This TSB provides a procedure to diagnose and replace, if necessary, an automatic transmission with Incorrect Ratio DTC (transmission clutch slip in gear above limit) listed on Page 2.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport powertrain problems
severe 13 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
13
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
1fire
When does it fail?
Of the 13 powertrain complaints filed for the 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Among the 6 model years of Hyundai Santa Fe Sport in our records for powertrain problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 8 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Hyundai has launched an anti-theft software upgrade and window decal campaign (Campaign 993), combined with an anti-theft steering wheel lock campaign (Campaign P32), in response to an increase in thefts of certain 2011-2022MY Hyundai vehicles not equipped with engine immobilizers targeted through social media. For certain vehicles that cannot be updated with the software (Campaign 993), Hyundai is offering customers steering wheel locks at the dealer (Campaign P32). This Dealer Best Practices Guide provides information to assist dealership personnel with customer questions relating to the immobilizer software upgrade, window decals and steering wheel lock ant-theft solutions available from
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗If you are servicing an applicable vehicle with the following symptoms and DTC, follow the Service Procedure on Page 4. ï· Check Engine light on ï· DTC P0880/P088000 - TCM Power signal error open/short ï· Transmission stuck in 4th gear fail-safe ï· Harsh shift into Reverse and Drive
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗The automatic transmission warranty repair policy authorizes in-dealership repairs of the following components for both OEM (new) and remanufactured automatic transmissions:
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗If you are servicing an applicable vehicle with a âCheck Engineâ light on and one or more of the DTC listed below, follow the repair procedure and replace the related solenoid and oil pressure harness.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of the 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport report a cascade of powertrain failures, often beginning with engine knock codes that trigger recall service. One owner's vehicle stalled at 22,800 miles with a clicking noise; the dealership replaced the turbo, but the problem recurred within days, forcing an engine replacement and eventually revealing a cracked transmission. Another owner's engine seized without warning five months after purchase despite the vehicle being subject to Recall 17V-226 (bearing wear from oil starvation). That recall was closed with inspection only, not engine replacement—the bearing failure that followed proved the inspection remedy ineffective.
Engine replacements under recall have not resolved the underlying issues. One owner reports the vehicle losing power intermittently on interstate highways after engine replacement, with the tachometer reading 7000 RPM while the car crawls at 20 MPH. Another describes a knock sensor harness failure occurring one week after recall service. A third owner's vehicle lost power during acceleration after a software update and exhibits a connecting rod defect the dealership attributes to software, not hardware.
Oil consumption is a recurring complaint: one owner found only one quart in the engine at 76,000 miles despite recent service; the dealership found no failure and refused to diagnose it. Dealerships consistently claim consequential damage or maintenance neglect to avoid warranty coverage, and Hyundai has denied lifetime warranty extension benefits. Owners report feeling unsafe driving these vehicles, particularly on highways, but repair attempts have been incomplete or refused.
Same Hyundai Santa Fe Sport powertrain reports on nearby years: 2013 · 2017
Failure modes owners describe
Knock Sensor and ECM Malfunction
ECM light comes on after engine recall service, causing severe drivability issues—lunging, lurching, inability to accelerate above 60 MPH, and shuddering on stops. Owner reported dealership knew the problem and ordered a knock sensor harness.
When: Within one week of recall service
Symptoms owners cite: ECM light illumination; lunging and lurching forward; inability to accelerate past 60 MPH; engine shuddering on stop and slow-speed driving; loss of power
Codes mentioned: ECM-related code (owner mentioned knock sensor issue)
Repairs/costs cited: Knock sensor harness ordered by dealership
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Two recalls were completed before this failure
Engine Bearing Failure from Oil Starvation
Engine seized suddenly without warning. Vehicle was subject to Recall 17V-226 (Campaign 162), which addresses bearing wear from restricted oil flow. The recall remedy consisted of inspection only; no engine replacement was performed. Hyundai declined coverage, citing sludge and maintenance neglect despite an oil change performed at the dealership shortly after purchase.
