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: other or unspecified
47 reports, newest first. Show all
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 21, 2026
The vehicle experienced a sudden, intermittent engine stall while driving, specifically when slowing down or coasting to a stop in live traffic. When the engine dies, the vehicle immediately loses engine power, power steering, and power braking assist, creating an extreme safety hazard. After stalling, the vehicle refuses to restart for several minutes. An authorized Hyundai dealership previously replaced the high-pressure fuel pump under warranty to address this issue, but the dangerous stalling has persisted over the last 2,000 miles. The vehicle continues to randomly shut off without throwing a permanent check engine light or diagnostic trouble code, and the manufacturer has failed to correct this critical safety defect.
Other or unspecified, May 21, 2026
Vehicle: 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe, VIN [XXX] , exterior Quartz White Pearl. Component: Exterior factory paint (paint/trim). Complaint: This vehicle exhibits a systemic, progressive factory paint defect — excessive peeling and bubbling of the white finish that spreads from one body panel to the next. This is a known defect across this vehicle generation; Hyundai acknowledged it by issuing Warranty Extension Z05 (TSB 25-BD-004H), which extends paint coverage to 10 years/unlimited miles for affected white-paint vehicles including the 2019 Santa Fe. Hyundai repaired the hood under this warranty in 2025, during which the vehicle was out of service for 77 consecutive days. Since that repair, the defect has migrated to the adjacent fender and has also appeared on a door, demonstrating that it is spreading across the vehicle. Hyundai has offered to repaint only the single currently-visible panel rather than addressing the systemic defect. I am filing this complaint to document the defect and its progression, and to support the public record regarding factory paint failure on these vehicles. No crash, injury, or fire has resulted. The vehicle is owned by my spouse; I am submitting as authorized representative. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other or unspecified, May 11, 2026
Hyundai recently had a service campaign that was issued to address an emissions related issue in CA. The service campaign was 9C2 and the TSB was 25-01-087H. After this software update was applied to my vehicle the engine is now sluggish on a cold start and the transmission is shifting differently at low speeds and low gears. It appears that the performance of my vehicle has been compromised. There is a Hyundai forum where many Santa Fe owners are experiencing the same issues after the software update. I have notified the service advisor at my local Hyundai dealership.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Mar 2, 2026
The trunk hatch is no longer functioning. The car beeps, but does not unlatch. Once the gate is manually open from a latch inside the trunk, it will not close by pushing the gate close button. It just stopped working. I went into the grocery store, and when I returned with groceries, it stopped working. Hyundai says it's out of warranty and will cost $1800 to repair.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 7, 2026
Since December my car has been burning oil at a fast rate. My husband has already had to add an additional 4 quarts since my last service 3000 miles ago. I have read and heard from others with a Santa Fe that they are having to replace their engines because of this. They are under warranty. Unfortunately I am not. I’ve already dealt with a white paint issue with Hyundai. I called couple weeks ago and was told someone would email me and they have not. I’m not sure where to turn now.
Other or unspecified, Jun 26, 2025
Rear backup camera not working. Put car in reverse gear multi function screen goes black
Wheels, Other or unspecified, Mar 30, 2025
A year after I purchased vehicle the paint started peeling off the wheel. When I took it to the dealership they kept telling me they were still addressing problem and would get back to me. Contacted them several times and they still didn’t have the problem solved. Then the dealership changed ownerships. New dealership says not their problem. And it was too late at this point. I also have the paint on my hood of my car peeling. Both of these problems are gonna be very expensive to repair! I see this is a known problem. Hyundai needs to be accountable. I live in Auburn Al
Other or unspecified, Forward collision avoidance, Mar 16, 2025
Car turns off at lights /stop signs. Automatic break system activates. Have to wait at least five minutes to be able to restart car z same happens after driving and parking. Turbo and battery were replaced. I make sure not to use the automatic on/off feature which make issue worse. This is my fourth attempt to contact you. I cannot trade car in bc of mileage and still owing $. I love me vehicle and just want issue recognized and taken care off.
Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Feb 13, 2025
Wipers are in the office position, but suddenly go up and down 2 inches, while off, and won't turn on. It snowed the day before, but wasn't while I was driving. Also, my hood is peeling. I have white paint.
Other or unspecified, Feb 10, 2025
Auto stop/go disables car’s ability to resume driving after stopping at a light etc. This is without activating feature. You have open and close door and press button on/off over and over. Turbo was changed bc mechanic assumed it was the problem. Now it is happening after reaching destination and then attempting to leave if not sitting long enough. New battery and $2000 turbo!
Other or unspecified, Dec 15, 2024
rear camera malfunction just like other models
Other or unspecified, Dec 5, 2024
I have unusable camera in my 2019 Sante Fe, that is not included in a recent recall. Tried to find what “Problem” actually is on current recall to compare to mine. My picture is too bright and contrast ruins ability to identify objects behind me. Is the recall based on a similar problem? As your current Hyundai recall states: "An inoperative rearview camera will reduce rearward visibility while driving in reverse, increasing the risk of injury to bystanders." Local dealership has tried to fix, but after almost a month has not. Question is should recall be extended beyond current model years?
