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
- 202
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Engine
Campaigns on file for 2019
Opened by NHTSA
36% of complaints
Complaints per year
2019: 202 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2001 | 209 |
| 2002 | 165 |
| 2003 | 308 |
| 2004 | 303 |
| 2005 | 216 |
| 2006 | 106 |
| 2007 | 684 |
| 2008 | 541 |
| 2009 | 358 |
| 2010 | 259 |
| 2011 | 181 |
| 2012 | 353 |
| 2013 | 605 |
| 2014 | 493 |
| 2015 | 254 |
| 2016 | 236 |
| 2017 | 968 |
| 2018 | 109 |
| 2019 | 202 |
| 2020 | 213 |
| 2021 | 166 |
| 2022 | 199 |
| 2023 | 211 |
| 2024 | 153 |
| 2025 | 135 |
| 2026 | 38 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Engine
36% · 73 reportsShow 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, 2026-09-11
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, 2025-05-04
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, 2019-04-02
Power train
18% · 36 reportsShow complaint excerpts
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, 2026-07-22
Electrical system
13% · 27 reportsMost commonly citing interior lamps/bulbs and key/sender.
Show complaint excerpts
On August 14 2026, I drove my 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe approximately one mile from my residence to work at approximately 5:00 AM.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-10-02
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, 2024-03-11
Structure
7% · 14 reportsMost commonly citing body.
Forward collision avoidance
7% · 14 reportsMost commonly citing automatic emergency braking and warnings.
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
2018-12-03Air bags18V715000 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.
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I
2022-09-12Defect petitionClosed 2023-12-12 Loss of Motive Power
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R
2023-05-16Trailer hitches23V181000 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.
Buy-smart checklist
2019 Hyundai Santa FE — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine: 73 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 36 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 27 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 18V715000 · Air bags
- Recall 23V181000 · Trailer hitches
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →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 36% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2019 Hyundai Santa FE have?
- 2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.