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2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Owner Complaints

Updated May 30, 20261 Critical Recalls
Ryan Davis
2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Owner Complaints

Complaint Summary

The 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe has 235 reported complaints.

  • Top issues involve engine and unknown or other.

Reliability Score

Reliability Score

6.6/ 10

Based on 235 complaints

Most Frequent Issues

ENGINE

51 21.7%

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

42 17.9%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

24 10.2%

POWER TRAIN

21 8.9%

STEERING

11 4.7%

Quick Insights

  • The top category is ENGINE, accounting for 21.7% of all complaints.

  • Owners have reported issues across 34 distinct vehicle systems.

  • Note: Complaint data reflects owner reports and may not always indicate a verified defect. Compare with Recalls and TSBs for a complete picture.

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Complaint Summary

What owners keep reporting on the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe has 235 owner complaints in this dataset. ENGINE is the most common complaint category, representing about 22% of the reports shown here.

Most common complaint categories

The top complaint groups for the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe are ENGINE (51), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (42), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (24).

Are these complaints a serious red flag?

Potentially. 113 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems like brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection.

What should buyers inspect on a used 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe?

Start with the top complaint systems, compare them against the recall report, then inspect service records for evidence that those same areas were already repaired or monitored.

Read the full buyer guideRecall report and remedy notesMaintenance costs and intervals2018 Santa Fe complaints2020 Santa Fe complaints2017 Santa Fe complaints

Detailed Complaint Log

Showing 34 of 34 systems

ENGINE

51 Reports22% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

ON MARCH 5, THIS VEHICLE STOPPED WHILE DRIVING IN THE MIDDLE OF A STREET. I WAS UNABLE TO START THE VEHICLE AND ME AND MY PASSENGER COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED. CAR WAS TOWED TO DEALERSHIP AND HAS 2600 MILES ON IT. I HAVE FOUND THAT HYUNDAI IS DOING A RECALL TO REPLACE STARTER AND A SOFTWARE UPDATE. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT BECAUSE OF THE NEW TECHNOLOGY THIS VEHICLE HAS WHICH IS AN AUTOMATIC START AND STOP AT A STOP SIGN OR STOP LIGHT THAT THE STARTER SHORTED OUT AND APPARENTLY THE SOFTWARE IN THE CAR JUST STOPS THE CAR WHILE DRIVING.. THIS HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING THE CAR AT 35 MILES/HOUR ON A BUSY STREET. IT IS A MIRACLE THAT I WAS NOT HIT AND INJURED OR KILLED. CAR IS AT THE DEALERSHIP WAITING FOR A NEW STARTER AND SOFTWARE UPDATE WITH A POSSIBLE SHIP DATE OF MARCH 31, 2019. THESE 2019 SANTA FE ARE NOT SAFE TO BE SELLING TO THE PUBLIC WITH THIS KNOWN DEFECT.

3/15/2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT NOTICED AN ABNORMAL BURNING ODOR COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WHEN DRIVING UP HILL. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,700.

4/2/2019

49 more complaints are available in this category.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

42 Reports18% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE AUGUST 1 AND DROVE IT HOME, 50 MILES, AT 75+ MPH. IMMEDIATELY I NOTICED A HIGH VIBRATION IN THE RIDE AS WELL AS LOOKING IN THE REARVIEW MIRROR THE CARS BEHIND ME WERE BLURRY FROM THE VIBRATION UNTIL I PLACE A FINGER ON THE MIRROR. I RETURNED TO THE DEALER THE NEXT DAY RELATING TO THE VIBRATION. THEY BALANCED THE FRONT TIRES. I RETURNED HOME AND THE VIBRATION WAS STILL THERE. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN AT THE DEALER 4 MORE TIMES WITH NO SOLUTION. I HAVE BEEN SUPPLIED WITH A RENTAL FOR A FEW DAYS AND WAS TOLD THE SUV WAS READY. I PICKED IT UP ON A SATURDAY AND ASKED FOR SOMEONE TO GO FOR A RIDE TO SEE IF THE VIBRATION WAS STILL THERE. NO ONE WAS AVAILABLE SO I DROVE IT HOME AND THE VIBRATION WAS STILL THERE. I RETURNED IT TO THE DEALER AND AN HYUNDIA ENGINEER TOOK IT FOR A TEST DRIVE UP TO 70MPH WHICH WAS IN THE CITY AND NOT HIGHWAY DRIVING. I HAD A CONFERENCE CALL WITH THE GM AND WAS TOLD THAT THE ENGINEER SAID ALL OF THE SUVS VIBRATED AND THIS ONE WAS MORE "PRONOUNCED" WHICH WAS NOT IN HIS REPORT TO HYUNDIA WHO I'VE BEEN IN CONTACT. I BELIEVE THIS VIBRATION IS NOT IN THE WHEELS, ONE TIRE WAS REPLACED, BUT MECHANICALLY ELSEWHERE. IT HAS BEEN AT THE DEALERSHIP SINCE 9/25/2018. I BELIEVE THIS SUV TO BE UNSAFE AND THAT OTHER COMPONENTS WILL FAIL. THIS IS MY 3RD SUV AND I'VE NOT HAD ANY PROBLEMS WITH THE FIRST 2. ANOTHER ENGINEER IS SCHEDULED TO INSPECT IT 10/23/2018. I AM A HELICOPTER PILOT AND KNOW WHAT VIBRATIONS CAN DO TO MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS.

