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
200 reports, newest first.
Power train, Mar 21, 2025
When accelerating the transmission slips. My mechanic said Hyundai has a memo saying they are making a new torque converter due to these problems, and I will need a new torque converter. The torque converter is on backorder and according to my mechanic, will not be available for many months; thus indicating there are many other folks with the same problem. This is very dangerous when accelerating, as the speed drops off due to the slippage, and can put me in a dangerous position if I need to accelerate to avoid a potential situation. It has also presented issues from a dead stop, pulling out into traffic, where the slippage puts me at risk. This has been going on for quite some time, and my mechanic has been doing what Hyundai memos instuct.
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.
Service brakes, Mar 17, 2025, crash, fire
The contact owned a 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that as his daughter was driving at 20 MPH on the highway, she depressed the brake pedal, the brakes failed to respond, and the vehicle started to smoke from the engine and into the cabin. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact's daughter then tried to depress the brake pedal again, and the contact's daughter then jumped out of the vehicle on the ramp. The vehicle was coming down on the intersection unoccupied, engulfed in smoke, initially hitting a stop sign and then another unknown sign and sequentially coming to a stop. The contact then saw the vehicle at the hillside engulfed with fire and smoke and tried to break a window, however, the contact heard his daughter and stopped. The Fire Department and Police Department were on scene and extinguished the remaining of the fire and the hillside. The origin of the fire was on the engine. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was consumed by the fire and the remainder were taken to Lenzi Automotive. The contact was the only occupant in the vehicle and sustained scrapes and bruises to her elbow, finger, right thigh, buttocks, and back rib that require medical attention. The failure mileage was approximately 77,200.
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.
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.
Seat belts, Mar 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while the vehicle was either stationary, parked, or being driven, the seat belt buckle failed to operate as designed. The seat belt warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that during the colder months, the seat belt buckle was more difficult to latch securely. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
Structure, Feb 27, 2025
White body paint chipping.
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!
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.
Forward collision avoidance, Jan 11, 2025
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.
Power train, Dec 18, 2024
Transmission: yes, available upon inspection I own a 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe. I have brought it in for repairs on the transmission a couple of times. The check engine light has come on but the computer was not displaying the problem. I am aware that this is not uncommon for the year, make, and model. Recently, I was driving my car on a high-speed highway when the transmission went out. While suppressing the gas, the transmission slipped and would not accelerate. As cars were passing me on either side, my car decelerated and cars behind me came close to rear-ending me. Again, this was at high speeds and put my safety in jeopardy. I was finally able to find a gap in the cars and able to get to the shoulder but not after several minutes of unsafe conditions. After this incident, I brought it back to the service center and the computer analysis did display that it is an internal transmission problem. The service center has inspected the transmission. Yes, the warning lamps were displaying, first about 8 months prior. As stated previously, the actual problem was not displaying. Attached document is previous work done for transmission due to incorrect computer diagnostics.
Other or unspecified, Dec 15, 2024
rear camera malfunction just like other models
Power train, Dec 8, 2024
Upon going for an oil change at Express Lube in Newton , NJ I was advised that there are multiple widespread & ongoing problems with a crack that forms in the oil pan next to the drain/fill plug. My vehicle was diagnosed with that very problem. I believe a a recall to should be done by Hyundai to replace these oil pans. Thank you
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.
Structure, Nov 8, 2024
The paint is failing, it is coming off in sheets, there is no damage to the car where the paint is coming off.
Other/i am not sure, Nov 7, 2024
The seat is able to forward face up to 40 lbs with a seatbelt install and 35 lbs with a latch install. When trying to install this seat with the seatbelt the instruction manual states not to lock the seatbelt after install however if the seatbelt inst not locked the seatbelt moves easily with some pressure (i.e. child pushing legs against back seat) and then becomes so lose that is can fall over. ALternately, i have tried the install with locking the seatbelt and this solution only lasts 1-2 car rides longer. (i.e. i would need to reinstall my seat every other time my child rode in the car). Currently the seat is installed with the latch system as this is the only way to get a safe install however my son is currently 34lbs and it will soon be unsafe to ride rear facing with the latch system which will then force me to turn him front facing before I or my son are ready.
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.
Seats, Oct 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 22 MPH, the vehicle struck a pot-hole which caused the driver seat to move out of place. The contact stated that while accelerating, the front driver seat would shift backward and while shifted into reverse the seat would move forward. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the seat rail was damaged and the seat rail and seat needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.
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.