2019 Hyundai Santa Fe: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 183 complaints, with Engine Problems as the top reported area.
2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 6 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 6 trims analysed.
2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV AWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
14.6% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
14.6% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe has 183 owner complaints, 16 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Engine Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Hyundai
- Model
- Santa Fe
- Model year
- 2019
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 183
- Crash-related complaints
- 16
- Safety recall campaigns
- 2
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 22
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 20 / 25
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Uncategorized Issues
Electrical Faults
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Uncategorized Issues, Electrical Faults. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe?
The 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the engine for any signs of problems or prior repairs.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for electrical and transmission components.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect the engine for any signs of problems or prior repairs.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for electrical and transmission components.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on 183 NHTSA complaints for the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe, issues appear concentrated in the engine, electrical system, and transmission. There are 2 recalls and 16 crash-related complaints, but the data is consumer-submitted and may not reflect all vehicles.
- Engine Problems account for the largest share of complaints with 64 reports.
- Electrical Faults and Transmission/Drivetrain issues are also frequently reported.
- Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB has 13 complaints, indicating potential safety system concerns.
- Engine Problems
- Electrical Faults
- Transmission / Drivetrain
All 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 64 | — | 5 | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 44 | 6 | 4 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 26 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 25 | 1 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 14 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 13 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 12 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 11 | 2 | 1 | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 7 | 5 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 5 | — | 1 | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 5 | 4 | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Trailer Hitches | 2 | — | 1 | — | |
| Other/I Am Not Sure | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Firerelated | 1 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Engine continuously burns oil excessively and the dealership is falsifying the oil consumption test. At my local oil change shop, there is no oil left on dipstick at 3,000 mile interval. When I took it to dealer for consumption test, they checked dipstick after 1,000 miles and it…
we took it in to be looked at after it had a o2 sensor go bad I changed the sensor and checked fluids I noticed the oil was a touch low and it had metal on the dipstick. I took in to dealership for repair / replacement and Hyundai denied the claim. Even after I have video proof f…
The door was completely shut - I was driving on the highway - no alarm on the instrument panel, fully stage 2 latched ( even if it is just stage 1 latched - the instrument panel gives an alarm - there was no alarms about door not fully closed) everything was normal. 15 minutes in…
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 gro…
Paint is significantly peeling on the hood of my car.
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle hesitated while accelerating with the accelerator pedal depressed and the RPM raised. The contact stated that the vehicle occasionally failed to start. No warning lig…
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 unde…
The vehicle was burning through oil excessively. I was adding 1 quart of oil a week. Dealer did an oil consumption test. They confirmed the engine needed replacement. These vehicles are getting to be known for this issue and the dealer is making me pay 40% of the repairs. They sh…
My Hyundai Santa Fe 2019 Limited is burning oil. It started after the Turbo broke in October 2024. The turbo began leaking oil and then died. I took it to the dealership as it is still under warranty and they replaced the turbo. As a result, I have had issues ever since and now …
Complaint: Safety Defect - Engine Failure Risk (Stalling/Fire) My 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe has the defective Theta II 2.0L Turbo engine (G4KH), subject of class action In re: Hyundai and Kia Engine Litigation and multiple TSBs. The engine has a known manufacturing defect causing pr…
internal mechanical failure of the piston rings and cylinder walls. Misfire on Cylinder #2. Further testing revealed that Cylinder #2 is at 80 PSI, which is significantly below the manufacturer's specification. A subsequent leak-down test showed a 90% loss of pressure with air es…
On my 2019 Sante Fe 2.0T, I started having oil consumption/engine issues after 85, 000 miles. Under warranty, I had several minor repairs made over the last year (since 87,000 miles) at the dealership. In September 2025, at 97, 500 miles, I had it into the dealership complainin…
Driving on interstate when the car all of a sudden started shaking and the check engine light came on. Had it towed to repair place who said they could not touch it and had to go to Hyundai. Towed it there. Just advised today of the issue and that Hyundai wouldn't cover it. Car h…
After several oil changes and going from ever 5000 miles to every 3000 miles for oil changes to the need to add additional oil before hitting 3000 for being low on oil. Was told this vehicle just burned oil often and nothing really i was able to do. Check engine light turned on. …
Vehicle is consuming oil at an exceptionally fast rate. In October 2025, when taken in for an oil change and my complaint of a burning smell upon quick acceleration, the technician documented no oil was found on the dipstick. Just a month later, in November 2025, the oil level wa…
Overly excessive oil consumption 2 Quarts every 3 or 4 days.no leaks. Engine gets so hot I don't have to turn on heater In winter. On going issue since 100,000 miles. EBS light stays on electronic parking brake switch does not work. Parking brake will randomly engage after vehicl…
Engine oil consumption issue. I have taken the vehicle in 4 times due to this they have. Changed hoses and even the oil pan but the engine still runs out of oil. On several occasions the oil light comes on within 1000 miles of a oil change and when I check it the system is comp…
This vehicle requires 1-2 quarts of oil to be added to it weekly. It's all over the internet that many different models of Hyundais consume excessive amounts of oil. This puts others at risk due to damaging the engine and the possibility that the car will just stop completely whi…
I purchased my 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe on October 29, 2021. Since then, I’ve experienced a series of mechanical and electrical failures that I believe are far beyond normal for a vehicle of this age. - The remote start has never worked. - On October 20, 2023, the hatch latch failed…
The car is burning oil and Hyundai advises to change the oil every 7500 miles. The car holds 5.1 qt of oil and is currently burning about 1 qt of oil for every 5,000 miles. How is this not a forced recall? People are blowing up their motors all over the country. They knew it …
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe.
2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Recalls
2 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe. 2 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 183 owner complaints, 16 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe?▾
#1: Engine Problems (64 complaints). #2: Uncategorized Issues (44 complaints). #3: Electrical Faults (26 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe, NHTSA complaints include 16 crash-related reports and 11 fire reports out of 183 total complaints. 10 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe have any recalls?▾
Yes. 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe. A major recall area is AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW. 2 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe?▾
The 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Engine Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Hyundai Santa Fe reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.