Photo: Vauxford / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons
2019 Hyundai Santa Fe: common problems and reliability
One of the weaker Santa Fe years.
225 owner complaints, most about engine. 3 recalls.
Should I buy a 2019 Santa Fe?The 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe has 225 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and power train. Owners most often flag catastrophic engine failure (theta ii and related gdi engines, ~2013-2019): sudden engine seizure, knocking, bearing failure, leading to complete replacement. often preceded by excessive oil consumption. warranty coverage is a frequent point of conflict.
Safety record for the 2019 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Santa Fe years only. How we score it
Is 2019 a good year for the Santa Fe?
Across the 26 Santa Fe model years we track, complaint volume runs from 106 (2006) to 1,316 (2017). With 225 complaints, the 2019 Santa Fe sits below the model's median of 287.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2019 Santa Fe
air bags:side/window
Campaign 18V715000Hyundai 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.
trailer hitches
Campaign 23V181000Hyundai 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.
service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/module
Campaign 22V056000Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Santa Fe, 2017-2018 Santa Fe Sport, 2019 Santa Fe XL, and 2014-2015 Tucson vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module could malfunction and cause an electrical short, which could result in an engine compartment fire.
What owners say across generations
Sentiment is sharply divided by model year and engine type, creating a high-risk, high-reward ownership profile.
- Very frequentCatastrophic Engine Failure (Theta II and related GDI engines, ~2013-2019)
Sudden engine seizure, knocking, bearing failure, leading to complete replacement. Often preceded by excessive oil consumption. Warranty coverage is a frequent point of conflict.
- Very frequentExcessive Oil Consumption (GDI engines, ~2013-2019)
Burning 1 quart or more of oil every 1,000-1,500 miles. Leads to engine damage if not constantly monitored and topped up.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Santa Fe. See the full Santa Fe owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used Santa Fe listings typically run $18,687–$28,522.
Other Santa Fe model years
Compare every Santa Fe year side by side to see how 2019 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Santa Fe against its rivals
Looking at a specific car?
We're building a full check by VIN: the exact trim and engine, its known problems and recalls, what to inspect, a fair price, and how it compares with its rivals. Get an email when it's ready.
One email when it launches. Unsubscribe any time. Privacy