This page covers 4 recalls, 186 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe.
21–25 mpg combined
9.4–11.2 L/100km
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 4 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Complaints about the 2019 Santa Fe center heavily on engine and powertrain issues. The most consistent pattern is excessive oil consumption, owners report needing to add significant amounts of oil between normal change intervals, often with no warning light, and some describe metal particles or bearing material found in the oil. A handful report engines seizing without prior indication. Transmission complaints are the second notable cluster, with owners describing complete transmission failure and, in some cases, noticeable changes in shift behavior at low speeds. Structure complaints, primarily around front strut failure, appear at a lower volume but show up across multiple reports. The oil consumption issue stands out as the dominant theme, with several owners noting dealers acknowledged the consumption but characterized it as within acceptable limits.
186
Total Complaints
16
Crash-Related
11
Fire-Related
10
With Injuries
By System
The 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe has 4 recalls, the most serious being a tow hitch wiring harness that can short circuit and cause a fire, even when the vehicle is parked and switched off.
The wiring harness issue affects vehicles equipped with a 4-pin accessory trailer wiring harness, either installed as original equipment or purchased through a dealership. Over time, the harness can fail, overheat the control module, and start a fire without any warning to the driver. The remaining two recalls both describe the same side curtain airbag defect: the mounting bolts that hold the airbags in place can contact and tear the airbag material during deployment, so in a crash the curtain airbags may not fully inflate, leaving occupants with less cushioning than the system is designed to provide.
At a glance
What can fail
The 4-pin trailer wiring harness kit (part number S2F67-AC401) may degrade over time, creating a short circuit that causes the control module to overheat.
What the fix does
A dealer will inspect for the harness kit and, if found, install a 15A fuse and wire extension kit to prevent overheating.
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Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Water can accumulate on the tow hitch harness electrical circuit board, causing a short that may result in fire.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a new fuse and wire extension kit at no charge to prevent electrical short and fire risk.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Installation bolts for side curtain airbags can damage the airbags when they deploy, preventing proper inflation during a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a protective cover over the side curtain airbag installation bolts.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The bolts that hold the side curtain air bags in place may interfere with and damage the air bags when they deploy.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a protective cover over the side curtain air bag bolts at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
