2019 Hyundai Santa FE
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 200 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 17th highest complaint count among 25 Santa FE model years with reports.
Of the 2019 reports, 16 involved a crash and 12 involved a fire. 10 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Trailer hitchesPark outsideMar 17, 2023
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.
A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
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.
Campaign 23V181000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, side/windowOct 11, 2018
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.
In the event of a crash, if the air bags become damaged during deployment they may not inflate properly, increasing the risk of injury.
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.
Campaign 18V715000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: engine
75 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine, Nov 6, 2025
This vehicle requires 1-2 quarts of oil to be added to it weekly. It's all over the internet that many different models of Hyundais consume excessive amounts of oil. This puts others at risk due to damaging the engine and the possibility that the car will just stop completely while driving it. We have records to show how often and how much we have to add more oil every week.
Steering, Electrical system, Engine, Oct 24, 2025
I purchased my 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe on October 29, 2021. Since then, I’ve experienced a series of mechanical and electrical failures that I believe are far beyond normal for a vehicle of this age. - The remote start has never worked. - On October 20, 2023, the hatch latch failed. The only way to open it now is by climbing into the back and manually pulling the latch. - On October 27, 2023, the electric power steering failed. I had to replace the entire steering column at a cost of $4,000. - The paint began deteriorating prematurely and required a full repair. Hyundai covered this under warranty, but the cost was $8,000. - In early spring 2025, all coil packs had to be replaced due to misfires, costing approximately $500. - September 4, 2025, The car stalled while I was driving on a main road and I had to pull over. There were no warning lights and I started home. About a mile from home check engine light came on so contact mechanic. Ended up towing to a dealership and was told the engine must be replaced because the oil had burned off without any warning from the oil light indicator. The turbo also needs replacement. - The combined cost is $14,000. These failures have caused significant financial hardship and stress. I am currently $17,000 underwater on the loan, and the repair costs are overwhelming. The lack of warning before catastrophic engine damage is especially concerning. I believe these issues reflect systemic defects in the vehicle’s design and manufacturing. The repeated failure of critical components—especially the steering system and oil monitoring—make this the worst automotive experience I’ve ever had. I respectfully request that the NHTSA investigate these failures and determine whether Hyundai should be held accountable. Consumers deserve protection from vehicles with such extensive and costly problems.
Engine, Oct 15, 2025
The car is burning oil and Hyundai advises to change the oil every 7500 miles. The car holds 5.1 qt of oil and is currently burning about 1 qt of oil for every 5,000 miles. How is this not a forced recall? People are blowing up their motors all over the country. They knew it was an issue and bought their way out of a class action lawsuit. This endangers any driver if it happens on the interstate. Hyundai/Kia are being allowed to skirt accountability with these motors.
Electrical system, Engine, Sep 13, 2025
This car has been cutting off for a month and no type of codes popping up alternator has been replaced two brand new batteries has been replaced which is dangers car cutting off while I am driving this vehicle is not safe at all needs to be recalled asap mechanic can’t even find the problem .
Power train, Engine, Sep 4, 2025
I was driving home Friday August 29th 2025 around 10:30 am on I-70 W when I began to have trouble accelerating my vehicle. There were vehicles trailing closely behind me so I increased pressure on the gas pedal. I would feel my car forcibly trying to compensate and the RPMs on the vehicle increased significantly. The check engine light then illuminated and the car stedily beagan to decelerate although RPMS were increasing and the force on the gas pedal was at its maximum. I could no longer get past 30 MPH. The cars behind me had to quickly change lanes behind me to avoid rear end collision and I finally pulled over to the shoulder of the highway but it was a very narrow shoulder so my safety and the safety of those driving around were compromised because they could have easily resulted in a high speed rear-end collision that could have been fatal and the location of my car on the shoulder was not safe and I could have been side-swipped waiting for a friend to come get me and for me to move my car off hat narrow shoulder. I was frantic and very emotionally distressed by this incident because all the maintenance on the car was up to date and there was no check engine light on in the car prior to this incident. The unexpected and decelleration and inability to compensate on the highway was very unsafe. I have taken my car to the delearship and they have yet to address my engine issues or the safety concerns. The rep actually laughed while I was recounting the events. I also called hagerstown police department to have a police officer come out to the breakdown site because I did not feel safe but my frined arrived before the police.
Engine, Jul 2, 2025
Oil consumption on vehicle engine leading the engine to run low on oil for extended periods of time
Engine, May 4, 2025, fire
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. 911 was called and responded to put the flame out. The car was destroyed. I recently had my engine resealed and turbo replaced at a Hyundai dealership. I picked up my car following repairs on April 18th.
