VehicleVerdict

2019 Hyundai Santa Fe problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe sits mid-pack among Santa Fe years: 268 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 298, with 2 recalls and one closed investigation. Complainants reported 11 injuries in total across these filings.

Engine leads the complaint categories with 67 reports (25% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

268

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

20

Crash-involved

14

Fires reported

11

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2019 compare to other Santa Fe years?

Santa Fe NHTSA complaints by model year, 2019 highlighted1,231 complaints2001: 293 complaints2002: 219 complaints2003: 390 complaints2004: 386 complaints2005: 300 complaints2006: 143 complaints2007: 981 complaints2008: 718 complaints2009: 506 complaints2010: 331 complaints2011: 268 complaints2012: 474 complaints2013: 806 complaints2014: 679 complaints2015: 331 complaints2016: 288 complaints2017: 1,231 complaints2018: 143 complaints2019: 268 complaints2020: 270 complaints2021: 236 complaints2022: 292 complaints2023: 307 complaints2024: 186 complaints2025: 170 complaints2026: 39 complaints
Santa Fe NHTSA complaints by model year, 2019 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Santa Fe years to avoid →

What are the most common 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine6725%
Other4818%
Transmission2911%
Electrical System2911%
Driver Assistance187%
Body & Structure145%
Steering124%
Brakes114%
Visibility & Wipers83%
Airbags73%
Fuel System62%
Speed Control52%
Seat Belts41%
Tires & Wheels31%
Trailer Hitch21%
Lighting21%
Seats21%
Suspension10%

Does the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

23V181000Trailer HitchMarch 17, 2023 · 584,784 units

Defect

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 accessory through a Hyundai dealership. Water accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (PCB) may cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire.

Consequence

A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

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. Owner notification letters were mailed starting May 16, 2023. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 244. This recall is an expansion of previous recall number 22V-633.

18V715000AirbagsOctober 11, 2018 · 8,204 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

In the event of a crash, if the air bags become damaged during deployment they may not inflate properly, increasing the risk of injury.

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. Hyundai's number for this recall is 177.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“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. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · March 20, 2019 · fire

“MY WIFE WAS DROPPING OFF A FRIEND AT HIS HOUSE USING THE BRAKES TO COME TO A STOP. THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED INTO THE GARAGE DAMAGING THE RIGHT FRONT OF THE VEHICLE AND THE GARAGE. I CAN ONLY INCLUDE THE VEHICLE PHOTO DUE TO PHOTO SIZE LIMITATIONS. HER FRIEND WAS A WITNESS TO THE ACCIDENT I…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · February 25, 2021 · crash

“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. Inspection report being withheld. Claim has been denied. Hyundai…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 27, 2024 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT LEASED A 2019 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE, DRIVING INTO A PARKING LOT AT AN EXTREMELY SLOW SPEED, THE IDLE STOP &GO (ISG) ENGAGED. THE ENGINE STARTED TO REV AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT FAILED AS WELL AS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · January 31, 2018 · crash

“Issue with idle on-off. After idling at light etc. car will stall. First time would not re-start , I was towed. Mechanic replaced turbo feature but problem persists and I am not using the on -off feature in an attempt to not have this happen, yet it does. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · November 16, 2024

2019 Hyundai Santa Fe — common questions

Is the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe reliable?

It is close to typical for the Santa Fe: 268 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and 1 investigation on file.

What are the most common 2019 Santa Fe problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (67 complaints), other (48 complaints), electrical system (29 complaints).

Does the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Hyundai Santa Fe years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Santa Fe years to avoid are 2017, 2007, 2013, 2008, 2014, 2009, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2018. The cleanest record among Santa Fe years belongs to 2026.

How safe is the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.