Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2014 Hyundai Santa FE
The 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe has a considerable number of owner complaints, particularly related to engine issues. There are three recalls, addressing concerns with the ABS module, hood latch, and tire sidewalls. Exercise caution when purchasing due to the high number of engine complaints, but other potential issues lack sufficient data for general conclusions.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2014 Hyundai Santa FE has 3 NHTSA recall campaigns and 493 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #23V651000 ABS Unit May Cause Engine Compartment Fire NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #17V358000 Secondary Hood Latch may Bind and not Latch NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #13V624000 Damaged Tire Sidewall may cause Rapid Air Loss NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Engine 274 complaints
- Steering 52 complaints
- Electrical System 49 complaints
- Unknown or Other 40 complaints
- Power Train 36 complaints
- Service Brakes 32 complaints
Of the 493 complaints on file, 16 report a crash and 30 a fire; across all 493 complaints, owners report 20 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
High complaint volume
How to check: Listen for unusual noises, check for leaks.
ABS module fluid leak
How to check: Look for ABS warning light during test drive.
Secondary hood latch corrosion
How to check: Ensure hood latches securely upon closing.
Tire sidewall damage
How to check: Inspect tires for visible sidewall damage.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for abnormal engine noise.
Red flag: Knocking or loud ticking sound
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Check for dashboard warning lights.
Red flag: ABS or check engine light on
- 03
City driving
What to check: Observe for consistent steering performance.
Red flag: Steering feels loose or wobbly
- 04
Hard braking
What to check: Ensure no pulling or vibration.
Red flag: Car pulls to one side
- 05
Highway acceleration
What to check: Check if acceleration is smooth.
Red flag: Hesitation or jerking motion
- 06
Cruise at high speed
What to check: Listen for unusual transmission noise.
Red flag: Whining or grinding sound
- 07
Stop and reverse
What to check: Smooth transition into reverse.
Red flag: Clunking or delay when reversing
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the ABS module been repaired?
- Are there any engine-related issues?
- Has the hood latch been inspected?
- Have the tire sidewalls been replaced?
- Can I see the recall repair history?
- How often has the vehicle been serviced?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Service records
- Recall repairs document
- Title history
- Accident report
- Tire replacement receipts
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2014 Hyundai Santa FE at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2014 Hyundai Santa FE? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.