | 110.2 in | 64.2 / 64.6 in | 3,946 lb | 56/44 |
| Xl Premium/Luxury/Limited AWD 4dr Su | 192.9 in | 74.4 in | 66.9 in | 110.2 in | 64.2 / 64.6 in | 4,339 lb | 56/44 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Fe Sport 2WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 27 / 23 | 0% | $2,900 | 387 |
| Santa Fe Sport 2WD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 26 / 22 | -5% | $3,050 | 403 |
| Santa Fe 2WD | 3.3L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 / 25 / 21 | -9% | $3,200 | 432 |
| Santa Fe Sport 4WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 19 / 25 / 21 | -4% | $3,200 | 415 |
| Santa Fe Sport 4WD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 18 / 24 / 21 | -4% | $3,200 | 427 |
| Santa Fe 4WD | 3.3L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 18 / 24 / 20 | -8% | $3,350 | 444 |
| Santa Fe Ultimate 2WD | 3.3L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 / 23 / 20 | -13% | $3,350 | 452 |
| Santa Fe Ultimate 4WD | 3.3L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 22 / 19 | -13% | $3,550 | 478 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2014 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe.
Similar 2014 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe (this car) | 23 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2014 Toyota RAV4 | 26 MPG | ★★★★★ | 7 |
| 2014 Honda CR-V | 26 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2014 Toyota 4Runner | 19 MPG | ★★★★★ | 7 |
| 2014 Subaru Forester | 27 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2014 Mazda CX-5 | 29 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2014 Toyota Highlander | 28 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
Recalls (7)
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module · Sep 22, 2023 Park outside
NHTSA campaign 23V651000 · 1,649,478 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Elantra, Genesis Coupe, Sonata Hybrid, 2012-2015 Accent, Azera, Veloster, 2013-2015 Elantra Coupe, Santa Fe, 2014-2015 Equus, 2010-2012 Veracruz, 2010-2013 Tucson, 2015 Tucson Fuel Cell, and 2013 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module may leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
- Risk
- An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2024 through October 11, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 251.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module · Apr 28, 2021 Park outside
NHTSA campaign 21V303000 · 151,205 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. Brake fluid may leak inside the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) module, possibly resulting in an electrical short.
- Risk
- An electrical short in the ABS module can increase the risk of an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
- Fix
- Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures as a precaution until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS multi-fuse, and inspect and replace the ABS module, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 25, 2021. Note: This recall includes all vehicles previously recalled under NHTSA recall number 20V-520. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 205.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module · Aug 27, 2020 Park outside
NHTSA campaign 20V520000 · 151,205 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. Brake fluid may leak inside the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) module, possibly resulting in an electrical short.
- Risk
- If the ABS module short circuits, there is an increased risk of an engine compartment fire.
- Fix
- Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ABS module and replace it if necessary, free of charge. Owners are advised to park outside as a precaution until the recall repair is complete. The recall began December 22, 2020. Note: This recall has been superseded by NHTSA Recall 21V-303 and all affected vehicles will now be repaired under 21V-303. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 194.
Engine · Dec 28, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V934000 · 150,730 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Fix
- 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.
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hood › Latch · Jun 5, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V358000 · 437,400 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the secondary hood latch actuating cable may corrode and bind, causing the secondary hood latch to remain in the unlatched position when the hood is closed.
- Risk
- If the hood is not securely closed or the primary latch is inadvertently released and the secondary latch is not engaged, the hood could unexpectedly open while driving, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
- Fix
- Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the secondary latch cable, free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2017. Owner's may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for the recall is 163.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine · Mar 31, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V226000 · 572,000 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Fix
- 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.
Tires › Sidewall · Dec 16, 2013
NHTSA campaign 13V624000 · 28 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai is recalling certain model year 2014 Santa Fe vehicles manufactured November 5, 2013, through November 15, 2013, and equipped with P235/65R17 103T Continental Crosscontact LX tires. The tires may have a damaged sidewall.
- Risk
- The damaged sidewall may result in a separation between the belt edges which could cause tread detachment or rapid air loss, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Hyundai notified dealers to suspend sales of affected Santa Fe Sport vehicles equipped with the P235/65R17 103T tires, and replace them with alternative tires. All affected vehicles were remedied prior to retail sale. Owners may contact Hyundai Customer Care Center at 1-800-633-5151.
Not every 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 7 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Safety-critical recall. At least one recall carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Do not buy until the VIN shows it was repaired.
- Engine — 364 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Electrical System — 68 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Steering — 49 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 66,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Santa Fe years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Santa Fe | 36 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 Santa Fe | 36 | 190.2 in | Not rated | 4 | 58 |
| 2025 Santa Fe | 36 | 190.2 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 240 |
| 2024 Santa Fe | 36 | 190.2 in | ★★★★★ | 7 | 191 |
| 2023 Santa Fe | 34 | 188.6 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 291 |
| 2022 Santa Fe | 34 | 188.6 in | ★★★★★ | 8 | 265 |
| 2021 Santa Fe | 34 | 188.6 in | ★★★★★ | 8 | 187 |
| 2020 Santa Fe | 25 | 187.8 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 218 |
| 2019 Santa Fe | 25 | 187.8 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 229 |
| 2018 Santa Fe | 24 | 184.6 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 432 |
| 2017 Santa Fe | 24 | 184.6 in | Not rated | 7 | 1,327 |
| 2016 Santa Fe | 23 | 184.6 in | Not rated | 3 | 306 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Hyundai. How we calculate this →