2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Problems & Owner Complaints

Engine 66 5 fire

“Yesterday afternoon after running errands, my car was off and in my driveway. Within 15 minutes I noticed it was smoking. When I opened the hood. The engine was on fire. I attempted to put it out but was unsuccessful. 911 was called and responded to put the flame out. The car was destroyed. I recently had my engine resealed and turbo replaced at a Hyundai dealership. I picked up my car following repairs on April 18th.”
NHTSA complaint #11658806, 2025 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2019 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH, A THICK, GRAYISH SMOKE ENTERED THE VEHICLE CABIN FROM THE REAR, PASSENGER SIDE WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER AND REQUESTED ALL OCCUPANTS TO EXIT THE VEHICLE. AS THE CONTACT BEGAN TO CALL 911, AN OFFICER NEARBY CAME OVER TO ASSIST THE CONTACT. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EVENTUALLY ARRIVED AT THE SCENE AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED AND BOTH A FIRE AND POLICE REPORTS WERE FILED. DUE TO THE FAILURE, THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE INITIALLY TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC…”
NHTSA complaint #11386654, 2020 · fire

“PREVIOUS HYUNDAI VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. AT THE TIME THE CAUSE WAS UNKNOWN. WAS FORCED BY HYUNDAI TO BUY BACK VEHICLE AND PURCHASED A BRAND NEW HYUNDAI VEHICLE. I WAS NEVER TOLD THAT THIS WAS A BRAND WIDE ISSUE AND THAT THE NEW VEHICLE I PURCHASED WOULD END UP UNDER THE SAME RECALL THAT CAUSED PREVIOUS VEHICLE TO CATCH FIRE. I AM TERRIFIED TO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE. I CONTACTED HYUNDAI TO EXPLAIN THE SITUATION AND HAVE BEEN DEALING WITH AN UNPROFESSIONAL CUSTOMER REPRESENTATIVE. I AM FEARFUL FOR MY LIFE IN THIS VEHICLE AND EXPLAINED WHEN I PURCHASED THE NEW ONE THAT I DID NOT WANT TO EVER GO THROUGH…”
NHTSA complaint #11290265, 2019 · fire

Unknown Or Other 46 6 crash 4 fire 2 injury

“On June 28th at approximately 1130pm, my son was involved in a single vehicle accident. Upon impact with the tree the car immediately burst into flames”
NHTSA complaint #11530021, 2023 · crash · fire · 1 injury(ies)

“The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle, approximately 30 minutes later the neighbor informed that the vehicle was on fire. The contact rushed outside to discover flames and smoke were present coming from the rear driver's side of the vehicle. A fire extinguisher was used to extinguish the flames. The fire department was called to the scene. During the incident, the contact sustained a burned right hand which required medical treatment. The cause of the fire was not yet determined. A fire report was taken at the scene. The manufacturer and lo…”
NHTSA complaint #11455073, 2022 · fire · 1 injury(ies)

“MY WIFE WAS DROPPING OFF A FRIEND AT HIS HOUSE USING THE BRAKES TO COME TO A STOP. THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED INTO THE GARAGE DAMAGING THE RIGHT FRONT OF THE VEHICLE AND THE GARAGE. I CAN ONLY INCLUDE THE VEHICLE PHOTO DUE TO PHOTO SIZE LIMITATIONS. HER FRIEND WAS A WITNESS TO THE ACCIDENT I ESTIMATE TOTAL DAMAGE TO GARAGE AND VEHICLE TO BE $10000. HYUNDAI SAID TO CALL BACK TOMORROW.”
NHTSA complaint #11397983, 2021 · crash

Power Train 31 1 crash 1 injury

“THE CAR HAS SHIFTED A LITTLE ROUGH ABOUT A WEEK AFTER BUYING THE CAR AND HAS GOTTEN TO THE POINT IT LUNGES YOU FORWARD. IT SHIFTS SO ROUGH I HAD TO GO TO THE ER FOR PINCHING A NERVE IN MY NECK. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #11326189, 2018 · 1 injury(ies)