Engine, Apr 15, 2025
One cylinder of the engine is misfiring. When I bought it used in 2021, I realized it had a problem. At red lights or stop signs, the car would randomly not accelerate when it was time for me to go. I would have to turn it off, then on; shift to park then drive; or mash hard on the gas for the car to recover. For example, it happened at these days and times in 2024 (I didn't write down every time since ownership began): 1/24/24 and the key icon lit up; 3/14/24 at 9:20 am; 4/20/24; 7/19/24; 8/7/24; 8/18/24; 8/21/24 at 10:40 am; 8/25/24; 8/27/24; 9/7/24 at 12:30 pm and 3:21 pm; 9/12/24 at 10:38 am; 9/20/24; 9/21/24 at 1:43 pm; 9/23/24 at 7:38 am; 11/12 at 9:36 am; 10/26/24; and 10/27 at 4:37 pm. It was scary! I took the car to the Hyundai dealership in September 2022 and in October 2022 for this issue and the alert that Forward Collision Assist warning wasn't working. I was told both time that they didn't know why the first happened and recommended I replace the entire bumper for the second (it's no longer happening and I did not replace the bumper). I reported it to Hyundai Customer Care and nothing happened. The car also required 4-5 quarts of oil every 2000 miles. I believe these were precursors to what happened this month. On April 5, 2025 the car completely stopped while I was driving on the highway. I added oil and it chugged to an oil change shop where the diagnosis was a problem with coil 3 in the engine. I went to an auto parts store and replaced coil 3, and the car chugged just enough for me to get home. I had a tune up and the mechanic put Heet in the gas tank in case it was a fuel injection issue. The car didn't improve so I took it to another mechanic who diagnosed a misfire in the third cylinder as well, and the spark plug in the third spot looked brand new though the other three showed a bit of wear from the few days I used the car. He told me the engine problem was serious and needed a dealer's examination. I will go to the dealership on 4/17/25.
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Mar 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while attempting to accelerate from a stoplight, the vehicle failed to respond. The Auto START/STOP feature failed to restart the engine as designed. The contact stated that the Turbo light was illuminated as if the turbo was activated, even though the contact had not activated the feature. The vehicle was taken to a Certified mechanic who determined that the turbo had failed. The turbocharger was replaced. After the vehicle was repaired, the failure reoccurred while the vehicle was idling or parked. There were no warning lights illuminated. The dealer was informed of the failure however, the vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was 90,000.
Engine, Mar 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while at a red light, the vehicle stalled. The failure had occurred on several occasions. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Power train, Engine, Feb 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power while depressing the accelerator pedal, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the turbo was replaced. The contact stated that months later, the vehicle hesitated and jerked while depressing the accelerator pedal with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where a part on the transmission was replaced; however, the failure returned, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and the contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and had the transmission replaced. The contact stated that months later, the vehicle began to sputter with an abnormal knocking sound coming from the vehicle. The check engine warning light returned, and the vehicle was taken to the nearest dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired and remained with the dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.
Engine, Feb 5, 2025
This has been an ongoing issue since the date of purchase 10/23. I've been taking my vehicle for regular check ups and oil changes. My vehicle appears to be consuming oil. I have to put a quart in every week, but no one can find the issue. The dealership told me there is a recall on these particular vehicles engine.
Power train, Engine, Jan 26, 2025
We have had our vehicle for over 2 years with routine maintenance. On 1/25/26 We were driving home and oil light came on then check engine light. The oil pressure the issue.
Engine, Jan 26, 2025
2019 Santa Fe, this vehicle was serviced by Hyundai three times for a "Knock Sensor" notification. 12/3/2019: ECM manufacturers recall 14,242 miles 7/13/2021: Knock Sensor hardware notification - 38,615 miles 12/15/2024 repaired 1/7/2025: Knock Sensor hardware notification – 79,882 miles Panel indicating motor issues, vehicle becomes unable to accelerate above 60 mph. We have documented communications between dealers and Hyundia corporate with case#
Engine, Jan 13, 2025
SUV driving great for 2 years with routine maintenance- engine light pops up, doesn’t go away, and i take it to a local shop. SUV has low oil pressure of 5 and needs replaced. No sounds or driving issues prior.
Engine, Oct 14, 2024
CRANK SHAFT SEAL LEAK ON A 44700 2019. HOWEVER THERE IS A RECALL ON THE CRANKSHAFT SENSOR. THEREFORE WHY WOUL THIS CAR NEED A SEAL WITH THIS YESR AN LESS MILEAGE. SOMEONE NEEDS TO LOOK INTO THIS. BECAUSE THE DEALER WANTS 2448.00 TO FIX THIS.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Mar 20, 2024
For the past month my car has been stalling in traffic. The car stalls and then turns back on a few seconds later. It also stalls when I am accelerating after stopping for a red light. This situation is very dangerous and it means that I cannot drive my car expecting to be safe at all. It seems like the motor and the transmission are involved which makes the stalling very dangerous as those are major systems.
