The 2019 Hyundai Santa FE has 2 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 203 complaints with NHTSA, including 16 crashes, 13 fires, 10 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Engine (73 reports).
NHTSA rates it up to 5 stars overall for crash safety, depending on the version.
2019 Hyundai Santa FE recalls
Water in Tow Hitch Wiring Can Cause Electrical Fire
Water can collect on the circuit board of the tow hitch wiring harness, which may cause an electrical short.
Side curtain airbags may not inflate properly in a crash
Certain 2019 Santa Fe vehicles have side curtain air bag mounting bolts that may interfere with and damage the air bags as they deploy.
Most common 2019 Hyundai Santa FE problems
Problem areas named in the 203 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Engine | 73 |
| Unknown Or Other | 47 |
| Power Train | 37 |
| Electrical System | 27 |
| Structure | 14 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 14 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 12 |
| Steering | 12 |
| Service Brakes | 11 |
| Air Bags | 7 |
What owners report
After Hyundai 9C2 update the transmission bucks or searches for gear causing what seems to be up and down shifting.
Driving at highway speed, vehicle stuttered/lurched. The check AWD, engine light, tire pressure warning lights came on. Check by mechanic resulted in error code P0741 (Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Performance or Stuck Off). Search of error code P0741 indicates that there is a Technical Service Bulletin TSB-23-AT-005H regarding this KNOWN problem. A stutter or lurch of the vehicle can cause the driver to over react, stop or swerve suddenly in traffic potentially causing an accident not to mention possible being struck on the side of the road while waiting for a tow/service truck. Vehicle/components have not been checked by manufacturer--only diagnostic code by Mechanic. Warning light
On August 14 2026, I drove my 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe approximately one mile from my residence to work at approximately 5:00 AM. The vehicle was operating normally and I experienced no warning lights, unusual noises, odors, smoke, or other indications of a problem. I parked the vehicle in an outdoor parking lot and the vehicle remained parked and turned off for approximately four hours. At approximately 9am, I was notified that my vehicle was smoking. A person who was walking past the vehicle observed the smoke, obtained a fire extinguisher, and extinguished the fire. The fire department subsequently responded, disconnected the vehicle battery, and opened the rear of the vehicle to ventilate
On 03/26/2026, my 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe received Hyundai Service Campaign 9C2 (TSB 26-01-013H-1), which included an Engine Control Module (ECM) software update for Theta II emissions improvement. The vehicle did not have the following drivability problem before this software update. Immediately after the 9C2 update, the vehicle began jerking/bucking slightly at low speeds, most noticeably around 10-20 mph when coasting with no accelerator input or when applying very light throttle. Acceleration response also feels slower than before the update, with noticeable hesitation when the accelerator is pressed. The problem is most noticeable during the beginning of a drive when the vehicle is cold
The vehicle experienced a sudden, intermittent engine stall while driving, specifically when slowing down or coasting to a stop in live traffic. When the engine dies, the vehicle immediately loses engine power, power steering, and power braking assist, creating an extreme safety hazard. After stalling, the vehicle refuses to restart for several minutes. An authorized Hyundai dealership previously replaced the high-pressure fuel pump under warranty to address this issue, but the dangerous stalling has persisted over the last 2,000 miles. The vehicle continues to randomly shut off without throwing a permanent check engine light or diagnostic trouble code, and the manufacturer has failed to cor
2019 Hyundai Santa FE safety rating
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV AWD | ★★★★★ 5-star | 4 | 5 | 4 (14.6% rollover risk) |
| 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV FWD | ★★★★★ 5-star | 4 | 5 | 4 (15.5% rollover risk) |
2019 Hyundai Santa FE questions
Does the 2019 Hyundai Santa FE have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 2019 Hyundai Santa FE: Water in Tow Hitch Wiring Can Cause Electrical Fire; Side curtain airbags may not inflate properly in a crash. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Hyundai Santa FE?
Based on 203 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Engine (73), Unknown Or Other (47), Power Train (37).
How safe is the 2019 Hyundai Santa FE?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings program gives the 2019 Hyundai Santa FE up to 5 out of 5 stars overall; ratings vary by version, see the table above.
How do I check if a recall on my 2019 Hyundai Santa FE has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.