10/23/2018

MY NEW 2019 HYUNDAI SANTE FE FROM THE TIME I BOUGHT IT HAD THE YELLOW CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COME ON. IT SAID THE BSM SYSTEM WASN'T WORKING. THEN THE ENGINE WOULD NOT START ON 4 SEPARATE OCCASIONS. I HAD TO WAIT TO GET IT TO START. THERE HAVE BEEN 3 OCCASIONS WHEN IT DID START IT SOUNDED LIKE IT WAS GOING DIE, VERY SLUGGISH AND DIDN'T WANT TO ACCELERATE. THE RPM WOULD NOT INCREASE. IT ALSO STARTED 2 SEPARATE OCCASIONS IT LOST STEERING WHEEL POWER AND THE A/C STOPPED BLOWING COLD AIR. I HAD TO TURN IT OFF AND WAIT TO RESTART IT. IT IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALERSHIP WAITING FOR THE BLIND SPOT MONITORING MODULES. THE FIRST TIME THEY REPLACED THE MODULE IT STILL SHOWED IT NOT WORKING. SO NOW IT IS UNDRIVABLE AT GENE MESSER HYUNDAI IN LUBBOCK TEXAS, THEY SAY IT'S NOT SAFE TO DRIVE SO I AM DRIVING A LOANER. THEY SAY THEY CAN'T DETERMINE WHY THE ENGINE DID THE DESCRIBED THINGS ABOVE. THESE THINGS HAPPENED WHILE IN MOTION AND PARKED.

11/16/2018

40 more complaints are available in this category.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

24 Reports10% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

MY NEW 2019 HYUNDAI SANTE FE FROM THE TIME I BOUGHT IT HAD THE YELLOW CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COME ON. IT SAID THE BSM SYSTEM WASN'T WORKING. THEN THE ENGINE WOULD NOT START ON 4 SEPARATE OCCASIONS. I HAD TO WAIT TO GET IT TO START. THERE HAVE BEEN 3 OCCASIONS WHEN IT DID START IT SOUNDED LIKE IT WAS GOING DIE, VERY SLUGGISH AND DIDN'T WANT TO ACCELERATE. THE RPM WOULD NOT INCREASE. IT ALSO STARTED 2 SEPARATE OCCASIONS IT LOST STEERING WHEEL POWER AND THE A/C STOPPED BLOWING COLD AIR. I HAD TO TURN IT OFF AND WAIT TO RESTART IT. IT IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALERSHIP WAITING FOR THE BLIND SPOT MONITORING MODULES. THE FIRST TIME THEY REPLACED THE MODULE IT STILL SHOWED IT NOT WORKING. SO NOW IT IS UNDRIVABLE AT GENE MESSER HYUNDAI IN LUBBOCK TEXAS, THEY SAY IT'S NOT SAFE TO DRIVE SO I AM DRIVING A LOANER. THEY SAY THEY CAN'T DETERMINE WHY THE ENGINE DID THE DESCRIBED THINGS ABOVE. THESE THINGS HAPPENED WHILE IN MOTION AND PARKED.

11/16/2018

ON MARCH 5, THIS VEHICLE STOPPED WHILE DRIVING IN THE MIDDLE OF A STREET. I WAS UNABLE TO START THE VEHICLE AND ME AND MY PASSENGER COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED. CAR WAS TOWED TO DEALERSHIP AND HAS 2600 MILES ON IT. I HAVE FOUND THAT HYUNDAI IS DOING A RECALL TO REPLACE STARTER AND A SOFTWARE UPDATE. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT BECAUSE OF THE NEW TECHNOLOGY THIS VEHICLE HAS WHICH IS AN AUTOMATIC START AND STOP AT A STOP SIGN OR STOP LIGHT THAT THE STARTER SHORTED OUT AND APPARENTLY THE SOFTWARE IN THE CAR JUST STOPS THE CAR WHILE DRIVING.. THIS HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING THE CAR AT 35 MILES/HOUR ON A BUSY STREET. IT IS A MIRACLE THAT I WAS NOT HIT AND INJURED OR KILLED. CAR IS AT THE DEALERSHIP WAITING FOR A NEW STARTER AND SOFTWARE UPDATE WITH A POSSIBLE SHIP DATE OF MARCH 31, 2019. THESE 2019 SANTA FE ARE NOT SAFE TO BE SELLING TO THE PUBLIC WITH THIS KNOWN DEFECT.

3/15/2019

22 more complaints are available in this category.

POWER TRAIN

21 Reports9% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT LEASED A 2019 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE, DRIVING INTO A PARKING LOT AT AN EXTREMELY SLOW SPEED, THE IDLE STOP &GO (ISG) ENGAGED. THE ENGINE STARTED TO REV AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT FAILED AS WELL AS THE HAND BRAKE WAS ENGAGED. THE VEHICLE COLLIDED WITH AN A PARKED VEHICLE NO AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. NO WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO CENTENNIAL HYUNDAI (6200 CENTENNIAL CENTER BLVD, LAS VEGAS, NV 89149 (702) 483-2200) WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED OF AN UNKNOWN SAFETY WARNING BULLETIN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE UNKNOWN SAFETY WARNING BULLETIN WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE CONTINUED, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER AND THE UNKNOWN SAFETY WARNING SOFTWARE UPDATE WAS PERFORMED. HOWEVER, THE FAILURE HAS RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND CASE WAS OPENED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE IDLE STOP & GO FEATURE HAS BEEN DISENGAGED ON THE VEHICLE BUT UPON RESTARTING THE VEHICLE THE FEATURE WAS REENGAGED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER CLOSED HER CASE SENDING PAPERWORK WITH INCORRECT VEHICLE INFORMATION. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 5,000.

8/16/2019

I BOUGHT SANTA FE 2019 LIMITED FWD, IT HAS AN ISSUE WITH ACCELERATION, IT HESITATES AROUND 2000 RPM, IT CREATE A BIG ISSUE WHEN I CHANGE LANE TO OVERTAKE OR DRIVING TO UPHILL, I HAVE TO PUSH ACCELERATION PADEL REALLY DOWN TO KEEP GOING. IT JERKS SOMETIMES. I TOOK TWO HYUNDAI DEALERS FOR CHECK AND BOTH SAID NOTHING WRONG WITH CAR, THEY DID NOT FIND ANY CODE OR ISSUE. IT IS SO FRUSTRATING SOMETIMES. MY 12-YEAR-OLD PILOT HAS A BETTER RIDE AND PERFORMANCE THAN 2019 SANTA FE. THIS IS MY FIRST HYUNDAI CAR AND I PAID A LOT OF MONEY . I LIKED THE INTERIOR, INFO SYSTEM, AND EXTERNAL LOOK. LOOKS LIKE TO ME ISSUE WITH TRANSMISSION GEAR SHIFTING

9/2/2019

19 more complaints are available in this category.

