Is the 2014 Hyundai Elantra a bad year?
386 owner complaints to NHTSA. Engine complaints: 168, 11× a quiet Elantra year.
Keep it, but watch the engine
Half of the engine complaints for this year were filed at 60k–111k miles, where you are now. Few of them say the car was towed: 6 of 161 filed since 2016.
The verdict moves with mileage: the same car reads differently at 30,000 and at 150,000 miles.
What 2014 Elantra owners report, by mileage
Each system owners named in five or more complaints, with the mileage range where the middle half of those complaints were filed. Read at 85,000 miles.
| SYSTEM | COMPLAINTS | MIDDLE HALF FILED AT | TYPICAL US REPAIR BILLS |
|---|---|---|---|
| EngineSTANDS OUT | 168 (44%) | 60k–111k miles · around this mileage | Valve cover gasket replacement $110–$500 · Timing chain replacement $1,000–$4,000 |
| BrakesSTANDS OUT | 87 (23%) | 33k–112k miles · around this mileage | Brake pad replacement (one axle) $115–$390 · Brake pads and rotors replacement (one axle) $200–$1,084 |
| Electrical system | 47 (12%) | 20k–86k miles · around this mileage | 12-volt battery replacement $100–$400 · Starter motor replacement $350–$1,200 |
| Fuel system | 24 (6%) | 30k–85k miles · around this mileage | Fuel pump replacement $220–$1,500 · Fuel injector replacement (one injector) $300–$1,200 |
| Transmission and drivetrain | 22 (6%) | 37k–98k miles · around this mileage | CV axle / CV joint replacement (one side) $300–$1,500 · Automatic transmission replacement $2,500–$7,000 |
| Exterior lighting | 10 (3%) | 10k–90k miles · around this mileage | — |
| Air bags | 32 (8%) | 14k–81k miles · mostly behind | — |
| Steering | 28 (7%) | 8k–57k miles · mostly behind | — |
| Speed control | 27 (7%) | 10k–74k miles · mostly behind | — |
| Suspension | 14 (4%) | 5k–38k miles · mostly behind | — |
| Stability control | 12 (3%) | 10k–72k miles · mostly behind | — |
| Body structure | 9 (2%) | 11k–69k miles · mostly behind | — |
| Wheels | 8 (2%) | 6k–36k miles · mostly behind | — |
| Visibility and wipers | 5 (1%) | 6k–55k miles · mostly behind | — |
Bills are typical US ranges from the sources named in the tool (J.D. Power, Kelley Blue Book, CarParts.com and others), printed only for systems that stand out or sit at or ahead of 85,000 miles. Not a quote.
What owners reported alongside their complaints
Of 386 complaints: 35 mention a crash · 16 mention a fire · 23 report an injury · 24 say the car was towed.
16 complaints were filed in the last 12 months, the newest in Oct 2026.
Counts of what owners wrote in their complaints, not verified by anyone.
In owners' own words
As I was driving my oil light came on, it was flickering on and off then all of a sudden my car just stopped and the check engine, battery, and oil light came on.
Engine knocking started at 60,000 miles. The rods are knocking, and metal shavings found in oil pan.
I purchased this car new. The engine has stalled while trying to accelerate several times since I have had this car.
Unedited excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, chosen by mileage (nearest 85,000 miles), not by content. Unverified.
Recalls for the 2014 Hyundai Elantra: 2
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. An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
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. 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…
A recall may cover only some cars of a model year; the campaign size counts every model and year it lists. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls: dealers fix open recalls free.
Service bulletins from Hyundai: 126
Repair instructions Hyundai sent its dealers for symptoms seen in the shop on the 2014 Hyundai Elantra. Ask a dealer or mechanic for a bulletin by its number.
This TSB references the Op codes to use for claim submission and the Parts required based on the vehicle's inspection results from TSB 22-01-023H (DTC P1326…
Hyundai is conducting a campaign to enhance the knock sensor software to detect abnormal engine bearing noise before potentially severe engine damage occurs
Diagnose and replace, if necessary, an automatic transmission with Incorrect Ratio DTC (transmission clutch slip in gear above limit) listed on Page 2
Some vehicles may experience the Check Engine warning lamp illuminated with DTC P1326 and/or an engine concern/noise related to connecting rod bearing wear…
NHTSA defect investigations: 2
Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires
Throttle control system vulnerabilities
Neighbouring years
2013 Elantra: 1,316 complaints, keep it · 2015 Elantra: 262 complaints, keep it, but watch the engine.
Every Hyundai Elantra year
2000 · 2001 · 2002 · 2003 · 2004 · 2005 · 2006 · 2007 · 2008 · 2009 · 2010 · 2011 · 2012 · 2013 · 2014 · 2015 · 2016 · 2017 · 2018 · 2019 · 2020 · 2021 · 2022 · 2023 · 2024 · 2025 · 2026 · All Elantra years side by side
Other Hyundai models: Hyundai Accent · Hyundai Azera · Hyundai Elantra Touring · Hyundai Entourage · Hyundai Genesis · Hyundai Genesis Coupe · Hyundai Ioniq 5 · Hyundai Kona · Hyundai Kona Electric · Hyundai Palisade · Hyundai Santa Cruz · Hyundai Santa Fe · Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid · Hyundai Santa Fe Sport · Hyundai Sonata · Hyundai Sonata Hybrid · Hyundai Tiburon · Hyundai Tucson · Hyundai Tucson Hybrid · Hyundai Veloster · Hyundai Veracruz · Hyundai XG350. All makes and models.
Questions
Is the 2014 Hyundai Elantra a bad year?
386 owner complaints to NHTSA. Engine complaints: 168, 11× a quiet Elantra year. At 85,000 miles the tool says: Keep it, but watch the engine. Half of the engine complaints for this year were filed at 60k–111k miles, where you are now. Few of them say the car was towed: 6 of 161 filed since 2016.
What are the most common problems with the 2014 Hyundai Elantra?
By owner complaints to NHTSA: engine (168), brakes (87), electrical system (47), fuel system (24), transmission and drivetrain (22). Half of the engine complaints were filed between 60k–111k miles.
How many recalls does the 2014 Hyundai Elantra have?
2 recall campaigns list this model year: Brakes (NHTSA 23V-651), Brakes (NHTSA 17V-769). A recall may cover only some cars; check by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Method: counts of unverified owner complaints filed with NHTSA, compared only with other years of the same model (sales volumes are unknown, so no failure rate is computed). A system stands out at 40+ complaints and at least twice the model's quiet (lower-quartile) year, or twice the share across every vehicle of that model year. The mileage range is the 25th to 75th percentile of the mileages owners reported. Data received by NHTSA through November 5, 2026. Repair prices are typical US ranges from named sources, not quotes. Not a diagnosis and not financial advice. PulsCar is not affiliated with NHTSA. Check this car at your own mileage.