2019 Hyundai Santa FE

● Typical for this model

2019 Hyundai Santa FE
RENDERED 2026-09-17T03:04:03.590Z

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

2019: 197 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2001	209
2002	165
2003	308
2004	303
2005	216
2006	106
2007	683
2008	541
2009	358
2010	258
2011	181
2012	353
2013	605
2014	493
2015	254
2016	236
2017	962
2018	108
2019	197
2020	209
2021	166
2022	197
2023	207
2024	145
2025	131
2026	35

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

ENGINE 36%

36% of complaints: engine — 70 distinct reports on file.

FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

2019 Santa Fe with 80,000 miles showed signs of excessive oil consumption. Service was scheduled with licensed Hyundai franchise service center. Known oil consumption issues on Theta II engines for that year. Testing requires 3 steps.

NHTSA ODI report, 20260911

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

POWER TRAIN 17%

17% of complaints: power train — 34 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY

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Transmission was replaced under warranty by Hyundai in Nov 2024. Engine was replaced at 100600 miles in Nov 2025. Issues with the transmission were happening at that time but ignored by dealership as issues related to failing engine.

NHTSA ODI report, 20260722

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 13%

13% of complaints: electrical system — 26 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing interior lamps/bulbs and key/sender.

CRASH FIRE

Show 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

STRUCTURE 7%

7% of complaints: structure — 14 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing body.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 7%

7% of complaints: forward collision avoidance — 14 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic emergency braking and warnings.

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20181203 — air bags

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

I 20220912 — DP (closed 20231212)

Loss of Motive Power

R 20230516 — trailer hitches

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