Other or unspecified, Dec 2, 2024
Rearview cameras are unusable due to high brightness and contrast issues. Seems same problem possibly as recent recall even though not in same model years. Hyundai dealership has been unable to resolve since November 6 and as recall highlights "increasing the risk of injury.." Attached photo of condition, usually worse than this photo in bright sunlight.
Other or unspecified, Nov 1, 2024
Peeling paint as a result of manufacturing issue (no primer was ever added prior to paint). I have spoken with Hyundai twice and both times they have refused to repair since vehicle is no longer in warranty. I would like for Hyundai to take accountability for this for myself and all other 100’s of people who are dealing with this. They show no honor to those of us who have invested multiple thousands into their business.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Sep 11, 2024
My car just stalls at a stop ligth , no check engine light, no warning, and takes several attempts to start. It happened 3 times in two weeks one of those time while in the highway. One a the stop ligth and one driving in the neighborhood.
Other or unspecified, Aug 7, 2024
I had a tow-hitch installed and attached a cargo tray which I previously used with my 2010 Santa Fe. On June 21, 2024 at the end of the first day of our extended vacation the items on the passenger side of the cargo tray had melted. This included elements of the cargo tray itself, a Coleman chair, a brand new (1st use) Yeti cooler, cargo net and bungee cords. The following day I went to a Hyundai dealership in Charlestown, WV who verified the tow hitch was installed correctly but mentioned that the exhaust from my Turbo 2.0 engine was extremely hot and probably contributed to the melting. We were not able to find a way to elevate the tray away from the exhaust or add a shield to divert the heat. We had to discontinue use of the tray and purchase a trailer which connected several feet behind the car. As mentioned, I previously used this same tray with my 2010 Sant Fe without any difficulty or heat issues. I am concerned because of the potential for a fire with items igniting due to the extreme heat. I did not find any warnings about this nor any verbal precautions from the dealer when I purchased the car. If I had been carrying items more flammable I could potentially of had a fire start on the tray while the car was in motion resulting in more severe damage or harm to persons.
Other or unspecified, Aug 25, 2023
On August 24, 2023, I was walking to my car, a 2019 Santa Fe in my driveway. The back windshield spontaneously shattered! It was only 70 degrees out and I had my window cracked open a bit. The noise sounded like a gun shot. I was extremely fortunate that I was not behind the windshield or that I was driving. I have no explanation as to what happened. I called my insurance company, and the windshield is being replaced by Safelite on Tuesday, 8/29/23. However, I have to pay for $483 for a new windshield, my deductible is $500. I am more concerned about safety. I have seen other complaints about Hyundai windshields. Please Hyundai address this issue.
Other or unspecified, Jul 5, 2023
On May 20,2023 my 2019 Hyundai Santa Ultimate turbo died while I was sitting at a red light in the far right lane in an extremely busy street. Car was running perfectly fine prior to it dying. For almost 15 mins my car wouldn’t turn over. Then it just started it right up. Took it home my husband checked for any codes, nothing. I checked the Blue Link app, no issues detected. On June 29th at approximately 9:08AM my car dies again while sitting at a red light. Next to an off ramp to an extremely busy freeway. I’m almost in a full panic the car restarts up. Within 5 mins it dies again. This time blocking a drive way to a driveway at a gas station. All 3 times were identical. All three have no warning. No indicator warning lights and nothing detected in the blue link app. Can’t get it to do it again. So frustrating.
Other or unspecified, Firerelated, Jul 2, 2023, crash, fire
On June 28th at approximately 1130pm, my son was involved in a single vehicle accident. Upon impact with the tree the car immediately burst into flames
Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 25, 2023, fire
Caught on fire while driving
Other or unspecified, May 19, 2022
I was driving and the car just turned off. A check engine light went on. I was able to restart the car. The dealer says they cant see any issues. I was put at risk because I was actively driving and the cars around me were driving.
Other or unspecified, Mar 3, 2022, fire
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle, approximately 30 minutes later the neighbor informed that the vehicle was on fire. The contact rushed outside to discover flames and smoke were present coming from the rear driver's side of the vehicle. A fire extinguisher was used to extinguish the flames. The fire department was called to the scene. During the incident, the contact sustained a burned right hand which required medical treatment. The cause of the fire was not yet determined. A fire report was taken at the scene. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet notified of the incident. The failure mileage was 48,000.
Other or unspecified, Nov 16, 2021
truck, not speeding up at times when gas peddle is pushed.
Other or unspecified, Electrical system, Nov 7, 2021
The dome lighting, lights do not go off when the doors are closed. I check repeatedly to make sure that all doors are closed. The dome gets extremely extremely hot. I believe this could very easily be a fire hazard. This has happened 3 times this year 2021.
Other or unspecified, Oct 6, 2021
This is the 2019 Santa Fe that this has occurred on (formally owned) as well as two 2020 Santa Fe that we now own within the last 2 years. The windshield does not take rock hits well. On all three vehicles a rock strike on the windshield not only left a large star impact, but the crack from the impact reaches all the way to the roof pillar. The crack is long. I believe the windshield glass is substandard and needs to be looked into closer as being a possible safety risk. Replacing the windshield and camera recalibration is expensive.