STEERING

11 Reports5% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

ON AT LEAST 2 OTHER OCCASIONS AND WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE, A WARNING SHOWS UP IN THE SPEEDOMETER AREA ALONG WITH A WARNING LIGHT COMING ON. THE WARNING STATES: "CHECK BLIND-SPOT WARNING (BCW) SYSTEM". THE WARNING ONLY TURNS OFF AFTER THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TURNED OFF AND NOT AGAIN STARTED FOR SEVERAL HOURS.

1/31/2019

STOPPED VEHICLE ON SIDE OF NEIGHBORHOOD ROAD ON MODERATE DOWNWARD INCLINE. PLACED VEHICLE IN PARK AND AT IDLE. A FEW MINUTES LATER, SHIFTED CAR INTO DRIVE AND PROCEEDED TO PULL OUT INTO ROADWAY. VEHICLE SEEMED TO LOSE POWER STEERING AS WELL AS POWER BRAKING. AS THE VEHICLE TURNED A CORNER, IT LOST ACCELERATION (CAR SLOWED TO A STOP AS ACCELERATOR WAS PRESSED) , AND TACHOMETER DECREASED TO ZERO. PULLED TO SIDE OF ROAD AS CAR SLOWED TO A STOP. TOTAL DISTANCE CAR TRAVELLED AT THIS POINT WAS ABOUT 75 FEET). PUT CAR IN PARK AND TURNED OFF ENGINE. WAITED FOR A FEW MINUTES, RESTARTED ENGINE, PLACED CAR IN DRIVE AND DROVE HOME ( ABOUT 40 FEET). PROBLEM: CAR ENGINE STALLED, CAUSE UNKNOWN.

7/13/2019

9 more complaints are available in this category.

SERVICE BRAKES

11 Reports5% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

STOPPED VEHICLE ON SIDE OF NEIGHBORHOOD ROAD ON MODERATE DOWNWARD INCLINE. PLACED VEHICLE IN PARK AND AT IDLE. A FEW MINUTES LATER, SHIFTED CAR INTO DRIVE AND PROCEEDED TO PULL OUT INTO ROADWAY. VEHICLE SEEMED TO LOSE POWER STEERING AS WELL AS POWER BRAKING. AS THE VEHICLE TURNED A CORNER, IT LOST ACCELERATION (CAR SLOWED TO A STOP AS ACCELERATOR WAS PRESSED) , AND TACHOMETER DECREASED TO ZERO. PULLED TO SIDE OF ROAD AS CAR SLOWED TO A STOP. TOTAL DISTANCE CAR TRAVELLED AT THIS POINT WAS ABOUT 75 FEET). PUT CAR IN PARK AND TURNED OFF ENGINE. WAITED FOR A FEW MINUTES, RESTARTED ENGINE, PLACED CAR IN DRIVE AND DROVE HOME ( ABOUT 40 FEET). PROBLEM: CAR ENGINE STALLED, CAUSE UNKNOWN.

7/13/2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE BRAKED HARD AND VEERED TO THE LEFT FOR A DURATION OF A SECOND AND A HALF. THE FAILURE OCCURRED SIX TIMES OVER A FOUR MONTH PERIOD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO STOCKTON HYUNDAI (2979 AUTO CENTER CIR, STOCKTON, CA 95212, (209) 662-6400), BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO REPLICATE THE ISSUE. THE DEALER TURNED THE ISSUE OVER TO A CASE MANAGER WITH THE MANUFACTURER WHO STATED THAT THEY WOULD CALL BACK WITHIN THREE TO FIVE DAYS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,000.

9/9/2019

9 more complaints are available in this category.

STRUCTURE:BODY

11 Reports5% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

WHILE DRIVING, THE PANORAMIC SUNROOF SPONTANEOUSLY EXPLODED, LEAVING SHATTERED GLASS WITHIN THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR. THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF FOREIGN OBJECTS WHICH MAY HAVE STRUCK THE CAR CAUSING THE ROOF TO CRACK AS IT DID.

9/3/2019

While driving at 70 mph the rear panel of the panoramic sunroof in my 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe exploded. We were not near other traffic or other sources of debris that could have impacted the glass. There was a very loud 'boom' sound, like a gunshot, and then the crackling sound of broken glass. Thankfully the sunshade was drawn and glass shards did not fall into the passenger compartment. Within a short amount of time large pieces of glass began to fall out creating a very heavy load on the fabric sunshade. We were able to collect enough of the large pieces by hand and remove them before the shade tore or otherwise failed creating an even larger hazard. Our 1 year old child was in his car seat directly below the failure -- had the shade been open, or had large pieces of glass fell before we could pull over and remove them he could have been seriously injured. Online research points that this is not an isolated incident and there is a pattern of this happening on recent model Hyundai/Kia products with panoramic sunroofs -- there is a class action lawsuit in Canada targeting Hyundai's lack of ownership of the problem. Hyundai dealerships and corporate were contacted to inspect and repair under warranty but were unwilling to do so in a reasonable timeframe (2+ month wait time). Vehicle was ultimately repaired by a body shop through our insurance company. There were no indications that this was a problem prior to the event.

8/23/2022

9 more complaints are available in this category.

