IllustrationThe constant-velocity joint on the driver's side tends to vibrate, and at certain speeds there is play in the steering. Sometimes the handbrake doesn't work properly, and the right-side brake light doesn't work even after replacing the bulbs.
2014 Hyundai Elantra
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most Elantra years
Owner complaints for the 2014 Hyundai Elantra are substantially higher than the model-year median of 182.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Elantra years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
630–25K
3225–50K
3850–75K
3275–100K
39100–150K
9150K+
213 reports with mileage · 169 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Engine. Review the 163 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Electrical System. Review the 47 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 45 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
35 crash reports15 fire reports22 injury reports
Wheels complaints
8 reportsAT 8AM COMING BACK FROM KINSTONE NC DRIVING ON HEY 70 AT 60MPH SECOND LANE MY 2014 HYUNDAI ELANTRA SUDDENLY BRAKED ON ME. CAR STARTED SLIDING FROM ONE SIDE TO ANOTHER SPIN AROUND TWICE BEFORE WENT DOWN HILL.
MORE OFTEN THAN NOT, THE STEERING WHEEL WILL VIRTUALLY LOCK, ONLY ALLOWING ME TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL 2 INCHES, WITH INCREASING DIFFICULTY AFTER THAT RANGE IN EITHER DIRECTION. MAKING SHARPER TURNS LITERALLY IMPOSSIBLE WITHOUT HAVING TO HARSHLY TUG THE WHEEL ONLY EFFECTIVELY MOVING THE STEERING WHEEL ANOTHER 1-2INCHES WITH EA…
Read full complaint
MORE OFTEN THAN NOT, THE STEERING WHEEL WILL VIRTUALLY LOCK, ONLY ALLOWING ME TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL 2 INCHES, WITH INCREASING DIFFICULTY AFTER THAT RANGE IN EITHER DIRECTION. MAKING SHARPER TURNS LITERALLY IMPOSSIBLE WITHOUT HAVING TO HARSHLY TUG THE WHEEL ONLY EFFECTIVELY MOVING THE STEERING WHEEL ANOTHER 1-2INCHES WITH EACH TUG. THIS GOES AWAY WHEN TURNING OFF AND ON THE VEHICLE, AND HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR OVER A YEAR NOW. THE POWER STEERING LIGHT AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT BOTH COME ON AS SOON AS IT HAPPENS SEEMINGLY OUT OF NOWHERE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR TIRES BLEW OUT WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT EQUIPPED WITH A SPARE TIRE. THE CONTACT WAS UNCERTAIN IF A DEALER WAS CONTACTED. THE CONTACT NOTIFIED THE MANUFACTURER ONLINE REGARDING THE LACK OF A SPARE TIRE, BUT HAD NOT RE…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR TIRES BLEW OUT WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT EQUIPPED WITH A SPARE TIRE. THE CONTACT WAS UNCERTAIN IF A DEALER WAS CONTACTED. THE CONTACT NOTIFIED THE MANUFACTURER ONLINE REGARDING THE LACK OF A SPARE TIRE, BUT HAD NOT RECEIVED A RESPONSE. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER PER THE INSTRUCTIONS IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL AND STILL DID NOT RECEIVE ASSISTANCE. AAA WAS ABLE TO TOW THE VEHICLE AND ASSISTED WITH THE BLOWOUT FAILURE. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE NOT AVAILABLE.
