Fresh off a facelift, the 2014 Hyundai Sonata was ranked near the top of many midsize sedan lists. In its seventh generation, the Sonata presented customers with a comfortable interior, good standard safety features, and decent fuel economy. Nearly a decade has passed, and Hyundai has improved further, releasing affordable models that punch well above their weight.

What does the 2014 Hyundai Sonata provide?

With a refreshed interior before a redesign year, U.S. News said the Sonata gave a “generous” amount of room in the front seats. New for 2014 was a cooled driver’s seat and an eight-inch infotainment touchscreen, with integrated navigation in higher-priced trim levels. Standard features included Bluetooth, dual-zone climate control, a six-speaker audio system, heated front seats, and Hyundai’s BlueLink emergency communications system. Additional options were a rearview camera, panoramic sunroof, a nine-speaker Infinity audio system, leather upholstery, and heated rear seats.

Base Sonatas came with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder with 190 hp. A hybrid drivetrain combined the same engine with a 30-kWh motor that put down 199 hp. Both came with a quick-shifting six-speed automatic transmission. Nevertheless, the hybrid could achieve a combined 37 mpg, per the EPA. The non-hybrid four-cylinder could only muster 27 mpg, which is still suitable for the midsize segment. Consumers wanting a bit more power could opt for the 274-hp 2.0-liter turbo model. Yet, fuel economy drops to 24 mpg combined.

How reliable is the 2014 Hyundai Sonata?

The 2014 Hyundai Sonata received a reliability rating of 4.5 out of five from J.D. Power, which beat many midsize cars. However, Consumer Reports has a different opinion on the car’s dependability.

Consumer Reports rates the 2014 Hyundai Sonata’s reliability very low. Specifically, they explained there were issues with the electrical and climate control systems and significant engine troubles. The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration instituted seven recalls on the 2014 Sonata. They include engine bearings, transmission shift cables, two regarding seat belt linkages, and three relating to the fuel hoses.

What problems does the 2014 Hyundai Sonata have?

One drawback to the sweptback coupe-like styling of the Sonata was that rear headroom was sacrificed. However, mechanically and electrically speaking, there’s much more. CarComplaints.com lists a myriad of grievances with the Sonata’s engine. They include everything from oil loss to seizing to knocking and rattling to debris in the engine. 

Second, the 2014 Hyundai Sonata has several electrical issues due to engine troubles. Customers say the headlights turn off when applying the turn signal and engines suddenly lose power, even shutting off. In some instances, Sonata owners have asserted that smoke will start billowing from the engine compartment.

Is buying a used Hyundai Sonata worth it?

Aside from the major issues listed above, Hyundai has the best warranty in the business. Their ten-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty will have taken care of engine troubles and a good amount of electrical issues. However, unless the original owner takes care of the issues, buying a used 2014 Sonata may present worries. Planet Hyundai explains that once the original owner parts with the vehicle, the powertrain warranty drops. For subsequent owners, they will only enjoy a five-year, 60,000-mile warranty beginning from the original purchase date.

The Sonata has a reasonably decent resale rating, according to J.D. Power. Therefore, Sonatas aren’t bargain basement sedans but are quite affordable. On Autotrader, base GLS trim levels rarely go above $10,000, with less than 100,000 miles on the clock. The top-of-the-line Limited version can be had for around or under $18,000. That may sound like a high price for an eight-year-old Sonata, but some examples have been driven less than 25,000 miles. The only new cars that can be bought for such a price are far less equipped and are merely efficient vehicles like the Chevrolet Spark.