AIR BAGS

7 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

MY WIFE HAS HAD A BAD BACK FOR MANY YEARS AND REQUIRES A CUSHION TO EASE THE BACK PAIN WHILE RIDING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. BY DOING THAT THE AIR BAG ON THE PASSENGER SIT WILL NOT ACTIVATE. THIS HAS CREATED A REAL PROBLEM FOR PEOPLE WITH A DISABILITY. I'VE REACHED OUT TO HYUNDAI TO HAVE THE PASSENGER AIR BAG ACTIVE CONTINUOUSLY BUT THEY HAVE REFUSED. I'M NOT ASKING THEM TO TURN IT OFF, I'M ASKING THEM TO TURN IT ON SO WE CAN BE MORE SECURE IN THE VEHICLE. WE HAVE TRIED MANY DIFFERENT PILLOWS, CUSHIONS AND BACK SUPPORTS TO NO AVAIL. RIDING WITH THE AIR BAG INOPERABLE IS NOT AN OPTION, RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET SHOWS THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. HYUNDAI'S ANSWER IS BUCKLE UP TIGHT AND SIT BACK AWAY FROM THE DASH. THIS IS NOT AN ANSWER TO A PROBLEM THAT CAN EFFECT MILLIONS OF DISABLED PEOPLE SPENDING MANY THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS ON NEW CARS THAT WANT TO FEEL SAFE. PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOU HAVE ANY SUGGESTIONS. THANK YOU.

5/22/2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 75 MPH AND WAS ABOUT TO SWITCH OVER TO THE LEFT LANE WITH THE LEFT SIGNAL INDICATOR LIGHT ON, THE WARNING LEFT INDICATOR ALERT SENSOR LIGHT FAILED AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT COLLIDED SIDE BY SIDE WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE OTHER VEHICLE WAS DRIVING BETWEEN 75-80 MPH, AND CRASHED INTO THE DRIVER FRONT SIDE DOOR, THE REAR END AND THE FRONT END BUMPER AND TIRE OF THE VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE WAS ABLE TO COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED LEFT ARM, NECK, BACK, WHIPLASH AND A CONCUSSION. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT HALF OF HER BODY WAS NUMB THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION AND WAS INFORMED BY HER DOCTOR THAT SHE HAD NERVE DAMAGE AND POSTTRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MASSEY HYUNDAI DEALER, LOCATED AT 1706 MASSEY BLVD, HAGERSTOWN, MD 21740, (301) 739-6756, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT IT WAS NOT THEIR PROBLEM ANYMORE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS IN AN ACCIDENT. THE CONTACT INFORMED THE DEALER THAT THE SAFETY FEATURE WAS NOT FUNCTIONING. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE SAFETY FEATURES WERE TURNED OFF. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED A CASE NUMBER: 15818438. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,500.

6/10/2019

5 more complaints are available in this category.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

6 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

12/26/2021 Driving on I40 E between Santa Rosa and Tucumcari using adaptive cruise control (SCC) at approx 68 m.p.h the brakes were harshly applied which resulted in the vehicle rapidly de-accelerating from approximately 68 m.p.h to approximately 5 m.p.h. (There was a warning displayed on the odometer panel). no vehicle or other obstacle within eyesight to the front, side of rear of our vehicle. Vehicle resumed driving on cruise. No warning prior to the event. Vehicle was taken to the local Hyundai dealership on 12/30/2021 for diagnosis, the mileage was 21066. The technician reported no DTC's found and suggested it might have been caused by the windshield mounted "dash cam", the "dashcam" was not in a position where it could possibly interfere with the vehicle camera, (it has been in the same position since vehicle purchase and remains in the same position today), possibly some critter that ran out in front of us and we did not notice it or maybe a big bug flew into the vehicle. also there was no obstruction to the forward vehicle radar. The vehicle was not road tested. This fault since the first instance has not happened again. this fault has been noted by other owners on various Hyundai owners blogs. This vehicle has FCA + Pedestrian, SCC, LKA.

2/10/2022

For the duration of the vehicle's ownership, it has underperformed and operated unpredictably under hard braking, specifically with relation to the vehicle's ABS system. The conditions have caused meto never drive the car in snow, as this weather condition in particular exacerbates the braking issues and makes the car unsafe. Issues with the braking/ABS include: The ABS activating at slow speeds in all conditions, even on dry roads The ABS activating and preventing the vehicle from being emergency stopped in adverse conditions The ABS activating and exponentially extending the braking distance until it disnegages The ABS, once activated, does not stop unless the brake pedal is lifted from its initial activation position The vehicle doesn't appear to have any mechancial braking issues. Everything seems to be related to the ABS system, wheel-speed sensors and/or vehicle-management systems. The overall braking experience in this vehicle with the ABS on is that it simply will not stop within a safe braking distance window. The only way to stop this vehicle is without ABS. There is no other way to safely stop this vehicle with ABS. I have reached out to my Hyundai dealer and Hyndai corporate directly, both times being dismissed without anyone attempting to recreate the braking issues. I have a life's worth of experience driving in snow and multiple ABS activations in a range of vehicles. This is abnormal based on all of the experiential knowledge I possess, as well as a lifelong interest in cars. While I am not an engineer, I possess enough firsthand and academic vehicle experience to recognize the abnormality of this vehicle braking operation.

10/9/2022

4 more complaints are available in this category.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

5 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION AS WE SLOWED AND TURNED INTO A PARKING SPACE AT A LOCAL RESTAURANT PARKING LOT. ENGINE REVED, CAR ACCELERATED RAPIDLY, BRAKES DID NO HOLD AND THE VEHICLE PLOWED INTO AND THEN ON TOP OF A SAFETY BARRIER STOPPING JUST SHORT OF A CHAIN LINK FENCE GUARDING A SET OF LARGE PROPANE TANKS. POLICE WERE CALLED TO SCENE, HE TOOK PICTURES. CAR WAS TOWED TO DEALERSHIP COLLISION CENTER.

