A big step up after the redesign
The 2019 Santa Fe drew less than half the model average. Some owners report hesitation, limp mode and oil use, but far less often than earlier years.
Updated November 2026 · based on 231 owner complaints and 3 recalls
181 58% below the Santa Fe average
3 free to fix at a dealer
Every Santa Fe year compared
Owner complaints per 100,000 cars sold. Lower is better. The newest years have had less time to collect complaints, so they are marked too new to judge.
Known problems on the 2019 Santa Fe
Top problems and what they cost
Loss of power and limp mode
Sudden reduced power while driving on some cars.
Fix: Software update $150 to $300
Engine
Liftgate fault
The power liftgate will not unlatch.
Fix: Latch $200 to $400
Other
Recalls
In the event of a crash, if the air bags become damaged during deployment they may not inflate properly, increasing the risk of injury.
A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Complaints by part
Before you buy a 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe
- Confirm recalls 18V715, 22V056 and 23V181 show as repaired.A recall is a safety fix the carmaker must do for free, even for later owners. Typing the 17-character VIN (on the dashboard and driver door) into nhtsa.gov/recalls shows any that were never done. Codes like 18V332 are recall numbers.The 2019 Santa Fe has 3 recalls on record, listed below.
- Check the oil level.Some engines burn or thin their oil. A low or high level, a gas smell on the dipstick or blue smoke are warning signs, and regular oil changes show the engine was looked after.Owners filed 28 complaints about engine knocking and failure on the 2019 Santa Fe.
- Drive in traffic and feel for hesitation.A delay or loss of power when you press the gas can mean fuel, sensor or throttle faults. It matters most when merging or pulling into traffic.Owners filed 28 complaints about engine knocking and failure on the 2019 Santa Fe.
Questions
Is the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe reliable?
A big step up after the redesign. The 2019 Santa Fe drew less than half the model average. Some owners report hesitation, limp mode and oil use, but far less often than earlier years.
How many recalls does the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe have?
3 recalls. Recall repairs are free at any Hyundai dealer, even for later owners. Enter the VIN on the free government recall lookup to see which are still open on a specific car.
What are the most common 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe problems?
Loss of power and limp mode; Liftgate fault.
Crash rating shown for the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV AWD. Repair costs are typical U.S. ranges for parts and labor, not quotes. How we score.