MY 2014 HYUNDAI ELANTRA HAS NUMEROUS ISSUES. THE CAR FEELS UNSAFE WHEN DRIVING DOWN INTERSTATE WHEN A VERY SMALL FLAW MAKES IT SEEM YOU ARE LOSING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. IT FEELS AS IF THE BACK END IS COMING AROUND AS IF IT IS GOING TO DO A 360 IN THE ROAD. IT ALSO HAS A FEELING IN THE STEERING WHEEL THAT IT WANTS TO LOCK UP AN…
Read full complaint
MY 2014 HYUNDAI ELANTRA HAS NUMEROUS ISSUES. THE CAR FEELS UNSAFE WHEN DRIVING DOWN INTERSTATE WHEN A VERY SMALL FLAW MAKES IT SEEM YOU ARE LOSING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. IT FEELS AS IF THE BACK END IS COMING AROUND AS IF IT IS GOING TO DO A 360 IN THE ROAD. IT ALSO HAS A FEELING IN THE STEERING WHEEL THAT IT WANTS TO LOCK UP AND HAVE TO APPLY MORE PRESSURE TO WHEEL AND IT FINALLY BREAKS LOOSE BUT FEELS UNCOMFORTABLE AS IF YOU ARE GOING INTO OTHER LANES. IT DOES THIS IN EITHER DIRECTION. SOMETIMES I FEEL THE STEERING IS LOCKING UP AND COULD CAUSE A MAJOR ACCIDENT. THERE HAVE BEEN MANY DIFFERENT REPORTS OF THESE SAME ISSUES AND APPARENTLY HYUNDAI CHARGES OUTRAGEOUS PRICES JUST TO TELL YOU NOTHING IS WRONG. THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THESE CARS AND REALLY NEEDS ATTENTION BEFORE SOMEONE IS KILLED.
THE HANKOOK H426 TIRES ON THIS CAR ARE EXTREMELY VULNERABLE TO DESTRUCTION CAUSED BY MINOR ROAD HAZARDS SUCH AS STONES AND SHALLOW POTHOLES OR RIDGING IN THE ROADWAY, EVEN WHEN STRUCK AT SPEEDS BELOW 30 MPH. I PURCHASED THIS CAR IN MARCH OF 2014 AND HAVE SINCE REPLACED 6 TIRES AT FULL COST. THE LAST INCIDENT OCCURRED ON 1/22/201…
Read full complaint
THE HANKOOK H426 TIRES ON THIS CAR ARE EXTREMELY VULNERABLE TO DESTRUCTION CAUSED BY MINOR ROAD HAZARDS SUCH AS STONES AND SHALLOW POTHOLES OR RIDGING IN THE ROADWAY, EVEN WHEN STRUCK AT SPEEDS BELOW 30 MPH. I PURCHASED THIS CAR IN MARCH OF 2014 AND HAVE SINCE REPLACED 6 TIRES AT FULL COST. THE LAST INCIDENT OCCURRED ON 1/22/2016 WHILE DRIVING ON A SNOW COVERED ROAD AT LOW SPEED. IN EVERY CASE, THE SIDEWALL OF THE TIRE APPEARED TO BE GASHED. MY WIFE IS THE PRIMARY DRIVER OF THIS CAR AND USES IT FOR WORK PURPOSES. I FEAR FOR HER SAFETY WHENEVER SHE DRIVES THIS CAR.
NOTICED A ODD NOISE COMING FROM MY LEFT DRIVERS SIDE TIRE WHEN MAKING A RIGHT TURN. TOOK IT TOO A MECHANIC. LEFT FRONT WHEEL BEARING WAS SEVERELY DAMAGED. HAD TO REPLACE LEFT FRONT WHEEL BEARING AT 41,000 MILES. THIS CAR HAS NOT DRIVEN ON BUMPY ROADS OR ANY ACCIDENTS.
I GOT THIS AS A RENTAL CAR AND AM AFRAID TO DRIVE IT. EVERY TIME I GO OVER A POTHOLE, I FEEL LIKE I LOSE CONTROL OF THE CAR. I'VE NEVER HAD A CAR FEEL LIKE THIS AND IT JUST FEELS DANGEROUS. *TR
Official recalls
223V651000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module
Sep 22, 2023
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Elantra, Genesis Coupe, Sonata Hybrid, 2012-2015 Accent, Azera, Veloster, 2013-2015 Elantra Coupe, Santa Fe, 2014-2015 Equus, 2010-2012 Veracruz, 2010-2013 Tucson, 2015 Tucson Fuel Cell, and 2013 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module may leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2024 through October 11, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 251.