4/1/2019

I HAD RENTED A HYUNDAI SANTE FE IN SEPTEMBER 2019. I HAD THE VEHICLE FOR A FEW WEEKS WITH NO ISSUES UNTIL I DROVE OVER THE MOUNTAINS. I HAD PULLED INTO A PARKING LOT AND WAS LOOKING TO PARK, COASTING THROUGH THE PARKING LOT, I THEN BACKED UP AND FOUND A PARKING SPOT. I WAS TURNING RIGHT IN AT A VERY SLOW SPEED, A VIRTUAL CRAWL INTO A PARKING SPACE WHEN I PRESSED THE BRAKES TO STOP THE VEHICLE WHEN IT SUDDENLY REVS ITS ENGINE AND BEGAN ACCELERATING OUT OF CONTROL JUMPING OVER THE FRONT PARKING CURB AND SLAMMING INTO A CHAIN LINK FENCE. THE BRAKE WAS DEPRESSED TO THE FLOOR AND WOULD NOT STOP, I PUMPED THE BRAKES TO STOP AND WHEN IT WOULD NOT STOP, I QUICK SLAMMED THE VEHICLE INTO THE PARK POSITION TO PREVENT THE VEHICLE FROM HITTING A TRACKER AND CAUSING FURTHER DAMAGE OR INJURY. I CONTACTED MY INSURANCE AGENT AND THEN I CONTACTED ENTERPRISE RENTAL COMPANY IN BEND OREGON. I WAS ON HOLD FOR ROUGHLY 30 MIN. I EXPLAINED THE SITUATION AND THEY STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS THEY KNEW OF AND THEY ADVISED ME TO CONTACT THEIR TOW COMPANY AND HAVE IT TOWED TO THE AIRPORT IN REDMOND OREGON TO SWITCH OUT THE VEHICLES. I RESEARCHED ON MY OWN AND FOUND THAT THEIR WAS A SIMILAR INCIDENT IN LAS VEGAS, NV REPORTED IN JANUARY 31ST, 2018. THIS INCIDENT NEEDS TO BE LOOKED INTO BEFORE SOMEONE IS SERIOUSLY INJURED. THE ISG MAY BE A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR IN THIS CASE.

1/29/2020

3 more complaints are available in this category.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

5 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

FCA system disabled radar blocked" error came on while test driving on 3 separate occasions but no diagnostic code recorded, prior to taking possession they replaced a camera they thought to be the cause 11 days later during a snowy morning I got the same error again. Again it didn't register a code and I was told by the dealership no code, no problem. Spoke with Hyundai customer relations and was told I have to take it back to the dealership for them to diagnose it, and the condition has to be reproduced for them to note the error but We have not had snow since that morning therefore the system error has not reappeared. The likelihood of being able to reproduce the circumstance during business hours and be able to get it to them to witness the situation is minuscule at best. If this safety feature is deactivated when something as simple as a snowflake blocks the sensor then it isn't really a safety feature. The safety features contributed to my decision to purchase this vehicle (Nov 1st) but all I am told was the radar was blocked and therefore caused the deactivation, but again how can something as simple as a snowflake cause this error and the manufacturer not address this as a safety concern.

12/15/2021

Adaptive Cruise Control Automatic Emergency Braking Blind Spot Warning Forward Collision Warning Lane Departure Warning Lane Keeping Assistance Parking Collision Warning Rear Cross Traffic Warning Every one of these lights are going off in the car. I’ve taken it twice to the Hyundai dealership. Both times they have not been able to figure out what is wrong with it even with the OPD it’s not showing any issues or fault codes a technician has even had the car for one week went through every single sensor, cable, battery, alternator fuses and didn’t come up with any results. He returned the car back to me completely baffled and unable to fix the issue. Please email at[ XXX] For photos and video which I cannot add here on this website through mobile. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

6/26/2023

3 more complaints are available in this category.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

4 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

MY NEW 2019 HYUNDAI SANTE FE FROM THE TIME I BOUGHT IT HAD THE YELLOW CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COME ON. IT SAID THE BSM SYSTEM WASN'T WORKING. THEN THE ENGINE WOULD NOT START ON 4 SEPARATE OCCASIONS. I HAD TO WAIT TO GET IT TO START. THERE HAVE BEEN 3 OCCASIONS WHEN IT DID START IT SOUNDED LIKE IT WAS GOING DIE, VERY SLUGGISH AND DIDN'T WANT TO ACCELERATE. THE RPM WOULD NOT INCREASE. IT ALSO STARTED 2 SEPARATE OCCASIONS IT LOST STEERING WHEEL POWER AND THE A/C STOPPED BLOWING COLD AIR. I HAD TO TURN IT OFF AND WAIT TO RESTART IT. IT IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALERSHIP WAITING FOR THE BLIND SPOT MONITORING MODULES. THE FIRST TIME THEY REPLACED THE MODULE IT STILL SHOWED IT NOT WORKING. SO NOW IT IS UNDRIVABLE AT GENE MESSER HYUNDAI IN LUBBOCK TEXAS, THEY SAY IT'S NOT SAFE TO DRIVE SO I AM DRIVING A LOANER. THEY SAY THEY CAN'T DETERMINE WHY THE ENGINE DID THE DESCRIBED THINGS ABOVE. THESE THINGS HAPPENED WHILE IN MOTION AND PARKED.

11/16/2018

GAS TANK LEAK UPON DELIVERY. AFTER INSPECTING THE LEAK, TECHNICIANS WERE ABLE TO IDENTIFY THE MANUFACTURER HAD ISSUED REPAIRS ON GAS TANKS THAT WERE TOO THIN AND AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE WE PURCHASED WAS NOT PROPERLY REPAIRED AND LEAKED FUEL.

12/10/2018

2 more complaints are available in this category.

VISIBILITY/WIPER

4 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

WHILE DRIVING MY NEW 2019 SANTA FE I NOTICED THE FIRST TIME IT RAINED I HAD SEVERE REDUCED VISIBILITY IN THE LEFT PORTION OF THE WINDSHIELD WHERE THE WIPERS DON'T REACH. THE RAIN POOLS THERE AND DOES NOT GET ANY BETTER THAN PICTURED. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AS YOU CAN NOT SEE OUT OF 15% OF THE WINDSHIELD AND COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT.

12/14/2018

• What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? When ambient temperature is at or below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, sufficient heat is not produced from the vehicles defroster to keep the windshield from icing. Also, sufficient heat is not produced to keep vehicle occupants warm. A Hyundai dealership confirmed the problem and replaced the thermostat, but the problem still persists. • How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Visibility through the windshield cannot be maintained. Also, the cabin temperature is insufficient for safe transport of young children. • Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. • Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? It has been inspected and confirmed by a Hyundai dealership. The problem persists and has been an issue since the vehicle was purchased in 2019. The first winter that the vehicle was operated during (2020) was when the problem first presented. • Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? The water temperature gauge on the dash board “bounces” back and forth while driving the vehicle when the ambient temperature is at or below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. This has been reported to Hyundai corporate –Hyundai case # 19328435.

