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2014 Hyundai Santa Fe problems

A 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe is now 12 years old, so an average example has covered around 162,000 miles. An early car in the generation · most of the launch teething issues were still being worked through, so recall completion and dealer rectification history matter. Check the state safety inspection and service history alongside the documented faults below, which are sorted by whether a 2014 car has usually reached the mileage where they appear.

Compiled & reviewed by the VehicleFaults Research Team

Quick answer

The 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe is 12 years old, so an average example has covered roughly 162,000 miles. At that mileage 3 of the documented faults are already due, so check those first.

Faults a 2014 example has usually reached

Documented onset mileage is at or below the ~162k miles an average 2014 car has covered.

EngineCritical

Theta II 2.0T/2.4 GDI rod-bearing failure / seizure.

Typically appears
70,000+ miles
What to inspect
Listen for engine knock and confirm any engine replacement or recall/warranty work.
EngineHigh

Oil consumption on GDI engines.

Typically appears
70,000+ miles
What to inspect
Check oil level and consumption history.
BrakesMedium

Brake wear and ABS faults.

Typically appears
60,000+ miles
What to inspect
Test braking and scan for ABS codes.

Faults that appear at any mileage

Age, electronics and build-related issues that are not mileage-driven.

BodyLow

Panoramic roof rattles / leaks.

Typically appears
Age-related
What to inspect
Test the roof and check for stains.

Inspecting a 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe?

Generate a tickable pre-purchase checklist for this exact year, mileage and variant · add photos and notes as you inspect.

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Hyundai Santa Fe · frequently asked questions

Is the Santa Fe reliable?

Value-oriented, but the Theta II engine failure risk is significant — check history.

What is the Theta II engine problem?

GDI rod bearings can fail and seize the engine; many were replaced under warranty.

Is there an engine warranty?

Extended powertrain warranties applied to many affected engines; confirm coverage.

Other Santa Fe model years