“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 THE HAND BRAKE WAS ENGAGED. THE VEHICLE COLLIDED WITH AN A PARKED VEHICLE NO AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. NO WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO CENTENNIAL HYUNDAI (6200 CENTENNIAL CENTER BLVD, LAS VEGAS, NV 89149 (702) 483-220…”
NHTSA complaint #11244452, 2018 · crash

“Transmission was replaced under warranty by Hyundai in Nov 2024. Engine was replaced at 100600 miles in Nov 2025. Issues with the transmission were happening at that time but ignored by dealership as issues related to failing engine. Our mechanic confirmed in April that transmission was failing and told us to go to Hyundai. We went to dealer in April 2026. They confirmed transmission needed to be replaced. They were going to contact Hyundai USA. We received no updates despite many calls to the dealer. We had to call Hyundai USA directly. They opened a case. Dealer finally called and took car i…”
NHTSA complaint #11752203, 2026

Electrical System 26 1 crash 1 fire

“Fire while driving - Electrical - No Warnings Reference NHTSA Recall 23V181000 Fire Extinguished once by fire extinguisher (civilian) then again by Union, MO fire department. Hyundai had the vehicle towed to their inspection facility. Inspection report being withheld. Claim has been denied. Hyundai now refusing to return vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11576743, 2024 · fire

“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 THE HAND BRAKE WAS ENGAGED. THE VEHICLE COLLIDED WITH AN A PARKED VEHICLE NO AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. NO WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO CENTENNIAL HYUNDAI (6200 CENTENNIAL CENTER BLVD, LAS VEGAS, NV 89149 (702) 483-220…”
NHTSA complaint #11244452, 2018 · crash

“I purchased my 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe on October 29, 2021. Since then, I’ve experienced a series of mechanical and electrical failures that I believe are far beyond normal for a vehicle of this age. - The remote start has never worked. - On October 20, 2023, the hatch latch failed. The only way to open it now is by climbing into the back and manually pulling the latch. - On October 27, 2023, the electric power steering failed. I had to replace the entire steering column at a cost of $4,000. - The paint began deteriorating prematurely and required a full repair. Hyundai covered this under warran…”
NHTSA complaint #11695524, 2025

Structure 14

“The door was completely shut - I was driving on the highway - no alarm on the instrument panel, fully stage 2 latched ( even if it is just stage 1 latched - the instrument panel gives an alarm - there was no alarms about door not fully closed) everything was normal. 15 minutes into the drive - I was exiting the highway, making a right hand turn - the door suddenly popped open, alarm went off on the instrument panel - thankfully did not swing open, I was able to hold onto the door. I shut the door again - drove for 200 Miles - no issue again. This was the first ever time I saw this issue at 90K…”
NHTSA complaint #11729290, 2026

“The trunk hatch is no longer functioning. The car beeps, but does not unlatch. Once the gate is manually open from a latch inside the trunk, it will not close by pushing the gate close button. It just stopped working. I went into the grocery store, and when I returned with groceries, it stopped working. Hyundai says it's out of warranty and will cost $1800 to repair.”
NHTSA complaint #11721567, 2025

“Paint is significantly peeling on the hood of my car.”
NHTSA complaint #11720832, 2025

Forward Collision Avoidance 13

“Overly excessive oil consumption 2 Quarts every 3 or 4 days.no leaks. Engine gets so hot I don't have to turn on heater In winter. On going issue since 100,000 miles. EBS light stays on electronic parking brake switch does not work. Parking brake will randomly engage after vehicle is turned off. Dealership cannot duplicate issue. If cruse control is turned on the vehicles warning lights all of them will suddenly illuminate and the vehicle shuts off. alternator and battery replaced. Have not used cruse control since. Airbags never inflated in a front end crash at 45mph Most recently I started…”
NHTSA complaint #11701386, 2025

“Was at a complete stop at a light with a car in front me, I had plenty of space when I started accelerating and then suddenly the automatic system braked hard. Like there was literally NO REASON for what the car did. It took a few seconds to get out of that issue but then was able to proceed as normal. There have been at least 2 other times where a side sensor was triggered while on the freeway violently jerking me to the left, nearly putting into another lane.”
NHTSA complaint #11656970, 2025

