2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Safety Report
2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Safety and Reliability Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | Moderate (2) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | High (178) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 27 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Engine | Compare engine issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2018 | Compare against the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe with 105 complaints and 2 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2017 | Check the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe before buying across this generation. |
Hyundai Santa Fe Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Hyundai Santa Fe years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe | 172 | 2 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe | 105 | 2 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe | 152 | 7 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe | 897 | 6 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe | 169 | 5 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe | 231 | 3 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Engine
37 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine issues Hyundai onlyUnknown Or Other
27 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Hyundai onlyStructure
10 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Structure issues Hyundai onlyPower Train
9 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train issues Hyundai onlyPower Train,Engine
7 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train,Engine issues Hyundai onlySteering
6 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Steering issues Hyundai onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe
Reliability Score
The 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe receives a reliability score of 82 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates above-average reliability relative to comparable vehicles.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
Known Issues for the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Failure Risk The Theta II 2.0L Turbo engine (G4KH) has been identified as a critical issue, leading to engine stalling and potential fire risks. |
High | Occasional | 30k-60k miles |
| Excessive Oil Consumption Multiple owners have reported burning oil at an exceptionally fast rate, requiring frequent oil changes or additions. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Air Bags Malfunction Hyundai has issued recalls for certain 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe vehicles due to potential air bag malfunctions. |
Low | Occasional | 30k-60k miles |
| Steering Issues Owners have reported steering issues, including hesitations while accelerating. |
Low | Occasional | 30k-60k 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:
Engine issues are the most common problem reported by owners.
Air bag malfunctions have been reported in a significant number of cases.
Steering issues have been reported by a smaller percentage of owners.
Excessive oil consumption is a less common but still reported issue.
Recall Details for the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe
The following 2 recalls have been issued for the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe by NHTSA:
Summary: 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: 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 previou...
Summary: 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: 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.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 1 complaint involved crashes. 2 involved fires. 1 reported injuries or fatalities.
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 light was illuminated. Additionally, while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost automotive power. The vehicle was ta...
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 under warranty. Unfortunately I am not. I’ve already dealt with a white paint issue with Hyundai. I called couple weeks ago...
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 should be covering 100% because the issue is not isolated to my vehicle only.
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 my car burns oil at a fast rate. In between oil changes I need to put oil in the engine to avoid it being drained. I am ...
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 premature connecting rod bearing failure, leading to catastrophic engine seizure. SAFETY CONSEQUENCE: This defect present...
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 escaping through the oil filler hole. The issue stated above can cause severe mechanical failure of piston rings and c...
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 complaining of burning oil and excessive consumptions in between oil changes. They AGAIN made a few minor repairs, I signed a one...
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 has just over 100k miles on it. The engine should not fail this soon. Cylinder 2 no compression was the reported issue....
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. Car stalled, shook and even turned off after being idle too long. Diagnostic found a leak in a cylinder and no combusti...
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 was already extremely low, the vehicle was taken back to the dealer, and an oil consumption test is currently being admini...
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 vehicle is turned off. Dealership cannot duplicate issue. If cruse control is turned on the vehicles warning lights all of the...
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 completely out of oil. This means the lubrication system is running with no oil and likely has metal particles in it. I have...
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 while driving it. We have records to show how often and how much we have to add more oil every week.
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 only way to open it now is by climbing into the back and manually pulling the latch. - On October 27, 2023, the el...
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 was an issue and bought their way out of a class action lawsuit. This endangers any driver if it happens on the interst...
This car has been cutting off for a month and no type of codes popping up alternator has been replaced two brand new batteries has been replaced which is dangers car cutting off while I am driving this vehicle is not safe at all needs to be recalled asap mechanic can’t even find the problem .
Paint peeling and chipping will cause rust.
I was driving home Friday August 29th 2025 around 10:30 am on I-70 W when I began to have trouble accelerating my vehicle. There were vehicles trailing closely behind me so I increased pressure on the gas pedal. I would feel my car forcibly trying to compensate and the RPMs on the vehicle increased significantly. The check engine light then illuminated and the car stedily beagan to decelerate alth...
