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2019 Hyundai Santa Fe

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 212.5.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

65 reports with mileage · 132 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine. Review the 70 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 34 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 26 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

16 crash reports12 fire reports10 injury reports

What owners actually said

197 reports
Mileage unknown · Jan 13, 2025
Engine

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.

NHTSA ODI #11635605

Mileage unknown · Jan 11, 2025
Forward Collision Avoidance

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.

NHTSA ODI #11635460

Mileage unknown · Dec 18, 2024
Power Train

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 ca…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #11631403

Mileage unknown · Dec 15, 2024
Unknown Or Other

rear camera malfunction just like other models

NHTSA ODI #11630778

Mileage unknown · Dec 8, 2024
Power Train

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 yo…

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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

NHTSA ODI #11629483

Mileage unknown · Dec 5, 2024
Unknown Or Other

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…

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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?

NHTSA ODI #11628956

Mileage unknown · Dec 2, 2024
Unknown Or Other

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 t…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #11628206

Mileage unknown · Nov 8, 2024
Structure

The paint is failing, it is coming off in sheets, there is no damage to the car where the paint is coming off.

NHTSA ODI #11624200

Mileage unknown · Nov 7, 2024
Other/i Am Not Sure

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 le…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #11624055

Mileage unknown · Nov 1, 2024
Unknown Or Other

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 thi…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #11623193

Official recalls

2

23V181000 · Trailer Hitches

Mar 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

18V715000 · Air Bags:side/window

Oct 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

DP22003 · Loss Of Motive Power

Opened Sep 12, 2022 · Closed Dec 12, 2023

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complaints were provided which alleged that the oil drain pans lack sufficient structural integrity and are susceptible to cracking. The petition itself can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI number 11481745. On September 12, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Defect Petition (DP22-003) to evaluate the Petitioners’ request. The Petitioners have provided additional complaints within four supplemental letters dated January 31, 2023, March 21, 2023, May 23, 2023, and August 4, 2023. ODI’s evaluation included the review and analysis of the complaints and supporting information submitted by the Petitioners, as well as additional complaints submitted directly to NHTSA which referenced either the oil drain plug or a crack in the oil pan. After reviewing the available data, ODI has not identified evidence that would support opening a defect investigation into the oil drain pan assemblies of the subject vehicles. Based on a review of the available information, a loss of motive power resulting from an oil drain plug back out has not occurred between the initial sale of a vehicle and the completion of its first oil change. If during an oil change service, a technician fails to remove the existing drain plug gasket before installing a new gasket, it is likely that a proper seal between the drain plug and the oil pan will not be made. An improper seal between the drain plug and oil pan could lead to the backing out on the drain plug, resulting in the sudden loss of oil while driving. Additionally, the provided examples of oil pan cracks were localized to the immediate vicinity of the oil drain plug and/or appeared to be the result of direct-contact with a tool during servicing.  There is no information to support that a vehicle-based defect exists relating to the oil pan assembly, and instead the documented incidents are related to the failure to follow the proper maintenance procedures during oil change service. In October 2023, Hyundai published a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) that provided detailed instructions for oil change service on its gasoline powered vehicles, specifically highlighting the need to remove and replace the existing drain plug gasket prior to reinstalling the drain plug. After a thorough review of the material submitted by the petitioner, the information already in NHTSA's possession, and the potential risks to motor vehicle safety implicated by the petitioners' allegations, NHTSA does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. Therefore, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA’s reasons for denial of the petition will be published. The reference numbers for the complaints to NHTSA cited by the petitioner can be found in the petition submission documents in the public file for DP22-003. To review those complaints and the additional complaints ODI added to its evaluation which are cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.