“Car turns off at lights /stop signs. Automatic break system activates. Have to wait at least five minutes to be able to restart car z same happens after driving and parking. Turbo and battery were replaced. I make sure not to use the automatic on/off feature which make issue worse. This is my fourth attempt to contact you. I cannot trade car in bc of mileage and still owing $. I love me vehicle and just want issue recognized and taken care off.”
NHTSA complaint #11648536, 2024

Steering 12

“internal mechanical failure of the piston rings and cylinder walls. Misfire on Cylinder #2. Further testing revealed that Cylinder #2 is at 80 PSI, which is significantly below the manufacturer's specification. A subsequent leak-down test showed a 90% loss of pressure with air escaping through the oil filler hole. The issue stated above can cause severe mechanical failure of piston rings and cylinder walls can absolutely lead to connecting rod bearing problems by creating excessive debris, poor lubrication, abnormal piston motion, and increased stress, causing premature wear, overheating,…”
NHTSA complaint #11711643, 2025

“I purchased my 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe on October 29, 2021. Since then, I’ve experienced a series of mechanical and electrical failures that I believe are far beyond normal for a vehicle of this age. - The remote start has never worked. - On October 20, 2023, the hatch latch failed. The only way to open it now is by climbing into the back and manually pulling the latch. - On October 27, 2023, the electric power steering failed. I had to replace the entire steering column at a cost of $4,000. - The paint began deteriorating prematurely and required a full repair. Hyundai covered this under warran…”
NHTSA complaint #11695524, 2025

“The Forward Collision Assist would intermittently disable during driving. The Lane Keeping Assist light illuminated and would not allow me to disable it causing the vehicle to drive straight only and to make left or right turns extremely hard to turn the vehicle. This incident occurred on [XXX] and was dropped off at Johnson Hyundai in Wake Forest on that date. After a week of no contact of a diagnosis, I had to visit the dealer and was told the steering column was the issue and needed to be replaced. I contacted Hyundai America to report this issue and currently waiting on a response from the…”
NHTSA complaint #11619452, 2024

Service Brakes 11 2 crash 1 fire 1 injury

“The contact owned a 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that as his daughter was driving at 20 MPH on the highway, she depressed the brake pedal, the brakes failed to respond, and the vehicle started to smoke from the engine and into the cabin. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact's daughter then tried to depress the brake pedal again, and the contact's daughter then jumped out of the vehicle on the ramp. The vehicle was coming down on the intersection unoccupied, engulfed in smoke, initially hitting a stop sign and then another unknown sign and sequentially coming to a…”
NHTSA complaint #11648747, 2025 · crash · fire · 1 injury(ies)

“I HAD RENTED A HYUNDAI SANTE FE IN SEPTEMBER 2019. I HAD THE VEHICLE FOR A FEW WEEKS WITH NO ISSUES UNTIL I DROVE OVER THE MOUNTAINS. I HAD PULLED INTO A PARKING LOT AND WAS LOOKING TO PARK, COASTING THROUGH THE PARKING LOT, I THEN BACKED UP AND FOUND A PARKING SPOT. I WAS TURNING RIGHT IN AT A VERY SLOW SPEED, A VIRTUAL CRAWL INTO A PARKING SPACE WHEN I PRESSED THE BRAKES TO STOP THE VEHICLE WHEN IT SUDDENLY REVS ITS ENGINE AND BEGAN ACCELERATING OUT OF CONTROL JUMPING OVER THE FRONT PARKING CURB AND SLAMMING INTO A CHAIN LINK FENCE. THE BRAKE WAS DEPRESSED TO THE FLOOR AND WOULD NOT STOP…”
NHTSA complaint #11302893, 2019 · crash

“Overly excessive oil consumption 2 Quarts every 3 or 4 days.no leaks. Engine gets so hot I don't have to turn on heater In winter. On going issue since 100,000 miles. EBS light stays on electronic parking brake switch does not work. Parking brake will randomly engage after vehicle is turned off. Dealership cannot duplicate issue. If cruse control is turned on the vehicles warning lights all of them will suddenly illuminate and the vehicle shuts off. alternator and battery replaced. Have not used cruse control since. Airbags never inflated in a front end crash at 45mph Most recently I started…”
NHTSA complaint #11701386, 2025

