2019 Hyundai Santa FE
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2001 | 209 |
| 2002 | 165 |
| 2003 | 308 |
| 2004 | 303 |
| 2005 | 216 |
| 2006 | 106 |
| 2007 | 681 |
| 2008 | 541 |
| 2009 | 357 |
| 2010 | 256 |
| 2011 | 181 |
| 2012 | 352 |
| 2013 | 604 |
| 2014 | 492 |
| 2015 | 253 |
| 2016 | 235 |
| 2017 | 937 |
| 2018 | 108 |
| 2019 | 190 |
| 2020 | 193 |
| 2021 | 162 |
| 2022 | 187 |
| 2023 | 199 |
| 2024 | 130 |
| 2025 | 116 |
| 2026 | 27 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
34% of complaints: engine — 65 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
Yesterday afternoon after running errands, my car was off and in my driveway. Within 15 minutes I noticed it was smoking. When I opened the hood. The engine was on fire. I attempted to put it out but was unsuccessful.
NHTSA ODI report, 20250504
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT NOTICED AN ABNORMAL BURNING ODOR COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WHEN DRIVING UP HILL. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190402
15% of complaints: power train — 29 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY13% of complaints: electrical system — 24 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
Fire while driving - Electrical - No Warnings Reference NHTSA Recall 23V181000 Fire Extinguished once by fire extinguisher (civilian) then again by Union, MO fire department. Hyundai had the vehicle towed to their inspection facility.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240311
7% of complaints: structure — 14 distinct reports on file.
6% of complaints: steering — 12 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe vehicles. The Side Curtain Air Bag (SCAB) mounting bolts may interfere with and damage the air bags during deployment.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will install a protective cover over the SCAB installation bolts, free of charge. The recall began December 3, 2018. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460.
Campaign 18V715000 — check if this car was fixed
Loss of Motive Power
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2023 Santa Fe, 2021-2023 Santa Fe HEV, 2022-2023 Santa Fe Plug-in HEV and Santa Cruz vehicles potentially equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an...
Remedy: Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the remedy is completed. Dealers will install a new fuse and wire extension kit as necessary, free of charge.
Campaign 23V181000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2019 Hyundai Santa FE — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (65 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (29 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (24 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 18V715000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 23V181000 (trailer hitches) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2019 Hyundai Santa FE reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2019 Hyundai Santa FE is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Hyundai Santa FE?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 34% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2019 Hyundai Santa FE have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.