2014 Hyundai Santa Fe XL

Introduction:

The 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe XL is a mid-size SUV that seats up to seven passengers. It comes standard with a 3.3L V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 252 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Other engine and transmission options include a 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder with 264 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque, mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, and a 3.3L V6 with a 6-speed automatic transmission that produces 240 horsepower and 224 lb-ft of torque.

Drivers appreciate the Santa Fe XL’s spacious interior, comfortable ride, and impressive fuel economy for its size. However, it has received criticism for its lackluster handling and underpowered base engine.

Engine

3.3L V6 (290 hp)

• Excessive Oil Consumption:
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine burns excessive oil, leading to low oil levels and potential engine damage.
  • Solution: Replace piston rings.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Timing Chain Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Timing chain stretches or breaks, causing the engine to lose timing and potentially catastrophic damage.
  • Solution: Replace timing chain and tensioners.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $3,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

2.0L Turbocharged 4-cylinder (264 hp)

• No Issues Found

3.3L V6 (240 hp)

• No Issues Found

Transmission

6-speed Automatic Transmission

• Hesitation and Jerking:
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission hesitates or jerks during shifts, especially when cold.
  • Solution: Replace or reprogram transmission control module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,200
  • Recalls: None Found
• Slipping or Shuddering:
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission slips or shudders when put in gear.
  • Solution: Replace transmission clutches and/or fluid.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Front Strut Noise:
  • Description/Symptoms: Squeaking or knocking noise from front struts when driving over bumps or turning.
  • Solution: Replace front struts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800 per pair
  • Recalls: None Found
• Rear Suspension Sagging:
  • Description/Symptoms: Rear suspension drops, causing the vehicle to lean to one side or ride unevenly.
  • Solution: Replace rear springs or shocks.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500 per side
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain:
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery discharges quickly, leading to dead battery or difficulty starting.
  • Solution: Replace battery or diagnose and repair electrical drain issue (e.g., faulty module or wiring).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Headlight Condensation:
  • Description/Symptoms: Moisture buildup inside headlight assemblies, leading to poor visibility at night.
  • Solution: Replace or reseal headlight assemblies.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500 per assembly
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Door Handle Malfunction:
  • Description/Symptoms: Door handles break or become loose, making it difficult to open doors.
  • Solution: Replace door handles.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200 per door
  • Recalls: NHTSA Campaign Number 16V590000

Interior

• Infotainment System Glitches:
  • Description/Symptoms: Infotainment system randomly freezes, restarts, or loses functionality.
  • Solution: Software update or replacement of infotainment module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Climate Control Issues:
  • Description/Symptoms: Air conditioning or heating system malfunctions, blowing hot or cold air improperly.
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair specific issues (e.g., refrigerant leak, blend door actuator failure).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

While the 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe XL offers a spacious and fuel-efficient ride, it has several notable issues that can be costly to repair. Engine concerns related to oil consumption and timing chain failure are particularly serious and can lead to catastrophic damage. Transmission hesitation and slipping can also compromise the vehicle’s drivability.