2/14/2023

2 more complaints are available in this category.

SEAT BELTS

3 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

2019 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO SEATBELT CONCERNS. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED EVERY PASSENGER SEAT BELT WAS UNSATISFACTORY, THE FRONT DOORS ON THE VEHICLE HAVE SHARP CORNERS CAUSING CUTS, AND THE VIEW BUTTON WAS MISPLACED. *JS

2/22/2019

Seat belt won't snap on the driver side.

3/12/2024

1 more complaint is available in this category.

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

3 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

ON MARCH 5, THIS VEHICLE STOPPED WHILE DRIVING IN THE MIDDLE OF A STREET. I WAS UNABLE TO START THE VEHICLE AND ME AND MY PASSENGER COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED. CAR WAS TOWED TO DEALERSHIP AND HAS 2600 MILES ON IT. I HAVE FOUND THAT HYUNDAI IS DOING A RECALL TO REPLACE STARTER AND A SOFTWARE UPDATE. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT BECAUSE OF THE NEW TECHNOLOGY THIS VEHICLE HAS WHICH IS AN AUTOMATIC START AND STOP AT A STOP SIGN OR STOP LIGHT THAT THE STARTER SHORTED OUT AND APPARENTLY THE SOFTWARE IN THE CAR JUST STOPS THE CAR WHILE DRIVING.. THIS HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING THE CAR AT 35 MILES/HOUR ON A BUSY STREET. IT IS A MIRACLE THAT I WAS NOT HIT AND INJURED OR KILLED. CAR IS AT THE DEALERSHIP WAITING FOR A NEW STARTER AND SOFTWARE UPDATE WITH A POSSIBLE SHIP DATE OF MARCH 31, 2019. THESE 2019 SANTA FE ARE NOT SAFE TO BE SELLING TO THE PUBLIC WITH THIS KNOWN DEFECT.

3/15/2019

SEVERAL OCCASIONS THE SAFETY FEATURES OF THIS 2019 HYUNDAI SANTA FE DEACTIVATES. 3+ OCCASIONS THE VEHICLES FRONTAL COLLISION AVOIDANCE, LANE KEEP ASSIST BLIND SPOT DETECTION AUTOMATIC HIGH BEAM LIGHTS AS WELL AS CROSS TRAFFIC ALERT SUDDENLY WILL CUT OFF. HAVE TAKEN VEHICLE BACK TO DEALERSHIP WHERE PURCHASED TO BE TOLD NO CODES ARE BEING STORED. CONTACTED HYUNDAI USA SEVERAL TIMES TO GET A RUN AROUND OR THE RESPONSE IF ITS NOT RECORDING THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR. I HAVE OWNED A 4 HYUNDAI SANTA FE'S AND NEVER HAD THE ISSUES I AM HAVING LIKE I AM WITH THIS ONE.I DO NOT TAKE MY GRANDKIDS IN THIS VEHICLE AS IM WORRIED THAT IF THESE SAFETY FEATURES FAIL TO WORK I DONT WANT TO CHANCE THEIR LIVES IN A VEHICLE THAT COULD POSSIBLY EXPERIENCE MORE SEVERE ISSUES OR WORSE. DEALING WITH HYUNDAI HAS BECOME A DISAPPOINTMENT AS THE 2004 SANTA FE I OWN IS BY FAR MORE DEPENDABLE THAN THIS ONE .

1/22/2020

1 more complaint is available in this category.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THE HEADLIGHTS ON DIM WILL GIVE THE ONCOMING CAR THE " BRIGHTS EFFECT" ON ROUGH UP AND DOWN ROADS. RESULTING IN THE ONCOMING CAR GIVING ME THE "BRIGHTS FLASH" OR JUST LEAVING THEIR VEHICLE 'BRIGHTS' ON PERMANENTLY. THIS IS VERY BLINDING AND DANGEROUS. SEEMS THERE IS A FINE LINE OF BEING DIM OR BRIGHT ON THESE TYPES OF HEADLIGHTS. I HAVE HAD THEM INSPECTED BY THE DEALER AND TOLD THEY ARE OK. THERE ARE MANY OTHER COMPLAINTS ON THE INTERNET. THIS IS NIGHT TIME DRIVING.

8/17/2020

Continuous issue of front driver passenger power seat front level button failure. Continuous Headlights, fog lights getting fused every 4 months. Indoor back roof light works and sometime just does not work for months.

6/11/2024

WHEELS

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

YA HE LLEVADO 4 O 5 VECES MI CARRO AL DEALER,EL LADO DE DRIVING CUANDO YO ENTRO A CIERTO DRIVE WAY HACE UN SONIDO EXTRAO AL IGUAL SI ME PARKEO EN RIVERSA Y TENGO QUE MOVER EL QUIA PARA LA DERECHA TAMBIEN, 4/21/2021 ME HICIERON UN TRABAJO Y DESDE ESA FECHA EL MOTOR ESTA TENIENDO UN SONIDO EXTRAO Y LA REBOLUCIONES .

4/30/2021

A year after I purchased vehicle the paint started peeling off the wheel. When I took it to the dealership they kept telling me they were still addressing problem and would get back to me. Contacted them several times and they still didn’t have the problem solved. Then the dealership changed ownerships. New dealership says not their problem. And it was too late at this point. I also have the paint on my hood of my car peeling. Both of these problems are gonna be very expensive to repair! I see this is a known problem. Hyundai needs to be accountable. I live in Auburn Al

3/30/2025

VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

I was at a traffic light (stopped) and all of a sudden my sunroof exploded with no rhyme or reason behind it and glass shattered everywhere on top of me. Nothing was thrown at it and no other vehicles were around me to have any debris thrown up onto it. I got out and inspected the sunroof and found that there was no object imbedded on, in, or near the sunroof that would lead me to believe anything hit it. I contacted the Hyundai dealership about this and they will not cover it under warranty. I believe this is a quality control issue with faulty engineering of the sunroof and upon looking at other Hyundai forums, I found that others have reported the same thing occurring to their vehicles of the same make and model and the pictures of their damage look identical to my damage.

