BestCarRank
Hyundai

2019 Hyundai SANTA FE XL

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Below Average

Quick Summary

The 2019 Hyundai SANTA FE XL has 31 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.0x the segment average of 31. The most common issue is engine problems (29% of all complaints), specifically: 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 cha. There is 1 recall issued for this model year.

2 crash reports

31

Total Complaints

1

Recalls Issued

5/5

Safety Stars

1.0x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

ENGINE

9 complaints
29%
  • 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 cha
  • 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 s
  • 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
Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

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 cha

— NHTSA complaint filing

Recalls (1)

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE03/02/2022

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.

Fix: 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.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2019 Hyundai SANTA FE XL

Live EIA prices
Per year
$2,401
Per month
$200
Per mile
20.0¢
MPG
20
City driving (worst-case MPG)
$2,667/yr
Highway driving (best-case MPG)
$2,001/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today
Current
$4.00
5-year low
$2.78
5-year high
$5.01
Since 2021
+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2019 Hyundai SANTA FE XL

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.
Full coverage / year
$1,652
Full coverage / month
$138
Liability only / year
$600
vs US avg
-1%
How this estimate is calculated
US base full-coverage premium$1674
× state (US)1.00x
× vehicle class (suv-midsize)1.05x
× theft risk1.00x
× safety rating0.94x
× vehicle age1.00x
= Full coverage estimate$1652

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Hyundai SANTA FE XL Service Intervals

Oil change
8K mi / 12 mo
Tire rotation
8K mi
Brake fluid
24 months
Transmission fluid
60K mi
Engine coolant
60K mi
Spark plugs
90K mi
Cabin air filter
15K mi
Engine air filter
30K mi
Differential (AWD/4WD)
60K mi

Turbo engines (1.6T, 2.0T) need premium fuel and more frequent oil (some owners service at 5,000 miles).

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Hyundai New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)
5 yr / 60K mi
Powertrain
10 yr / 100K mi
Hybrid/EV battery
10 yr / 100K mi
Corrosion (rust perforation)
7 yr / unlimited mi
Roadside assistance
5 yr / unlimited mi

10 years/100K powertrain warranty is transferable only to first purchaser after initial owner

These are the terms for a new Hyundai. If you're buying a used 2019 SANTA FE XL, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Hyundai dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

ENGINE(~50K mi)
$500
OTHER(~50K mi)
$500
BRAKES(~50K mi)
$500
ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)
$500
VISIBILITY(~50K mi)
$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 31 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

  • ENGINE: 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 cha

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • OTHER: My sunroof exploded while I was sitting in a driveway. The glass from the sunroof flew off as drove down the road when I left as well and this is equally as dangerous. This glass is not safe. My sunroof was shut and I was in the drive way so I was not at risk but this could have played out different

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • BRAKES: 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 unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repai

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • ELECTRICAL: Recall 218 for possible engine fire was issued in early February 2022. 3.5 months later in mid-May there is still no remedy. It has been inconvenient to “park my vehicle outside and away from structures” and to constantly be pulling over when I smell something to make sure my car is not on fire.

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • RECALLS: Verify all 1 recall have been completed — free at any Hyundai dealer
  • General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)

Hyundai SANTA FE XL — Year Comparison

How does 2019 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.

Full years-to-avoid analysis →

NHTSA Safety Rating

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover

At a Glance

Complaints
31
Recalls
1
Fire reports
0
Crash reports
2
Injury reports
0
Segment avg
31

Check a Specific VIN

See recalls for YOUR 2019 Hyundai SANTA FE XL