2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Xl Safety Report

2019 Hyundai Santa Fe XL: Strong Crash Ratings, but Engine Failures and Fire Recall are Major Concerns

23Complaints
1Recalls
★★★★★Safety Rating
45/100Reliability Score
1Crash Reports
Most reported components: Engine (6)Unknown Or Other (4)Electrical System (3)Service Brakes, Hydraulic (3)Power Train,Engine (1)Unknown Or Other,Visibility/Wiper (1)Visibility (1)Service Brakes (1)Electrical System,Service Brakes (1)Steering,Vehicle Speed Control (1)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Xl

The 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe XL presents a mixed safety picture. While it achieved strong crash test ratings from NHTSA, including a 5-star overall rating, 5-star side impact, and 4-star frontal and rollover ratings, the vehicle has a notable recall and several concerning complaint patterns. There is one active recall (NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V056000) related to the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module, which could malfunction and lead to an engine compartment fire while parked or driving. Several complaints directly reference this recall, with owners expressing frustration over the lack of a timely remedy. Analysis of the 23 total NHTSA complaints reveals a significant concentration of engine-related issues, accounting for 6 complaints (26% of the total). These complaints frequently describe severe problems such as complete engine failure, engine seizing, excessive oil consumption (e.g., 9 quarts over 5000 miles), and timing component failures, often at relatively low mileages (e.g., 54,000 miles). Another concerning pattern involves panoramic sunroof explosions, with multiple reports of the sunroof spontaneously shattering while driving or parked, scattering glass throughout the vehicle. Electrical system issues, including intermittent locking/unlocking and software update failures, also appear in the complaint data. Despite the excellent crash test performance, the recurring and severe nature of engine failures and the potential fire risk from the ABS module recall are significant safety concerns. The vehicle has been involved in 1 reported crash, but no injuries or deaths have been reported in the complaint data. The recall's potential for fire, even while parked, adds a layer of risk that owners should be aware of.

Reliability Score

The 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Xl receives a reliability score of 45 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Xl

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Xl:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Engine Failure/Seizing
Multiple reports of complete engine failure, seizing, excessive oil consumption, and timing component issues, often requiring full engine replacement.		 High Common 50000-145000 miles
Panoramic Sunroof Explosion
Sunroof spontaneously shatters while driving or parked, scattering glass inside the vehicle.		 Medium Occasional unknown miles
Abs Module Fire Risk (Recall 22v056000)
Recall for ABS module malfunction potentially leading to engine compartment fire, with owners reporting delays in remedy availability.		 High Common all miles
Electrical System Malfunctions
Intermittent electrical failures, including unintended door locking/unlocking and inability to upload software updates.		 Medium Occasional unknown miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Xl:

Engine 26% of complaints

Frequent reports of engine failure, seizing, excessive oil consumption, and timing chain issues.

Unknown Or Other 17% of complaints

Includes issues like sunroof explosion and paint peeling.

Electrical System 13% of complaints

Problems with intermittent electrical failures and software updates.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic 13% of complaints

Concerns related to the ABS module recall and brake system issues.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Xl

Is the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe XL safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe XL received excellent crash test ratings, including a 5-star overall rating. However, it has a significant recall for a potential ABS module fire risk and numerous complaints about severe engine failures and exploding sunroofs, which are serious safety concerns.

What are common problems with the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe XL?

The most reported issues for the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe XL are engine-related problems (26% of complaints), including complete engine failure and excessive oil consumption. Other common problems include exploding panoramic sunroofs and electrical system malfunctions. There is also an active recall for a potential ABS module fire.

Is there a recall for the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe XL?

Yes, there is one active recall (NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V056000) for the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe XL concerning the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module, which could malfunction and lead to an engine compartment fire. Owners have reported delays in getting this recall remedied.

How does the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe XL perform in crash tests?

The 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe XL performed very well in NHTSA crash tests, achieving a 5-star overall safety rating. It received 4 stars for frontal crash, 5 stars for side crash, and 4 stars for rollover resistance.

Are there engine problems with the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe XL?

Yes, engine problems are a significant concern for the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe XL, accounting for 6 out of 23 total complaints. Owners have reported severe issues such as complete engine failure, engine seizing, and high oil consumption, sometimes at relatively low mileage.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Despite strong crash test ratings, potential buyers should be aware of the significant engine failure complaints and the unresolved ABS module fire recall; thoroughly investigate service history and ensure all recalls are addressed before purchase.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Xl

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Xl. The data includes 23 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 1 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 1 reported crashes, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

The NHTSA has assigned the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Xl an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 4 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.