2/15/2023

Panoramic sun roof glass exploded and shattered as I was driving down the highway on a 50 degree F cloudy day. There was no known object that struck the roof nor did we hit a bump in the road or anything. The sound was like that of a shotgun blast. I've seen other posts and settlements for earlier Hyundai vehicle makes and models where warranty was extended to cover a defect causing this. But my 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe damage is not being covered under warranty since it is a couple thousand miles over the 60,000 mile warranty. Hyundai service reported there was no object or damage found to indicate it was caused by something impacting the vehicle. My concern is what will prevent the replacement glass from breaking again if the defect causing it to happen is not fixed.

2/17/2023

TRAILER HITCHES

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while driving at approximately 25 MPH. The contact stated that the vehicle caught on fire while they were driving on the street. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The fire department was on the scene and filed a report. The husband had extinguished the fire using a fire extinguisher. The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V181000 (Trailer Hitches) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact had taken the vehicle towed to a local dealer, where it had not been diagnosed. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.  VIN tool confirms parts not yet available.

5/1/2023

The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V181000 (Trailer Hitches) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

6/12/2023

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

The forward collision avoidance system is malfunctioning and shuts down the traction and stability control systems making the vehicle more vulnerable to collisions. Multiple attempts to repair this system have been unsuccessful

5/9/2023

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 them will suddenly illuminate and the vehicle shuts off. alternator and battery replaced. Have not used cruse control since. Airbags never inflated in a front end crash at 45mph Most recently I started experiencing I intermittent trouble staring the car. Then one day it didn't start at all and smoke was coming from under the hood. Towed to mechanic , starter burnt up 155,000. $ 900 to replace then a couple days later I lost power on the freeway and the car started jerking and vibrating. Stopped Vehicle cut off and would not start. After 1hr I started and limped home. Vibration under 2000 RPMs and when stopped. Knocking noise under hood. Brand new spark plugs. Mechanic stated Cylinder 3;missfire was identified as a hole in a valve due to weak material now I have to replace engine. Oil consumption and excessive friction and heat is to blame. My car has been cared for like a baby it's all I have. I should not have to be responsible for this very cheaply made engine that was doomed to fail.

11/25/2025

LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

Adaptive Cruise Control Automatic Emergency Braking Blind Spot Warning Forward Collision Warning Lane Departure Warning Lane Keeping Assistance Parking Collision Warning Rear Cross Traffic Warning Every one of these lights are going off in the car. I’ve taken it twice to the Hyundai dealership. Both times they have not been able to figure out what is wrong with it even with the OPD it’s not showing any issues or fault codes a technician has even had the car for one week went through every single sensor, cable, battery, alternator fuses and didn’t come up with any results. He returned the car back to me completely baffled and unable to fix the issue. Please email at[ XXX] For photos and video which I cannot add here on this website through mobile. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

6/26/2023

the systems forward collision and lane departure warning are randomly turned off. Dealership is not aware of how to fix

8/1/2023

LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

I had a serious issue with the Santa Fe lane keeper system. I was driving on I15 in a winding portion through the Virgin River Gorge in relatively high traffic on a corner. I have used this feature many times in the past and expected a gentle nudge on the steering wheel. But unexpectedly the steering wheel turned hard left, almost causing a total loss of control. I am safe driver always checking for other drivers doing what they shouldn't, but I never expected my car to be the one making dangerous movements. If I hadn't had a firm grip on the wheel, I would have been out of control on a narrow bridge in heavy traffic. Am I the only one with this problem?

4/23/2024

The Forward Collision Assist would intermittently disable during driving. The Lane Keeping Assist light illuminated and would not allow me to disable it causing the vehicle to drive straight only and to make left or right turns extremely hard to turn the vehicle. This incident occurred on [XXX] and was dropped off at Johnson Hyundai in Wake Forest on that date. After a week of no contact of a diagnosis, I had to visit the dealer and was told the steering column was the issue and needed to be replaced. I contacted Hyundai America to report this issue and currently waiting on a response from their warranty to see if they will cover all or a percentage of the replacement of the steering column since my mileage is over their 100k (113k to be exact) coverage. While I appreciate their efforts, I also feel this could have resulted in a very serious incident had my daughter been driving on the highway when this occurred. Thankfully, she was picking me from home and it happened as we drove off from our house in our neighborhood. A steering column should outlast any other part(s) of a vehicle. If not, this is a huge safety concern. My [XXX] was also in the car at the time and I cannot even imagine how I would recover if something worse were to happen while he's on board. Hopefully this reporting will keep something bad from happening to others who own this type of vehicle but failed to report it. Thank you for your time. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

10/12/2024

SEATS

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

Continuous issue of front driver passenger power seat front level button failure. Continuous Headlights, fog lights getting fused every 4 months. Indoor back roof light works and sometime just does not work for months.

6/11/2024

The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 22 MPH, the vehicle struck a pot-hole which caused the driver seat to move out of place. The contact stated that while accelerating, the front driver seat would shift backward and while shifted into reverse the seat would move forward.  The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the seat rail was damaged and the seat rail and seat needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.

10/15/2024

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INTERIOR LAMPS/BULBS

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The dome lighting, lights do not go off when the doors are closed. I check repeatedly to make sure that all doors are closed. The dome gets extremely extremely hot. I believe this could very easily be a fire hazard. This has happened 3 times this year 2021.

11/7/2021

TIRES

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact's son owns a 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe equipped with KUMHO Tires, Tire Line: Solus, Tire Size: 235/65/R17, DOT Number: H25AYA8U1221. The contact stated that while his son was driving 35 MPH, the passenger’s side front tire had a blowout causing damage to the front end of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a body shop and the front end was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was unavailable.

