2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe has 200 NHTSA complaints, a complaint index of 40, and ranks 13th worst out of 21 model years. Its verdict is capped at Caution because of a park-outside recall, even though its complaint index is only moderate. Engine problems, reported at a median of 16,000 miles, are the top concern.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 40/100
- #13 of 21 Santa Fe years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 200
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 2
- 1 Park Outside
- Crashes
- 16
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 12
- Injuries
- 10
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 21
- 18.5 city / 24.5 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 10 / 0
Top 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine80 (40%)
- Other48 (24%)
- Transmission & Powertrain35 (18%)
- Electrical System27 (14%)
- Structure & Body18 (9%)
- Brakes14 (7%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras13 (7%)
- Fuel System12 (6%)
- Steering12 (6%)
- Airbags7 (4%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Brakes reportedly fail to respond during low-speed maneuvers, sometimes followed by smoke entering the cabin.
- Sudden unintended acceleration reported while slowing or parking, with brakes failing to stop the vehicle.
- Burning odor from the rear of the vehicle reported while driving uphill, with no warning lights illuminated.
- Thick smoke reported entering the cabin from the rear passenger side while driving at highway speed, leading to evacuation.
- Side curtain airbags reportedly failed to deploy in crashes, including one causing broken ribs and a broken sternum.
- Idle stop-and-go system reportedly caused the engine to rev unexpectedly at low speed, with the brake and hand brake failing to stop the vehicle.
2019 Hyundai Santa Fe recalls
2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 23V181000Mar 17, 2023Structure & Body584,784 vehiclesPark Outside
Trailer hitches
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.
Risk: 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.
- NHTSA 18V715000Oct 11, 2018Airbags8,204 vehicles
Air bags:side/window
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.
Risk: 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.
2019 Hyundai Santa Fe fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 18.5 MPG
- Highway
- 24.5 MPG
- Combined
- 21 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,100
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2019 compared with other Santa Fe years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe reliable?
- NHTSA lists 200 complaints for the 2019 Santa Fe with a complaint index of 40, ranking it 13th worst out of 21 model years. Its verdict is Caution, driven mainly by a park-outside recall rather than complaint volume alone.
- What are the most common problems with the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe?
- Engine issues make up 40% of complaints, the largest category, reported at a median of 16,000 miles. Transmission and powertrain issues follow at 18% of complaints, and electrical system issues at 14%.
- Does the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe have a recall?
- Yes, NHTSA lists two recalls: one for a tow hitch harness issue that carries a park-outside advisory, and one for side curtain airbag mounting bolts that may damage the airbags during deployment.
- How does the 2019 Santa Fe compare to other model years?
- With a complaint index of 40, the 2019 Santa Fe is safer on paper than years like 2017 (index 100) or 2009 (index 95), both rated Avoid, but its recall situation still caps it at Caution.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe?
- The EPA rates it at 21 mpg combined (18.5 city / 24.5 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,100.