Paint coming off of hood, no contact of any kind. Took to dealer and was told past its warranty sorry. Cost me over $1K to fix the problem.
Oil consumption on vehicle engine leading the engine to run low on oil for extended periods of time
Showing 20 of 178 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
NHTSA Defect Investigations for the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe
NHTSA defect investigations are higher-signal than ordinary complaints because they indicate the agency opened a formal review of a potential safety defect. Some investigations later connect to recall campaigns; others close without a recall after review.
Component: Engine
Opened 2022-09-12 · Closed 2023-12-12
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...
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe
Has the 2019 HYUNDAI SANTA FE been recalled?
Yes, the 2019 HYUNDAI SANTA FE has 2 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2019 HYUNDAI SANTA FE have?
The 2019 HYUNDAI SANTA FE has 178 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 16 involved crashes. 10 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2019 HYUNDAI SANTA FE?
The 2019 HYUNDAI SANTA FE received an overall NHTSA safety rating of excellent (5/5). Frontal crash: 4/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 4/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2019 HYUNDAI SANTA FE?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2019 HYUNDAI SANTA FE involve engine (37 complaints), unknown or other (27 complaints), structure (10 complaints). Other affected components include power train, power train,engine, steering.
How many crash reports does the 2019 HYUNDAI SANTA FE have?
There are 16 crash reports associated with the 2019 HYUNDAI SANTA FE out of 178 total complaints (9.0% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2019 HYUNDAI SANTA FE have?
There are 11 fire reports for the 2019 HYUNDAI SANTA FE out of 178 total complaints. Fire reports are among the most serious safety concerns tracked by NHTSA.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2019 HYUNDAI SANTA FE?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2019 HYUNDAI SANTA FE.
How many injuries are reported for the 2019 HYUNDAI SANTA FE?
10 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2019 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2019 HYUNDAI SANTA FE?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2019 HYUNDAI SANTA FE is extreme caution advised. It has 178 complaints, 2 recalls, and a excellent (5/5) safety rating. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2019 HYUNDAI SANTA FE?
The components with the most failures on the 2019 HYUNDAI SANTA FE are: 1. ENGINE (37 complaints), 2. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (27 complaints), 3. STRUCTURE (10 complaints), 4. POWER TRAIN (9 complaints), 5. POWER TRAIN,ENGINE (7 complaints). ENGINE is the single most-reported problem area with 37 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2019 HYUNDAI SANTA FE?
Be cautious of the engine failure risk and excessive oil consumption issues. Consider purchasing a vehicle with a warranty or extended coverage. The 2019 HYUNDAI SANTA FE has 178 NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it excellent (5/5).
How reliable is the 2019 HYUNDAI SANTA FE?
The 2019 HYUNDAI SANTA FE receives a reliability score of 82/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 178 owner complaints, 2 recalls, and 27 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Engine Failure Risk and Excessive Oil Consumption.
What are the known issues with the 2019 HYUNDAI SANTA FE?
Known issues with the 2019 HYUNDAI SANTA FE include: Engine Failure Risk, Excessive Oil Consumption, Air Bags Malfunction, Steering Issues. These are based on patterns found across 178 NHTSA complaints. 2 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
What are the common issues with the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe?
Common issues include engine failure risks, excessive oil consumption, air bag malfunctions, and steering hesitations.
Is the excessive oil consumption a serious issue?
Yes, it requires frequent oil changes or additions and can be a serious concern for vehicle owners.
What should I do if I experience engine stalling or oil consumption issues?
Contact Hyundai for a recall check and follow their recommendations for repairs or maintenance.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be cautious of the engine failure risk and excessive oil consumption issues. Consider purchasing a vehicle with a warranty or extended coverage.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe
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. The data includes 178 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 2 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 16 reported crashes, 11 fire incidents, 10 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe 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.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-16