4/13/2022

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that the check Forward Collision Avoidance warning light was illuminated. While driving at various speeds, the vehicle veered into oncoming traffic. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the sensor in the windshield had malfunctioned. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated the windshield sensors were working as designed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the local dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 69,550.

9/7/2022

VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:WINDSHIELD:ELECTRICAL HEATING ELEMENT

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

•What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? When ambient temperature is at or below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, sufficient heat is not produced from the vehicles defroster to keep the windshield from icing. Also, sufficient heat is not produced to keep vehicle occupants warm. A Hyundai dealership confirmed the problem and replaced the thermostat, but the problem still persists. •How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Visibility through the windshield cannot be maintained. Also, the cabin temperature is insufficient for safe transport of young children. •Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. •Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? It has been inspected and confirmed by a Hyundai dealership. The problem persists and has been an issue since the vehicle was purchased in 2019. The first winter that the vehicle was operated during (2020) was when the problem first presented. •Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? The water temperature gauge on the dash board “bounces” back and forth while driving the vehicle when the ambient temperature is at or below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. This has been reported to Hyundai corporate –Hyundai case # [XXX]. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

12/23/2022

VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

• What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? When ambient temperature is at or below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, sufficient heat is not produced from the vehicles defroster to keep the windshield from icing. Also, sufficient heat is not produced to keep vehicle occupants warm. A Hyundai dealership confirmed the problem and replaced the thermostat, but the problem still persists. • How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Visibility through the windshield cannot be maintained. Also, the cabin temperature is insufficient for safe transport of young children. • Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. • Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? It has been inspected and confirmed by a Hyundai dealership. The problem persists and has been an issue since the vehicle was purchased in 2019. The first winter that the vehicle was operated during (2020) was when the problem first presented. • Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? The water temperature gauge on the dash board “bounces” back and forth while driving the vehicle when the ambient temperature is at or below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. This has been reported to Hyundai corporate –Hyundai case # 19328435.

2/14/2023

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:IMMOBILIZER/PROXIMITY:KEY/SENDER

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

These Hyundai's & Kia's are being stolen left & right across the nation....Hyundai needs to fix our vehicle with an alarm system. We haven't heard anything!!! We owe on the car and if it gets stolen or ruined, we still will have to pay on this vehicle. Also, on top of it all, it will be ruined; and from what we see on TV, they can't even get the parts to fix them. Our SUV is not worth anything now due to those stealing these vehicles because of the Tic Toc videos. Those videos should be banned anyway and taken off so no one else can learn to do this horrible theft. If we can ever get another vehicle, it won't be a Hyundai. This has made us very upset that we haven't heard anything from Hyundai nor there seems to be nothing happening regarding this issue. Why isn't the government pressuring this company? We don't see anything being done.

3/24/2023

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that on various occasions while driving at various speeds with the automatic START/STOP function activated, the vehicle started losing motive power while the brake pedal was depressed. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving from a complete stop. The vehicle was able to restart. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the valve cover gasket needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that the All-Wheel Drive (AWD) warning light was intermittently illuminated. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 75,500.

4/17/2023

FIRERELATED

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

On June 28th at approximately 1130pm, my son was involved in a single vehicle accident. Upon impact with the tree the car immediately burst into flames

7/2/2023

OTHER/I AM NOT SURE

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The seat is able to forward face up to 40 lbs with a seatbelt install and 35 lbs with a latch install. When trying to install this seat with the seatbelt the instruction manual states not to lock the seatbelt after install however if the seatbelt inst not locked the seatbelt moves easily with some pressure (i.e. child pushing legs against back seat) and then becomes so lose that is can fall over. ALternately, i have tried the install with locking the seatbelt and this solution only lasts 1-2 car rides longer. (i.e. i would need to reinstall my seat every other time my child rode in the car). Currently the seat is installed with the latch system as this is the only way to get a safe install however my son is currently 34lbs and it will soon be unsafe to ride rear facing with the latch system which will then force me to turn him front facing before I or my son are ready.

11/7/2024

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while the vehicle was either stationary, parked, or being driven, the seat belt buckle failed to operate as designed. The seat belt warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that during the colder months, the seat belt buckle was more difficult to latch securely. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.

3/3/2025

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while attempting to accelerate from a stoplight, the vehicle failed to respond. The Auto START/STOP feature failed to restart the engine as designed. The contact stated that the Turbo light was illuminated as if the turbo was activated, even though the contact had not activated the feature. The vehicle was taken to a Certified mechanic who determined that the turbo had failed. The turbocharger was replaced. After the vehicle was repaired, the failure reoccurred while the vehicle was idling or parked. There were no warning lights illuminated. The dealer was informed of the failure however, the vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was 90,000.

3/19/2025

About This Data

Data and Methodology

MethodologyHow we score →

Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.

FAQ

What are the most common owner complaints for the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe?

The most reported complaint category for the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe is ENGINE, with 51 owner reports. That is about 22% of all complaints logged here. Other recurring themes include ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

Are complaints about the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe a serious warning sign?

Potentially. 113 complaint reports fall into higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components. That does not prove every vehicle has a defect, but repeated complaints in those systems justify a more careful pre-purchase inspection.

How should buyers use complaint data for the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe?

Use complaints as an early pattern to investigate, not a standalone verdict. Start with the top complaint categories, compare those themes against the recall report and maintenance guide, then inspect service records for evidence that the same problem areas were already addressed. If the same issue appears repeatedly across complaints and recalls, treat it as a real ownership-risk flag.

Are complaints about the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe severe?

113 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection before purchase.

Complaint list entries are sourced from owner-submitted NHTSA ODI records.

Read complaint summaries

Hyundai Santa Fe: How should complaint data influence buying decisions?

Use complaint patterns together with recalls and maintenance guidance to estimate ownership risk and inspection priorities.

Carfocal links complaint data directly to recall and maintenance routes for the same model year.

Return to full vehicle report
Complaint entries
235
Top-topic view
5 grouped topics shown
Primary source
NHTSA ODI owner complaint records

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In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Common Problems
  3. 03Owner Complaints
  4. 04Data and Methodology

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