Air Bags 7 5 crash 5 injury

“At 1641, I was driving 55mph on tonganoxie rd with the right of way & no stop signed. The other driver did have a stop sign but did not yield and entered the intersection causing my vehicle to strike the middle of the passenger side and spinning my vehicle and stopped 90’ to my right facing the direction she was traveling. All of my air back opened and inflated properly, except the driver side airbag. Because of this, my head slammed into the glass window, which then threw up upper body towards the passenger side. Had I not had a seatbelt on I would have ended up there. Due to the kineti…”
NHTSA complaint #11477488, 2022 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“Front side airbags only came down maybe sun visor length. Broadsided a car that pulled out in front of me, I was going 55mph when I hit her and no time to brake. I am 5’4” and when I hit her my head hit below the bag and into the glass getting a concussion. This is a major safety factor. Progressive Insurance claim #[XXX], vin [XXX]. I have not received police incident report yet. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).”
NHTSA complaint #11473313, 2022 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“Auto accident. Front end gone Air bag did not deploy. Only driver in car. Suffered 2 Broken ribs and broken sternum. Insurance company totaled car after inspection. No warning lights or messages presented at any time prior to accident.”
NHTSA complaint #11460203, 2022 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Fuel/Propulsion System 7 1 fire

“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 MILEAGE WAS 2,700.”
NHTSA complaint #11193340, 2019 · fire

“COMPLAINT SUMMARY: [XXX] / ENGINE THERMAL FIRE RISK / WARRANTY DECEPTION My 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe (2.4L GDI Engine) is experiencing severe powertrain degradation under the known Theta II engine defect class-action framework. On November 7, 2025, the vehicle logged a Permanent Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P1326 via an independent scan, indicating catastrophic internal rod bearing wear. On XXX, the vehicle was brought to Hyundai of Milledgeville for safety recall verification. Instead of executing the mandatory corporate-directed Bearing Clearance Test (BCT) to replace the failing engine bl…”
NHTSA complaint #11749805, 2026

“On March 04, 2026, I took my 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe to the local dealer for oil change service. As part of that service visit, they performed Hyundai recall 9C1 which was supposed to lower tailpipe emissions. The next morning, and ever since, my vehicle ran differently. The engine had several 1000rpm surges and was sluggish at other times. This behavior has continued. Particularly when I first start out in the morning and the engine is cold. Never after the engine is warmed up. A visit to the Hyundai forum shows a growing list of other Hyundai owners who are experiencing the same issues. This r…”
NHTSA complaint #11742383, 2026

Vehicle Speed Control 5 4 crash

“While pulling into a parking space at an extremely low speed, foot tapping the brake, the car excelerated (uncommanded) at what appeared to be full throttle. Depressing the brake had little to no effect and the vehicle stopped after hitting a metal pole. The vehicle sustained severe damage and was determined to be a total loss. The airbags did not deploy.”
NHTSA complaint #11421119, 2021 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE, WHEN THE VEHICLE'S ENGINE SUDDENLY REVVED UP, ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY CAUSING THE CONTACT TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASH INTO A WATER PIPE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. THE CONTACT DID NOT RECEIVE ANY INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWEDFOLSOM LAKE HYUNDAI (12530 AUTO MALL CIR, FOLSOM, CA 95630; (916) 293-4760) WHO WERE NOT ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE THEREFORE WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THE FAIL…”
NHTSA complaint #11396583, 2020 · crash

“I HAD RENTED A HYUNDAI SANTE FE IN SEPTEMBER 2019. I HAD THE VEHICLE FOR A FEW WEEKS WITH NO ISSUES UNTIL I DROVE OVER THE MOUNTAINS. I HAD PULLED INTO A PARKING LOT AND WAS LOOKING TO PARK, COASTING THROUGH THE PARKING LOT, I THEN BACKED UP AND FOUND A PARKING SPOT. I WAS TURNING RIGHT IN AT A VERY SLOW SPEED, A VIRTUAL CRAWL INTO A PARKING SPACE WHEN I PRESSED THE BRAKES TO STOP THE VEHICLE WHEN IT SUDDENLY REVS ITS ENGINE AND BEGAN ACCELERATING OUT OF CONTROL JUMPING OVER THE FRONT PARKING CURB AND SLAMMING INTO A CHAIN LINK FENCE. THE BRAKE WAS DEPRESSED TO THE FLOOR AND WOULD NOT STOP…”
NHTSA complaint #11302893, 2019 · crash

