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Transmission and drivetrainPart report

2014 Hyundai Santa FE Transmission and drivetrain Problems

Complaints
36about this part
Share
7%of 493 total for the year
Median mileage
40,000miles
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 36 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2014 Hyundai Santa FE, 7% of the 493 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 40,000 miles. 4 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“Automatic gear not shifting properly when accelerating after coming to a complete loss stop. I had the same problem last year 2019 in the month of february. I took it to the Hyundai on jefferson ave ( newport news / virginia). They found that it was an engine default for most of the 2014 model. The engine was replaced and not even a year I had the same problem again.”

NHTSA complaint #11299160, filed 2020-01, 86,400 miles

“While driving at 60 MPH the vehicle lost rpms and the ability to accelerate. I pulled over safely to the side of the road and called Hyundai roadside assistance. Roadside assistance could not validate my location. I attempted to drive to the next town but rpms stayed from 1000-2000 and I was unable to go over 25 MPH.”

NHTSA complaint #10748014, filed 2015-08, 22,072 miles

“This is a transmission problem shifting 1-2nd gear, as we slow down to enter our garage and wait for door to open, the car lurches forward with huge amount of force, almost as if we are hit from behind, then it goes into gear and proceeds. Happens almost every day now. I read many consumer blogs saying this is an issue for the Santa Fe models. Definitely a transmission issue.”

NHTSA complaint #10629978, filed 2014-09, 200 miles

“11/21/2020 around 12 pm we were pulling out on to the highway in heavy saturday traffic in between roswell and norcross. As we were accelerating to get onto the road the engine seized and we couldn't get the car to respond. The pedal was being pushed to the floor and the car wouldn't respond. There were no dashboard warning lights or any loud engine noises to say there was an issue. No smoke or steam. We were able to direct the car onto a side street but the car stopped in the middle of the side street. …”

NHTSA complaint #11377805, filed 2020-12, 113,000 miles

“There is a significant leap or jerk when it shifts from 1st to 2nd gear. Seems to happen when the car is cold. I have taken it to the local Hyundai dealership that claimed it didn't do it when they drove it. After picking it up from them, the car ran beautifully for about two weeks. They don't claim to have done anything but from I can find out about this problem is that they reset the computer but it doesn't fix anything. This is a safety hazard. The car jerks violently when starting off at a stop light and jerks violently when it comes to a stop as downshifts. …”

NHTSA complaint #11384274, filed 2020-12, 85,000 miles

Related service bulletins

Transmission and drivetrain: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202638%
20252216%
20244529%
20234521%
20225728%
20215130%
20202612%
20193718%
2018109%
201716617%
2016219%
2015229%
2014367%
2013529%
2012247%
20112112%
201010942%
2009247%
2008244%
2007315%
200655%
2005115%
2004217%
20033511%
2002138%
20012311%

Other parts of the 2014 Hyundai Santa FE

Engine
274 complaints
Brakes
58 complaints
Steering
52 complaints
Electrical system
49 complaints
Other or unknown
41 complaints
Fuel system
32 complaints
Vehicle speed control
27 complaints
Body and structure
20 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
15 complaints
Air bags
13 complaints
Electronic stability control
11 complaints
Exterior lighting
11 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2014 Hyundai Santa FE

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology