HYUNDAI SANTA FE XL · model year

2019 HYUNDAI SANTA FE XL

29 NHTSA complaints, 2 crash reports, and 1 active recall for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

5 / 5 ★

New Car Assessment Program

The 2019HYUNDAISANTA FE XL carries 29 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 2 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall 5/5 rating, with 4/5 front crash, 5/5 side crash, and 4/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2019 SANTA FE XL is engine with 7 filings, followed by unknown or other (6) and service brakes, hydraulic (3). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 1 active recall campaign, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 37 investigation files overlapping the 2019 SANTA FE XL, and 1 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

29
Complaints
2
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
2019 HYUNDAI SANTA FE XL — NHTSA crash-test profile NHTSA NCAP crash-test star ratings for the 2019 HYUNDAI SANTA FE XL. Overall composite: 5.0 of 5 stars across 3 safety dimensions. Front CrashSide CrashRollover 5.0 NHTSA NCAP of 5 stars
  • Front Crash 4.0 ★
  • Side Crash 5.0 ★
  • Rollover 4.0 ★
NHTSA overall 5.0/5 stars, with front-crash, side-crash and rollover ratings from standardized NCAP barrier and dynamic tests.

Total Complaints

29 filings

Crashes Reported

2 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

NHTSA NCAP overall: 5/5 — Top NCAP rating · Front: 4/5 · Side: 5/5 · Rollover: 4/5

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
ENGINE7
UNKNOWN OR OTHER6
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC3
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM3
SERVICE BRAKES2
STRUCTURE:BODY1
STEERING1
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SEAT HEATER:WIRING HARNESS1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HAND HEATER:WIRING HARNESS1
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY1
VISIBILITY/WIPER1
POWER TRAIN1

Recalls (1)

22V05600003/02/2022

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Santa Fe, 2017-2018 Santa Fe Sport, 2019 Santa Fe XL, and 2014-2015 Tucson vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module could malfunction and cause an electrical short, which could result in an engine compartment fire.

Recent Complaints

20251121ENGINE

Our vehicle had 145,000 miles and all maintenance and repairs performed at Hyundai dealerships. Joseph Airport Hyundai in Vandalia, Ohio replaced the timing chain at a cost of $3500. After replacing the timing chain our vehicle began consuming large amounts of oil (9 quarts over 5000 miles). The dealership has tried several repairs and the vehicle still continues to consume the same amount of oil. We now have 160,000 miles on the vehicle and need to always carry a 5 quart container of oil so it doesn't run low. This never happened until we had the timing chain replaced.

20251103ENGINE

Two bolts flew out of the CCVT system, blowing a hole in the valve cover and destroying all the timing components. Because of the issue, all oil spilled from the car. The other two bolts in the system were bent as well. I was driving the vehicle when this happened and could’ve been seriously hurt. I now need a new engine.

20251103POWER TRAIN

Two bolts flew out of the CCVT system, blowing a hole in the valve cover and destroying all the timing components. Because of the issue, all oil spilled from the car. The other two bolts in the system were bent as well. I was driving the vehicle when this happened and could’ve been seriously hurt. I now need a new engine.

20251003ENGINE

On [XXX], the check engine light came on in my 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe XL. The dealership diagnosed a complete engine failure requiring full replacement. The vehicle has only 54,000 miles. The dealer submitted a warranty claim to Hyundai, but Hyundai denied it because I could not provide receipts for every oil change, despite the fact that the vehicle has been responsibly maintained. An appeal to Hyundai’s goodwill department was also denied. This sudden and premature engine failure poses a serious safety risk. Engines from this generation (Lambda II / GDI family) are known to suffer from rod bearing failure, oil consumption, and sudden seizure. If this failure had occurred at highway speed, it could have led to loss of power, stalling, or an accident. Numerous owners have reported similar engine failures in 2016–2019 Santa Fe models at relatively low mileage, and Hyundai has already issued recalls and warranty extensions for related engines. This indicates a potential widespread d

20251002ENGINE

The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe XL. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 65 MPH, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the engine compartment, with the check engine warning light illuminated. Upon inspection, the contact discovered oil leaking from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the rod bearings had failed, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 91,000

Mileage: 91,000

20250929ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe XL. The contact stated that there were intermittent, but constant electrical failures with the vehicle. The contact stated that the doors unintendedly locked and unlocked. Additionally, the contact was unable to upload the software updates for the vehicle or connect the vehicle to the Emergency 9-1-1 system through the cell phone. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was intermittently illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer to be diagnosed; however, the dealer was unable to find an electrical or computer failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure but was unable to assist the contact. The contact believed that the computer system had been compromised. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

Mileage: 75,000

20250331UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Sun roof exploded. We were driving down the highway and heard a loud crack. The sun roof exploded on us and there was shattered glass from the front to the back of the vehicle. There is no evidence of anything hitting the glass and there was no weather that could have caused the damage. Cloudy skies but 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Absolutely no way to explain the incident. Both my husband and I received small cuts trying to remove the glass. Our dog was in the vehicle and luckily was not harmed in the event.

20250328VISIBILITY/WIPER

While driving west in I-70 near Frisco, CO. The sunroof randomly exploded, throwing glass throughout the vehicle. I was driving the car with my wife and dog, all of us got covered in glass and the exploding glass was extremely loud. We were lucky the sound didn’t cause me to drive off the road or that any of falling glass severely cut us.

20250328UNKNOWN OR OTHER

While driving west in I-70 near Frisco, CO. The sunroof randomly exploded, throwing glass throughout the vehicle. I was driving the car with my wife and dog, all of us got covered in glass and the exploding glass was extremely loud. We were lucky the sound didn’t cause me to drive off the road or that any of falling glass severely cut us.

20240525ENGINE

The car died out of nowhere and seized the engine. The engine is blown. I have receipts of the No check engine or oil light had came on, even up to the point of failure. The car was towed to a dealership where they confirmed this to be the case. The car's oil was checked prior to the trip and was at the full line, after the 30 mile journey, the car had used roughly 2qts of oil and was at the low level.

20240521ENGINE

On [XXX], 2024 I brought my car in for a recall that the dealership called me and advised me that I needed to get it done so I brought it in and mentioned that it was hesitating a little bit so they did the inspection and found out I needed oil They proceeded to tell me there was sludge and oil or something like that and they did an oil flush twice $600 later everything should be fine as I turn my back to walk out after paying I was told to listen for any noises so I was concerned for noises because what they did just may not be the fix. so fast forward a week and a half later I hear a subtle noise in the engine and make an appointment for [XXX]. Bring the car in to the Staten Island Hyundai dealership and was treated like a criminal with my own car! They kept on saying customer neglect and that I may need a new engine and it has to go to corporate so nothing‘s gonna happen. It’s cause it’s the weekend and I expected to hear something on Monday but weeks by and not hear nothing

20240514ENGINE

The engine seized with no warning. We had our camshaft replaced six months prior that was covered by our extended warranty. Hyundai dealer was tracking oil consumption issue prior to repair and notice consumption was increasing. We had three oil changes from November through April. Our last oil change was on 3.25 and engine seized 1,200 miles later. Hyundai offered to cover 60% of the $22,000 engine replacement. We were told that we would need to cover the cost ($2,200) for our Hyundai dealer to break down the engine for our extended warranty to inspect. Unfortunately, they have all but guaranteed that they would deny coverage due to carbon being present in the piston. We are left to cover the cost or junk our car.

Mileage: 120,848

20240318UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I am writing to report an issue with Holler Hyundai located at 1150 N. Orlando Ave., Winter Park, Florida, 32789, concerning their handling of recall "AUXILARY CANISTER KIT INST [XXX] -" for my vehicle. Over the past year, I have brought my vehicle to the dealership three times for this recall service. Each time, I was informed that the necessary parts were on back order. Despite repeated inquiries and visits since Feb 20 2023, the dealer has failed to perform the recall repair, citing parts availability issues. This delay send unreasonable, and I believe it reflects a failure on the part of the dealer and possibly the manufacturer to address recall obligations in a timely manner. I am seeking your assistance in resolving this matter. I believe it is critical that the recall repair is performed as soon as possible to ensure my vehicle's safety. I would appreciate any intervention the NHTSA can provide. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C.

20231023VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe XL. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the panoramic sunroof fractured. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 27,000.

Mileage: 27,000

20230626ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SEAT HEATER:WIRING HARNESS

2019 HYUNDAI SANTA FE XL- I feel something should be done against Hyundai. I could have easily been killed by their failure in one area. Vehicle wiring harnesses. Are you aware that the wiring systems in many of their vehicles are made from Soy. Soy is a product that is made of Soy Beans and guess that rodents such as mice, chipmunks and squirrels love. Soy Beans. I have had three instances where rodents have chewed the wiring in my vehicle. The one time I could have been killed. To be honest I thought I would be when cars could come behind me and screech on their brakes. I was driving in heavy traffic coming back from Chicago and my vehicle stopped right in the third land of a heavy interstate highway with semis and such passing me at 60 plus miles of hour. The traffic was so thick at times I could not get out of the car and there I sat stalled. I eventually had my vehicle towed to my mechanic and a red squirrel got under the hood of my vehicle at some point and chew the heck out of t

20230626ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HAND HEATER:WIRING HARNESS

2019 HYUNDAI SANTA FE XL- I feel something should be done against Hyundai. I could have easily been killed by their failure in one area. Vehicle wiring harnesses. Are you aware that the wiring systems in many of their vehicles are made from Soy. Soy is a product that is made of Soy Beans and guess that rodents such as mice, chipmunks and squirrels love. Soy Beans. I have had three instances where rodents have chewed the wiring in my vehicle. The one time I could have been killed. To be honest I thought I would be when cars could come behind me and screech on their brakes. I was driving in heavy traffic coming back from Chicago and my vehicle stopped right in the third land of a heavy interstate highway with semis and such passing me at 60 plus miles of hour. The traffic was so thick at times I could not get out of the car and there I sat stalled. I eventually had my vehicle towed to my mechanic and a red squirrel got under the hood of my vehicle at some point and chew the heck out of t

20230417UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The Paint is peeling on a 2019 Santa Fe limited 4 years the paint should not be peeling

20221130ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Purchased vehicle 7/25/2022 at the end of October battery was dead we jumped it. Then when it got cold it would not start jumped it and started. Went bought a new battery the battery in car when we bought it was a 630cca parts store didn’t have a listing for my battery so matched it and got one with 640cca. Next morning would not start. Tried jumping it wouldn’t start that way. Called Hyundai parts department and asked what battery should be in it said at least 660cca, so we got a 750cca a week or 2 later Today 11/29/22 was cold snow morning wouldn’t start. The problem is my car doesn’t start below 32degrees. Very upsetting I buy a new vehicle that reliable and it doesn’t seem reliable it. I’ve also read earlier forums and I read numerous complaints about this issue. I try looking up the battery for this model and it say’s discontinued so what am I supposed to do. I need a reliable car for my family not one that will leave me stranded and calling in to work or kids to no

20220719SERVICE BRAKES

I contacted my local Hyundai dealership to have this recall fixed but was told they couldn't take my car in until October 27th 2022 at Kerry Hyundai, 6149 Hopeful Church Rd, Florence, KY 41042 If it's just a fuse replacement why do I have to wait over 3 month to have it fixed. I'm a fulltime rideshare driver and now I don't feel safe driving passenger around, the change of an engine fire and/or brake failure with passenger in my car could turn fatal. I was even told be the person in the service department that there was no risk of fire in vehicle do to this recall...

20220707SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe XL. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V056000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Compare 2019HYUNDAISANTA FE XL to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 1 Open

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2019 HYUNDAI SANTA FE XL have?
The 2019 HYUNDAI SANTA FE XL has 29 NHTSA complaints, 2 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2019 HYUNDAI SANTA FE XL?
The 2019 HYUNDAI SANTA FE XL received an overall NHTSA safety rating of 5/5, front crash rating of 4/5, side crash rating of 5/5, and rollover rating of 4/5.
Are there any recalls for the 2019 HYUNDAI SANTA FE XL?
Yes, the 2019 HYUNDAI SANTA FE XL has 1 recall(s). The most common affected component is SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2019 HYUNDAI SANTA FE XL?
The most-complained component for the 2019 HYUNDAI SANTA FE XL is ENGINE with 7 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include UNKNOWN OR OTHER and SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC.
Is the 2019 HYUNDAI SANTA FE XL safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. The 2019 HYUNDAI SANTA FE XL has an NHTSA safety rating of 5/5. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.