Lane Departure 4

“The Forward Collision Assist would intermittently disable during driving. The Lane Keeping Assist light illuminated and would not allow me to disable it causing the vehicle to drive straight only and to make left or right turns extremely hard to turn the vehicle. This incident occurred on [XXX] and was dropped off at Johnson Hyundai in Wake Forest on that date. After a week of no contact of a diagnosis, I had to visit the dealer and was told the steering column was the issue and needed to be replaced. I contacted Hyundai America to report this issue and currently waiting on a response from the…”
NHTSA complaint #11619452, 2024

“I had a serious issue with the Santa Fe lane keeper system. I was driving on I15 in a winding portion through the Virgin River Gorge in relatively high traffic on a corner. I have used this feature many times in the past and expected a gentle nudge on the steering wheel. But unexpectedly the steering wheel turned hard left, almost causing a total loss of control. I am safe driver always checking for other drivers doing what they shouldn't, but I never expected my car to be the one making dangerous movements. If I hadn't had a firm grip on the wheel, I would have been out of control on a narro…”
NHTSA complaint #11584801, 2024

“the systems forward collision and lane departure warning are randomly turned off. Dealership is not aware of how to fix”
NHTSA complaint #11535942, 2023

Seat Belts 4 1 injury

“2019 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO SEATBELT CONCERNS. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED EVERY PASSENGER SEAT BELT WAS UNSATISFACTORY, THE FRONT DOORS ON THE VEHICLE HAVE SHARP CORNERS CAUSING CUTS, AND THE VIEW BUTTON WAS MISPLACED. *JS”
NHTSA complaint #11175311, 2018 · 1 injury(ies)

“The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while the vehicle was either stationary, parked, or being driven, the seat belt buckle failed to operate as designed. The seat belt warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that during the colder months, the seat belt buckle was more difficult to latch securely. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11646101, 2024

“Seatbelt wont snap or lock. This is a safety issue”
NHTSA complaint #11578517, 2024

Visibility 4

“Panoramic sun roof glass exploded and shattered as I was driving down the highway on a 50 degree F cloudy day. There was no known object that struck the roof nor did we hit a bump in the road or anything. The sound was like that of a shotgun blast. I've seen other posts and settlements for earlier Hyundai vehicle makes and models where warranty was extended to cover a defect causing this. But my 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe damage is not being covered under warranty since it is a couple thousand miles over the 60,000 mile warranty. Hyundai service reported there was no object or damage found to…”
NHTSA complaint #11507792, 2023

“I was at a traffic light (stopped) and all of a sudden my sunroof exploded with no rhyme or reason behind it and glass shattered everywhere on top of me. Nothing was thrown at it and no other vehicles were around me to have any debris thrown up onto it. I got out and inspected the sunroof and found that there was no object imbedded on, in, or near the sunroof that would lead me to believe anything hit it. I contacted the Hyundai dealership about this and they will not cover it under warranty. I believe this is a quality control issue with faulty engineering of the sunroof and upon looking at o…”
NHTSA complaint #11507519, 2023

“• What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? When ambient temperature is at or below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, sufficient heat is not produced from the vehicles defroster to keep the windshield from icing. Also, sufficient heat is not produced to keep vehicle occupants warm. A Hyundai dealership confirmed the problem and replaced the thermostat, but the problem still persists. • How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Visibility through the windshield cannot be maintained. Also, the cabin temperature is insufficient for safe…”
NHTSA complaint #11507154, 2020

Visibility/Wiper 4

“Wipers are in the office position, but suddenly go up and down 2 inches, while off, and won't turn on. It snowed the day before, but wasn't while I was driving. Also, my hood is peeling. I have white paint.”
NHTSA complaint #11642629, 2025

“Panoramic sun roof glass exploded and shattered as I was driving down the highway on a 50 degree F cloudy day. There was no known object that struck the roof nor did we hit a bump in the road or anything. The sound was like that of a shotgun blast. I've seen other posts and settlements for earlier Hyundai vehicle makes and models where warranty was extended to cover a defect causing this. But my 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe damage is not being covered under warranty since it is a couple thousand miles over the 60,000 mile warranty. Hyundai service reported there was no object or damage found to…”
NHTSA complaint #11507792, 2023

