2019 Hyundai Santa FE XL problems, complaints & recalls

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

Owners have filed 25 complaints with NHTSA about the 2019 Hyundai Santa FE XL, most often about engine. There is 1 recall for this model year.

Complaints
25
Recalls
1
Crashes
1
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Median mileage
80,000 mi
at time of problem

Safety warning: at least one recall for this vehicle tells owners to park outside until it is repaired. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Key facts

  • Engine is the most-reported problem area, named in 9 of 25 complaints (36%).
  • Brakes (5) and electrical system (4) follow.
  • Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 80,000 mi.
  • Owners reported 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries.
  • The 2019 Hyundai Santa FE XL has 1 recall on file.
  • NHTSA has opened 2 defect investigations covering this vehicle.

2019 Hyundai Santa FE XL problems by category

  • Engine
    9 complaints
  • Other / Unknown
    6 complaints
  • Brakes
    5 complaints
  • Electrical System
    4 complaints
  • Visibility & Wipers
    2 complaints
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control · 1 crash
    1 complaints
  • Steering · 1 crash
    1 complaints
  • Transmission & Drivetrain
    1 complaints
  • Body & Structure
    1 complaints

A complaint can mention more than one problem area, so categories add up to more than the total.

Most-reported components

Component (as filed with NHTSA)Complaints
Engine9
Unknown or other6
Electrical system3
Service brakes, hydraulic3
Service brakes2
Visibility/wiper1
Steering1
Structure:body1

When problems happen (mileage)

Under 10k110k–30k30k–60k360k–100k1100k–150k150k+
Mileage at the time of the problem, for 2019 Hyundai Santa FE XL complaints that list mileage.

2019 Hyundai Santa FE XL recalls (1)

  • Recall 22V056000Feb 3, 2022357,348 vehiclesPark outside
    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.

    Risk: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

    Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS multi-fuse, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 31, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 218.

NHTSA defect investigations

  • AQ23002Opened Nov 17, 2023Open

    Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires

    The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando. The Part 573 Recall Reports contain varying defect descriptions and differing remedy descriptions for the same or similar equipment supplied by Mando. Safety recalls included in this Audit Query (AQ) review include: Hyundai recalls 20V-520, 20V-543, …

  • DP22003Opened Sep 12, 2022Closed Dec 12, 2023

    Loss of Motive Power

    The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complain…

Recent 2019 Hyundai Santa FE XL complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

  1. Filed Apr 22, 202680,000 miGATowedEngine
    The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe XL. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road, and the contact listened for the abnormal sound. The abnormal sound was persistent. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated, and the engine seized. The vehicle was towed to an independent…
    NHTSA complaint #11732932 · source
  2. Filed Apr 10, 2026TXEngine
    Check engine light came on and then vehicle stalled took to shop and said the engine was needing to be replaced. Looked into issue and seen multiple issues with this engine and happening to a lot of Hyundai engines where vehicles need to get complete new engines
    NHTSA complaint #11730319 · source
  3. Filed Nov 21, 2025OHEngine
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11700732 · source
  4. Filed Nov 3, 2025PAEngineTransmission & Drivetrain
    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.
    NHTSA complaint #11697217 · source
  5. Filed Oct 3, 2025ILEngine
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11691250 · source
  6. Filed Oct 2, 202591,000 miNYEngine
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11690937 · source
  7. Filed Sep 29, 202575,000 miNYElectrical 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…
    NHTSA complaint #11690312 · source
  8. Filed Mar 31, 2025COOther / Unknown
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11651805 · source

Compare the 2019 Hyundai Santa FE XL with another vehicle →

Other 2019 Hyundai models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 11, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology