YearToAvoid

2014 Hyundai Equus Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Avoid

Complaint Index

80/100

#2 most-complained of 6 Equus years

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

The 2014 Hyundai Equus ranks 2nd worst out of 6 model years, with a complaint index of 80 and 36 complaints, mostly tied to Structure & Body and Electrical System issues. It carries 1 recall and is rated Avoid relative to other Equus years.

Complaints
36
Recalls
1
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
18
15 city / 23 hwy

Top 2014 Hyundai Equus problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Structure & Body10 (28%)
  2. Electrical System9 (25%)
  3. Suspension, Wheels & Tires8 (22%)
  4. Brakes7 (19%)
  5. Other6 (17%)
  6. Engine5 (14%)
  7. Steering3 (8%)
  8. Fuel System2 (6%)
  9. Transmission & Powertrain2 (6%)
  10. Airbags1 (3%)

What owners report

  • Front passenger seat can collapse forward when the rear seat's recline button is pushed, pinning the occupant.
  • Rear seat flip-up armrest hinges, made of plastic, have broken and left the storage compartment uncovered.
  • Engine has failed around lower mileage due to reported sludge build-up, preceded by a knocking noise with no warning light.
  • Headlights intermittently go completely dark for a few seconds while driving at night.
  • Engine has revved past 5,000 RPM on startup in wet conditions and displayed a 'service engine immediately, vehicle speed limited' message while still accelerating.
  • Front struts have failed while driving, letting tires rub against the fender and lowering the car enough to damage the front end.
2014 Hyundai Equus complaints: complaints filed per month4Feb 2014Jul 2018Oct 2019Jul 2021Aug 2022Sep 2023Mar 2024Jun 2025
53 complaints filed with NHTSA from Feb 2014 to Jun 2026; peak Feb 2024 (4).

2014 Hyundai Equus recalls

1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 23V651000Sep 22, 2023Brakes1,649,478 vehiclesPark Outside

    Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/module

    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.

    Risk: 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.

2014 Hyundai Equus fuel economy and fuel cost

City
15 MPG
Highway
23 MPG
Combined
18 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$4,450
15,000 mi/yr
Fuel
Premium
Current regular gas
$4.32/gal
national avg.

EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.

2014 compared with other Equus years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)0255075100201120122013201420152016
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2012Caution608118
2013Good4010118
2014Avoid8036118
2015Best209118
2016Best09018

All Hyundai Equus years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2014 Hyundai Equus reliable?
Compared with other Equus model years, the 2014 ranks 2nd worst out of 6, with a complaint index of 80 and 36 NHTSA complaints, so NHTSA data marks it as an Avoid year relative to the rest of the lineup.
What are the most common problems with the 2014 Hyundai Equus?
Structure & Body complaints lead at 28% of the 36 total, followed by Electrical System at 25% and Suspension, Wheels & Tires at 22%. Median mileage at failure for Structure & Body issues was 46,798 miles.
Does the 2014 Hyundai Equus have any recalls?
Yes, NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2014 Equus, covering a brake-related issue that advises owners to park outside and away from structures until repaired.
How does the 2014 Equus compare to other years?
The 2014 has a complaint index of 80, worse than 2012 (40), 2013 (60), 2015 (20), and 2016 (0), and is second only to 2011 (100) for the most reported problems.
What is the fuel economy of the 2014 Hyundai Equus?
EPA rates the 2014 Equus at 18 mpg combined (15 city / 23 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,450.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.