“• What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? When ambient temperature is at or below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, sufficient heat is not produced from the vehicles defroster to keep the windshield from icing. Also, sufficient heat is not produced to keep vehicle occupants warm. A Hyundai dealership confirmed the problem and replaced the thermostat, but the problem still persists. • How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Visibility through the windshield cannot be maintained. Also, the cabin temperature is insufficient for safe…”
NHTSA complaint #11507154, 2020

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 3

“AT HIGHWAY SPEED THE COMPUTER HAS ATTEMPTED TO PULL THE CAR OUT OF THE LANE INTO THE ADJOINING LANE AS IF IN ATTEMPT TO AVOID SOMETHING. THIS IS HAPPENED AT HIGHWAY SPEED'S ABOUT SIX TIMES. VEHICLE ALSO AT ONE TIME APPLIED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AS THE VEHICLE IS APPROACHING AN INTERSECTION AS AN EMERGENCY STOP. THE CAR WOULD NOT MOVE FOR SEVERAL SECONDS. WHEN I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE INTO THE HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP THE REPRESENTATIVE IMMEDIATELY SUGGESTED THAT THERE WAS A RODENT PROBLEM. THIS WAS CONFIRMED NOT TO BE THE CASE.AS THERE DID NOT APPEAR TO BE ANY OTHER COMPUTER MESSAGING THE TECHNICIAN SUGG…”
NHTSA complaint #11307536, 2020

“SEVERAL OCCASIONS THE SAFETY FEATURES OF THIS 2019 HYUNDAI SANTA FE DEACTIVATES. 3+ OCCASIONS THE VEHICLES FRONTAL COLLISION AVOIDANCE, LANE KEEP ASSIST BLIND SPOT DETECTION AUTOMATIC HIGH BEAM LIGHTS AS WELL AS CROSS TRAFFIC ALERT SUDDENLY WILL CUT OFF. HAVE TAKEN VEHICLE BACK TO DEALERSHIP WHERE PURCHASED TO BE TOLD NO CODES ARE BEING STORED. CONTACTED HYUNDAI USA SEVERAL TIMES TO GET A RUN AROUND OR THE RESPONSE IF ITS NOT RECORDING THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR. I HAVE OWNED A 4 HYUNDAI SANTA FE'S AND NEVER HAD THE ISSUES I AM HAVING LIKE I AM WITH THIS ONE.I DO NOT TAKE MY GRANDKIDS…”
NHTSA complaint #11301232, 2020

“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 AND A SOFTWARE UPDATE. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT BECAUSE OF THE NEW TECHNOLOGY THIS VEHICLE HAS WHICH IS AN AUTOMATIC START AND STOP AT A STOP SIGN OR STOP LIGHT THAT THE STARTER SHORTED OUT AND APPARENTLY THE SOFTWARE IN THE CAR JUST STOPS THE CAR WHILE DRIVING.. THIS HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING THE CAR A…”
NHTSA complaint #11187081, 2019

Engine And Engine Cooling 2

“The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while attempting to accelerate from a stoplight, the vehicle failed to respond. The Auto START/STOP feature failed to restart the engine as designed. The contact stated that the Turbo light was illuminated as if the turbo was activated, even though the contact had not activated the feature. The vehicle was taken to a Certified mechanic who determined that the turbo had failed. The turbocharger was replaced. After the vehicle was repaired, the failure reoccurred while the vehicle was idling or parked. There were no warning lights…”
NHTSA complaint #11649227, 2024

“The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that on various occasions while driving at various speeds with the automatic START/STOP function activated, the vehicle started losing motive power while the brake pedal was depressed. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving from a complete stop. The vehicle was able to restart. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the valve cover gasket needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that the All-Wheel Drive (AWD…”
NHTSA complaint #11517467, 2022

Exterior Lighting 2

“Continuous issue of front driver passenger power seat front level button failure. Continuous Headlights, fog lights getting fused every 4 months. Indoor back roof light works and sometime just does not work for months.”
NHTSA complaint #11593772, 2024