17V769000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:pedals And Linkages
Nov 30, 2017
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Elantra sedan, coupe and GT vehicles. The brake pedal stopper pad can deteriorate allowing the brake light switch plunger to remain extended when the brake pedal is released. This will allow the brake lights to remain illuminated continuously. It can also allow the shift lever to be moved without depressing the brake pedal, or activate the engine management brake pedal override feature.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the brake light switch plunger does not retract as it should when the brake pedal is not being pressed, the brake lights may stay illuminated preventing accurate communication to following vehicles that the vehicle is slowing or stopping. Additionally, if the brake switch plunger is not retracted, then the transmission can be shifted out of PARK without depressing the brake pedal. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake pedal stopper pad, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 8, 2018. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 170. This campaign expands recall 16V574.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
2AQ23002 · Hyundai And Kia Abs Module Fires
Opened Nov 17, 2023 · No close date supplied
Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando. The Part 573 Recall Reports contain varying defect descriptions and differing remedy descriptions for the same or similar equipment supplied by Mando. Safety recalls included in this Audit Query (AQ) review include: Hyundai recalls 20V-520, 20V-543, 21V-161, 21V-160, 21V-303, 22V-056, 22V-810, and 23V-651. Kia recalls 16V-815, 20V-518, 20V-519, 21V-137, 21V-331, 22V-051, 22V-800, and 23V-652 The purpose of this AQ is to evaluate the timeliness and scoping of Hyundai and Kia’s defect decision making and adherence with reporting requirements; and understand the varying defect descriptions and remedies between these recalls.
DP21003 · Throttle Control System Vulnerabilities
Opened Nov 12, 2021 · Closed Jun 20, 2023
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:throttle
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a petition letter dated October 10, 2021, requesting an investigation of possible defects in the electronic throttle control (ETC) system on certain Kia vehicles resulting in the opening of DP21-003. Accordingly, Model Year (MY) 2005-2016 Kia Optima/K5, MY 2006-2015 Kia Sorento, MY 2007-2016 Hyundai Elantra, MY 2007-2016 Hyundai Santa Fe, MY 2006-2015 Hyundai Sonatas are all part of the subject population. The petition was originally filed as a Vehicle Owner Questionnaire that can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under reference (ODI) number 11439675.On November 12, 2021, ODI opened Defect Petition DP21-003 to evaluate the petitioner?s request. ODI performed trend analyses of the VOQs related to vehicle speed control issues for all the subject vehicles and found that none of the 52 Model/Model Year Hyundai/Kia vehicles demonstrated any actionable trend that warranted an investigation.Petitioners submitted 1119 VOQs and non-VOQ cases in which sudden uncommanded acceleration (SUA) or loss of motive power (LOMP) incidents were alleged.For the 1119 reports, 220 were incidents involving crashes, from which 69 subject Hyundai-Kia vehicles were inspected by Hyundai/Kia dealer technicians, Hyundai/Kia engineers, and/or third-party representatives.ODI found the inspections identified no vehicle defects related to the ETC system.Of the 220 crash-involved reports, 13 Event Data Recorder (EDR) records were downloaded successfully and 11 of those indicated driver error: (i.e.) pedal misapplication.A condition where the accelerator pedal is mistakenly applied instead of the brake pedal when the driver wants to stop the vehicle.In addition, ODI reviewed a scientific journal paper published in Forensic Science International in 2016 by Mr. Park et al ., as well as related test videos. ODI does not believe there is any evidence of uncontrollable SUA occurrences in any of the tests reviewed. NHTSA's Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance (OVSC) reviewed the allegations regarding the potential noncompliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 124.Based on the information provided, the Agency concludes there is insufficient information for us to determine if a possible non-compliance exists.Finally, both Hyundai and Kia informed ODI that all their vehicles manufactured after 2012 were equipped with an ETC management system, in which the engine speed will go to idle when the system sees signals from both the brake pedal and accelerator pedal at the same time; this is commonly known as the brake-throttle override system.After thoroughly assessing the material submitted by the petitioner, information already in NHTSA's possession, information submitted by Hyundai and Kia in response to an Information Request letter, and the potential risks to safety implicated by the petitioner's allegation, NHTSA does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. After full consideration of appropriate factors, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA?s reasons for denial of the petition will be published.