YearToAvoid

2014 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Good

Complaint Index

36/100

#10 most-complained of 15 Sonata Hybrid years

The 2014 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid has 27 NHTSA complaints and a complaint index of 36, ranking 10th worst out of 15 model years with a "Good" verdict. Engine issues lead at 44% of complaints, followed by brakes and electrical at 41% each, with 3 recalls on file.

Complaints
27
Recalls
3
Crashes / fires
3 / 1
Injuries / deaths
3 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
5 / 5 ★
EPA combined MPG
37
35 city / 38 hwy

Top 2014 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid problems

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

  1. Engine12 (44%)
  2. Brakes11 (41%)
  3. Electrical System11 (41%)
  4. Seat Belts2 (7%)
  5. Fuel System1 (4%)
  6. Other1 (4%)
  7. Steering1 (4%)
  8. Transmission & Powertrain1 (4%)

What owners report

  • Owners report the hybrid system shutting down unexpectedly while driving, sometimes on the interstate in heavy traffic, followed by the engine light coming on.
  • Some describe delayed brake response, including one case where the brake warning light illuminated shortly after purchase.
  • Others note a grinding or grumbling noise when brakes are applied firmly, even though braking feel and performance seem otherwise normal.
  • Several owners report the engine failing to start despite lights and radio working, with dealers unable to diagnose the cause and sometimes recommending a battery replacement.
  • One owner reported a fire that started overnight in a parked vehicle, resulting in total loss of the car and the home.
  • A separate owner reported the engine oil drain bolt washer cracked, draining oil without triggering the oil warning light.
2014 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid complaints: complaints filed per month5Aug 2014May 2015Sep 2017Dec 2018Mar 2019Nov 2023Mar 2024Jan 2026
40 complaints filed with NHTSA from Aug 2014 to Jan 2026; peak Sep 2017 (5).

2014 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid recalls

3 NHTSA recall campaigns 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.

  2. NHTSA 17V617000Oct 4, 2017Seat Belts443,545 vehicles

    Seat belts:pretensioner

    Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Sonata and 2011-2015 Sonata Hybrid vehicles previously repaired under recall campaign 17V-152. The seat belt linkages for both front seat belts may detach from the seat belt anchor pretensioners.

    Risk: If the seat belt linkage detaches from the seat belt anchorage, it can not properly restrain the occupant in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

    Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will again verify the connection between the seat belt linkage and the pretensioner and additionally install a warning label to prevent future seat belt linkage detachment, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 169.

  3. NHTSA 17V152000Mar 8, 2017Seat Belts977,778 vehicles

    Seat belts:front:anchorage

    Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Sonata and 2011-2015 Sonata Hybrid vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the seat belt linkages for both front seat belts may detach from the seat belt anchor pretensioners.

    Risk: In the event of a crash, if the seat belts detach from the anchor pretensioners, it can increase the risk of injury.

    Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners and dealers will inspect the connection between the seat belt linkages and the seat belt anchor pretensioners, repairing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 7, 2017. Owner's may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for the recall is 160.

2014 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid fuel economy and fuel cost

City
35 MPG
Highway
38 MPG
Combined
37 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$1,750
15,000 mi/yr
Fuel
Regular
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 Sonata Hybrid years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)0255075100’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24’25
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2012Avoid93154636
2013Avoid100108437
2014Good3627337
2015Caution6453437
2016Avoid86132540.5

All Hyundai Sonata Hybrid years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2014 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid reliable?
NHTSA data gives the 2014 Sonata Hybrid a complaint index of 36 and a "Good" verdict, ranking 10th worst among 15 model years of the Sonata Hybrid. It has fewer reported problems than most other Sonata Hybrid years.
What are the most common problems with the 2014 Sonata Hybrid?
Engine complaints make up 44% of all reports, brakes and electrical system issues each account for 41%. The median mileage at failure for engine and brake complaints is 79,684 miles.
Does the 2014 Sonata Hybrid have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2014 Sonata Hybrid, covering brakes and seat belts. None of these recalls are classified as do-not-drive.
How does the 2014 Sonata Hybrid compare to other years?
With a complaint index of 36 and 27 complaints, 2014 ranks better than 2011 through 2013 and 2016, which are rated "Avoid," but not as clean as 2018, 2020, or 2024, which rank "Best."
What is the fuel economy of the 2014 Sonata Hybrid?
EPA rates the 2014 Sonata Hybrid at 37 mpg combined (35 city / 38 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $1,750.

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.