Electrical system, Engine, Feb 28, 2024
My Santa Fe developed difficulty starting beginning the afternoon of February 18. While waiting in stop-and-go traffic to park for a sporting event, the ISG (idle stop-and-go) activated at least 40 times. After at least the 40th time, the Santa Fe did not turn back on. After about 10 minutes, I was able to start it. This happened while I was stuck in very heavy traffic exiting the freeway. After that, it would always take multiple attempts to start the car even though the battery had more than enough power to turn over the starter. After a couple of days of dealing with this, I took the Santa Fe to my local Hyundai dealer. After diagnostics, they were able to reproduce the problem and they determined that the starter had developed an intermittent short which was likely caused by the multiple ISG activations on Sunday, 2/18/2024. While they verbally agreed with me that repeated activation of the ISG was the likely cause of the starter short, they wouldn't put that in the written service statement. At the time of this problem, my Santa Fe was 1,887 miles past the 5-year 60,000 mile bumper-to-bumper warranty. I had purchased the Santa Fe a few months ago as certified pre-owned with about 58,500 miles on it so, even though being the 2nd owner, I retained the remainder of the bumper-to-bumper warranty as well as the 10 year 100,000 engine/drivetrain/transmission warranty. Oddly enough the starter, which is attached to the engine is categorized as part of the car's electrical system instead of as part of the engine so the starter replacement wasn't covered. I appealed to the dealer for a discount of some kind. They declined. They claimed to have called Hyundai USA which also supposedly said no to covering the cost of the new starter. A quick Google search for this problem revealed other owners of Santa Fes with the ISG have had the same exact issue.
Engine, Feb 15, 2024
There is a system in the car that starts and stops engine, supposedly only at lights to save on fuel. Mine has stopped in the middle of a highway on my way up to Tahoe. Luckily I had just left light and only driven enough to reach the speed of about 10 miles per hour so the cars behind me were able to stop and not hit me. I had to completely turn the car off, put in park and restart car to get it to operate. It has stalled out like a stick shift would if not handled properly, but it is an automatic transmission, on numerous times. Sometimes this will cause the vehicle to completely shut down and sometime it will sputter for a few minutes and then slowly pick speed up and stop. The IGS button to turn this feature on and off when you get into the vehicle will sometimes stay off (not supposed to) and sometimes turn back off as it is supposed to each time the vehicle is turned on or off. It doesn't register as a recall, but I have done my research and saw that at one point you guys had done an investigation into this exact problem with my car. It doesn't show up on diagnostic and it doesnt do this every time I drive. So I have no way to show mechanics the isues. But this puts my life and anyone in my cars lives at risk. Not to mention any cars behind me if this happens on the highway again. I dont know what to do :( Can you please help me?
Engine, Dec 22, 2023
Oil Pan leaks after an oil change. Oil pan has a hairline crack just below the drain plug after normal tightening of the plug. Excessive oil was found on my driveway. No obvious engine damage, considering the vehicle was only moved from one spot to the other. The dealer stated the oil pan isn't covered under warranty. I simple internet search revealed there was a high number of complaints. It was a "Do It Yourself repair." The cost to fix was to replace the oil pain, new tools and 5 quarts of oil.
Engine, Jul 7, 2023
Engine Failure. Engine stalls during deceleration. If it doesn’t stall while braking, it immediately stalls around 5 mph when I come to a stop sign or red light. Vehicle start/stop button will not work to start the vehicle back up. It is to sit for 10-20 minutes and then it will start. If I don’t let it sit, it gives me a message on the dash that the vehicle is already on/running even though it is not. I have done regular maintenance and have had it serviced 4 times for the same issues. It has 126,000 on it. The dealership said it was the oxygen sensors and spark plugs. We had those fixed and the problem continued. The dealership is now wanting me to pay $11,000 for a used motor to be installed. Check engine light keeps repeating oxygen sensor malfunction. This has been happening since July of 2022.
Engine, May 10, 2023
While driving, the engine stalled out/cut off while the car remained on. I had to push the brakes completely to re-engage the start button. The engine turned off and the check engine light came on, but turned back off once the engine restarted. The car never turned off when the start button was pressed, just the engine.
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Apr 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that on various occasions while driving at various speeds with the automatic START/STOP function activated, the vehicle started losing motive power while the brake pedal was depressed. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving from a complete stop. The vehicle was able to restart. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the valve cover gasket needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that the All-Wheel Drive (AWD) warning light was intermittently illuminated. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 75,500.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 25, 2023, fire
Caught on fire while driving
Engine, Feb 10, 2023
Car just stopped working one day. First oil on spark plugs got them changed then the coil packs now oil is on the air filter. Car drivers really hard and doesn't shift properly. Took dealership and they aren't really helping or even trying to diagnose my car.