When: 5 months after purchase (owner stated); bearing failure follows ineffective recall inspection
Symptoms owners cite: engine seizure; loss of power while driving; inability to restart
Codes mentioned: Recall 17V-226 bearing wear condition
Repairs/costs cited: Engine seized and would not restart; unrepaired at time of complaint
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 17V-226 inspection completed (inspection only, no replacement); Hyundai refused repair, claiming sludge and maintenance neglect; denied lifetime warranty extension (TXXI) coverage for subsequent owner
Turbo Failure and Secondary Engine/Transmission Damage
Engine made clicking noises and stalled at low mileage. Turbo assembly was replaced. Within days, clicking restarted along with unintended acceleration. Engine replacement followed due to detected damage. After replacement, oil leaks appeared, and cracked transmission assembly was subsequently discovered. One narrative describes turbo failure after engine replacement that caused secondary high-pressure fuel line and turbo failures, with white and black smoke emission.
When: First incident around 22,800 miles; recurrence after turbo replacement; additional failures discovered post-engine replacement; second narrative describes turbo failure after engine replacement
Symptoms owners cite: clicking noises in engine; stalling while driving; unintended acceleration when foot not on brake; oil dripping from vehicle; white and black smoke emission; turbo failure
Codes mentioned: Defective turbo assembly diagnosis
Repairs/costs cited: Turbo assembly replaced; engine replacement performed; transmission assembly identified as cracked and requiring replacement; high-pressure fuel line failure noted in second narrative; dealership partially refused full repair coverage, offering only 15% discount
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership repairs attempted; Hyundai refusing full cost coverage for subsequent failures, claiming they are consequential damage from engine failure; offering only partial discount
Excessive Oil Consumption
Vehicle illuminated low oil warning light and showed slight hesitation during gear shifting. Upon oil change, only one quart was found in the engine. Certified mechanic confirmed excessive oil consumption. Dealership inspection found no failure and refused to diagnose or repair.
When: At approximately 76,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: low oil warning light; hesitation while shifting gears; excessive oil depletion (only 1 quart present)
Repairs/costs cited: No repair performed; dealership ordered another oil change despite recent service
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer and dealership refused to cover costs; no diagnosis provided
Loss of Power and Limp Mode After Engine Recall
Vehicle lost all power while accelerating to enter interstate highway, occurring shortly after software update at dealership. Owner reports Hyundai is aware of the issue. Vehicle entered limp mode with loud knocking and blinking CEL. Owner states the problem is a connecting rod defect, not a software issue, and the vehicle should not be on the road.
When: After software update; loss of power event post-recall service
Symptoms owners cite: sudden loss of power during acceleration; limp mode activation; loud knocking sound; blinking CEL (check engine light); reduced power output despite high RPM (7000 RPM at 20 MPH)
Codes mentioned: P1326 (knock/detonation detection)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership unable to schedule repair immediately; owner claims connecting rod defect requires repair, not software adjustment
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Hyundai aware of the issue per owner report; software update was performed
Intermittent Power Loss and Tachometer Mismatch Post-Engine Replacement
After engine replacement under recall for engine failure, vehicle intermittently loses power without notice. Tachometer shows 7000 RPM but vehicle only travels at 20 MPH with accelerator fully depressed. Loss of power occurs unexpectedly and repeatedly, forcing driver to pull over, shut off engine, and restart. Vehicle operates normally between episodes.
When: Intermittent occurrence post-engine replacement under recall
Symptoms owners cite: intermittent loss of power; no warning before power loss; tachometer/speed mismatch (7000 RPM @ 20 MPH); power loss on interstate highways; power returns after shutdown and restart
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership replaced several components but has not corrected the problem; repairs ongoing
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall performed (engine replacement); dealership unable to resolve intermittent power loss despite multiple repair attempts
Synthesized from 13 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
Engine started to make clicks and car immediately stalled getting off the freeway. Had to be stopped, parked before I regained engine power. This happened around 22,800 miles. Happened again on the way to dealer and with dealer service staff. Diagnosed as defective turbo assembly that was replaced. Shortly after I picked the car from the shop, I noticed same clicking noise again and car also…
Engine started to make clicks and car immediately stalled getting off the freeway. Had to be stopped, parked before I regained engine power. This happened around 22,800 miles. Happened again on the way to dealer and with dealer service staff. Diagnosed as defective turbo assembly that was replaced. Shortly after I picked the car from the shop, I noticed same clicking noise again and car also…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport?
It's a meaningful issue. 13 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 8 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 22,900 and 76,000 miles, with the median around 52,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 22,900; a quarter make it past 76,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2014/Hyundai/Santa Fe Sport.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.