YearToAvoid

2014 Hyundai Tucson Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Best

Complaint Index

20/100

#13 most-complained of 16 Tucson years

The 2014 Hyundai Tucson ranks 13th out of 16 model years for reported problems, with a Complaint Index of 20 and a "Best" verdict relative to other Tucson years. NHTSA lists 201 complaints, 2 recalls, and no do-not-drive orders for this year.

Complaints
201
Recalls
2
Crashes / fires
4 / 3
Injuries / deaths
3 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
4 / 5 ★
EPA combined MPG
22.5
21 city / 26.5 hwy

Top 2014 Hyundai Tucson problems

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

  1. Engine114 (57%)
  2. Brakes56 (28%)
  3. Electrical System17 (8%)
  4. Other13 (6%)
  5. Transmission & Powertrain11 (5%)
  6. Fuel System6 (3%)
  7. Steering4 (2%)
  8. Structure & Body4 (2%)
  9. Suspension, Wheels & Tires4 (2%)
  10. Airbags2 (1%)

What owners report

  • Owners report sudden gear-shifter confusion where the car unexpectedly moved in reverse instead of drive, in one case leading to a crash.
  • Some drivers describe engine knocking or ticking noises that preceded a full engine failure, with warning lights appearing only after the failure started.
  • A number of owners report the vehicle catching fire without warning, in one case starting from underneath the car near the engine.
  • Steering has reportedly failed or gone loose suddenly at low mileage, causing the vehicle to swerve unexpectedly.
  • Some owners describe a burning odor combined with the transmission refusing to move forward when in Drive.
  • Electrical complaints include the vehicle failing to start repeatedly at very low mileage.
2014 Hyundai Tucson complaints: complaints filed per quarter342014 Q22016 Q12018 Q12019 Q32021 Q22022 Q42024 Q22025 Q4
233 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2014 Q2 to 2026 Q3; peak 2022 Q2 (34).

2014 Hyundai Tucson recalls

2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 22V056000Feb 3, 2022Brakes357,348 vehiclesPark Outside

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

    Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Santa Fe, 2017-2018 Santa Fe Sport, 2019 Santa Fe XL, and 2014-2015 Tucson vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module could malfunction and cause an electrical short, which could result in an engine compartment fire.

    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 multi-fuse, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 31, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 218.

  2. NHTSA 14V245000May 13, 2014Airbags137,500 vehicles

    Air bags

    Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Hyundai Tucson vehicles manufactured January 3, 2011, through December 23, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the air bag assembly installed in the steering wheel may come loose from its mounting.

    Risk: An air bag assembly that is not properly mounted may result in an increased risk of injury to the driver in the event of a crash.

    Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and tighten the bolts that secure the driver's air bag assembly, free of charge. The recall began on May 9, 2014. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 118.

2014 Hyundai Tucson fuel economy and fuel cost

City
21 MPG
Highway
26.5 MPG
Combined
22.5 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$2,875
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 Tucson years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)0255075100’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24’25
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2012Good40255323
2013Good47266323
2014Best20201222.5
2015Good27227123
2016Avoid931,619527

All Hyundai Tucson years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2014 Hyundai Tucson reliable?
Relative to other Tucson model years, the 2014 ranks 13th out of 16 with a low Complaint Index of 20 and a "Best" verdict. NHTSA recorded 201 complaints and 2 recalls for this year.
What is the biggest problem with the 2014 Hyundai Tucson?
Engine issues make up 57% of complaints (114 of 201), with a median failure mileage of 78,605 miles for the model year overall and 91,000 miles specifically for engine complaints.
Does the 2014 Hyundai Tucson have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 2 recalls: one from 2022 covering an ABS module malfunction on Brakes (park-outside advisory), and one from 2014 covering loose driver airbag bolts on 2011-2014 Tucson vehicles.
How does the 2014 Tucson compare to other bad years like 2016 or 2017?
The 2016 (Complaint Index 93, 1,619 complaints) and 2017 (Complaint Index 80, 1,086 complaints) are both rated "Avoid," far worse than the 2014's Complaint Index of 20.

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.