Is the 2019 Hyundai SANTA FE reliable?

The 2019 Hyundai SANTA FE has 268 complaints filed with NHTSA (0.9x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: average. Most common issue: ENGINE problems.

What are common problems with the 2019 Hyundai SANTA FE?

Top problems: ENGINE (67 complaints, avg repair $500); OTHER (50 complaints, avg repair $500); TRANSMISSION (29 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2019 Hyundai SANTA FE?

Yes, there are 2 recall(s): AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW, TRAILER HITCHES. Contact any Hyundai dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2019 Hyundai SANTA FE?

The 2019 Hyundai SANTA FE gets 22 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $2182. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

Is the 2019 Hyundai SANTA FE often stolen?

The Hyundai SANTA FE was the #22 most-stolen vehicle in the United States in 2025 with approximately 4,500 thefts (NICB Hot Wheels data). Theft risk tier: high. Pre-2022 models are affected by the Kia Boys challenge — verify your VIN has the manufacturer security update.

How much does it cost to insure a 2019 Hyundai SANTA FE?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2019 Hyundai SANTA FE is approximately $1,900/year (suv-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2019 Hyundai SANTA FE

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Average

Quick Summary

The 2019 Hyundai SANTA FE has 268 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.9x the segment average of 289. The most common issue is engine problems (25% of all complaints), specifically: 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 an. There are 2 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 13 fire reports filed.

13 fire reports 11 crash reports 5 injuries

268

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

5/5

Safety Stars

0.9x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

ENGINE

67 complaints

25%

• 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 AN
• 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 MI
• ENGINE BEGAN TO SKIP ON ACCELERATION ESPECIALLY GOING UP HILL. VEHICLE WAS TAKES TO DEALER AND ACCESSED. DEALER DIAGNOSED OWNER HAD VEHICLE IN INCORRECT DRIVE MODE FOR ACCELERATION. OWNER EXPRESSED TO DEALER, SUSPENSION OF SPARK PLUG OR COIL PROBLEM GIVEN OWNER EXPERIENCE IN BUYING OWNING HYUNDAI VE

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500🔥 5 fire reports

“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 AN”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2019 Hyundai SANTA FE

Based on 94 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 10K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

OTHER

In line with typicalmedian 11K mi · 21 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ENGINE

In line with typicalmedian 21K mi · 19 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ELECTRICAL

In line with typicalmedian 5K mi · 12 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

TRANSMISSION

In line with typicalmedian 14K mi · 10 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

BRAKES

In line with typicalmedian 8K mi · 8 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

STEERING

In line with typicalmedian 2K mi · 5 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (2)

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW11/10/2018

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe vehicles. The Side Curtain Air Bag (SCAB) mounting bolts may interfere with and damage the air bags during deployment.

Risk: In the event of a crash, if the air bags become damaged during deployment they may not inflate properly, increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will install a protective cover over the SCAB installation bolts, free of charge. The recall began December 3, 2018. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 177.

High theft risk

#22 most stolen in 2025

The Hyundai SANTA FE was the #22 most-stolen vehicle in the United States in 2025, with approximately 4,500 thefts reported to law enforcement.

Kia Boys / TikTok theft vulnerabilityModel years 2010-2021 Hyundai and Kia vehicles without engine immobilizers were widely targeted starting in 2022 after a viral TikTok exploit. If you own this vehicle, verify it has an ignition immobilizer or install a security upgrade. Hyundai and Kia both offered free software updates and steering-wheel-lock programs for affected models.

Recommended protection: engine immobilizer verification, steering wheel lock, GPS tracker, and comprehensive insurance coverage. Higher theft risk usually translates to higher comprehensive-coverage insurance premiums.

Source: NICB Hot Wheels 2025 report + HLDI theft loss studies. Model-year ranking; not all years of this model have identical risk.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2019 Hyundai SANTA FE

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$2,182

Per month

$182

Per mile

18.2¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,527/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,778/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

Show:

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

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.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,900

Full coverage / month

$158

Liability only / year

$600

vs US avg

+14%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (suv-midsize)1.05x

× theft risk1.15x

× safety rating0.94x

× vehicle age1.00x

= Full coverage estimate$1900

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

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Hyundai SANTA FE 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, 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

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS(~50K mi)

$500

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

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 268 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ENGINE: 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 AN
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: 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
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
TRANSMISSION: 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 TH
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: 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 GOI
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 2 recalls have been completed — free at any Hyundai dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)