ALL WHEEL DRIVE SYSTEM DOES NOT ENGAGE. WAS TOLD BY HYUNDAI SERVICE TEAM THAT THIS IS A RECURRING PROBLEM IN THE SANTA FE AND A VERY EXPENSIVE FIX. I MYSELF HAVE SEEN HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE WITH THIS ISSUE ON VARIOUS FORUMS. CAR ONLY HAS 123,000 MILES AS OF 12/21/2020
2014 hyundai Santa Fe powertrain problems
severe 35 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500
Complaints
35
Recalls
0
Crashes
4
Avg fix
$2,500
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
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 BU…
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2014 hyundai Santa Fe?
It's a meaningful issue. 35 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?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
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.
Other problem areas on this vehicle
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. 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.
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