“THE HEADLIGHTS ON DIM WILL GIVE THE ONCOMING CAR THE " BRIGHTS EFFECT" ON ROUGH UP AND DOWN ROADS. RESULTING IN THE ONCOMING CAR GIVING ME THE "BRIGHTS FLASH" OR JUST LEAVING THEIR VEHICLE 'BRIGHTS' ON PERMANENTLY. THIS IS VERY BLINDING AND DANGEROUS. SEEMS THERE IS A FINE LINE OF BEING DIM OR BRIGHT ON THESE TYPES OF HEADLIGHTS. I HAVE HAD THEM INSPECTED BY THE DEALER AND TOLD THEY ARE OK. THERE ARE MANY OTHER COMPLAINTS ON THE INTERNET. THIS IS NIGHT TIME DRIVING.”
NHTSA complaint #11349841, 2020

Seats 2

“Continuous issue of front driver passenger power seat front level button failure. Continuous Headlights, fog lights getting fused every 4 months. Indoor back roof light works and sometime just does not work for months.”
NHTSA complaint #11593772, 2024

“The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 22 MPH, the vehicle struck a pot-hole which caused the driver seat to move out of place. The contact stated that while accelerating, the front driver seat would shift backward and while shifted into reverse the seat would move forward.  The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the seat rail was damaged and the seat rail and seat needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11619931, 2023

Trailer Hitches 2 1 fire

“The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while driving at approximately 25 MPH. The contact stated that the vehicle caught on fire while they were driving on the street. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The fire department was on the scene and filed a report. The husband had extinguished the fire using a fire extinguisher. The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V181000 (Trailer Hitches) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact had taken the vehicle towed to a local dealer, where it had not been diagnosed.…”
NHTSA complaint #11519819, 2023 · fire

“The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V181000 (Trailer Hitches) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.”
NHTSA complaint #11526591, 2023

Wheels 2

“A year after I purchased vehicle the paint started peeling off the wheel. When I took it to the dealership they kept telling me they were still addressing problem and would get back to me. Contacted them several times and they still didn’t have the problem solved. Then the dealership changed ownerships. New dealership says not their problem. And it was too late at this point. I also have the paint on my hood of my car peeling. Both of these problems are gonna be very expensive to repair! I see this is a known problem. Hyundai needs to be accountable. I live in Auburn Al”
NHTSA complaint #11651609, 2025

“YA HE LLEVADO 4 O 5 VECES MI CARRO AL DEALER,EL LADO DE DRIVING CUANDO YO ENTRO A CIERTO DRIVE WAY HACE UN SONIDO EXTRAO AL IGUAL SI ME PARKEO EN RIVERSA Y TENGO QUE MOVER EL QUIA PARA LA DERECHA TAMBIEN, 4/21/2021 ME HICIERON UN TRABAJO Y DESDE ESA FECHA EL MOTOR ESTA TENIENDO UN SONIDO EXTRAO Y LA REBOLUCIONES .”
NHTSA complaint #11414600, 2020

Firerelated 1 1 crash 1 fire 1 injury

“On June 28th at approximately 1130pm, my son was involved in a single vehicle accident. Upon impact with the tree the car immediately burst into flames”
NHTSA complaint #11530021, 2023 · crash · fire · 1 injury(ies)

Other/I Am Not Sure 1

“The seat is able to forward face up to 40 lbs with a seatbelt install and 35 lbs with a latch install. When trying to install this seat with the seatbelt the instruction manual states not to lock the seatbelt after install however if the seatbelt inst not locked the seatbelt moves easily with some pressure (i.e. child pushing legs against back seat) and then becomes so lose that is can fall over. ALternately, i have tried the install with locking the seatbelt and this solution only lasts 1-2 car rides longer. (i.e. i would need to reinstall my seat every other time my child rode in the car). C…”
NHTSA complaint #11624055, 2024

Suspension 1

“Engine is burning a tremendous amount of motor oil. Dealer does acknowledge engine is burning oil. No warning lights on. Told burning motor oil is normal for a hyundai engine. Engine can seize during driving with no warning and is a safety issue. Front struts are also failing. No warning and is a safety issue: Currently trying to get dealer to cover defective components under warranty. Nothing has been repaired or resolved as of yet.”
NHTSA complaint #11736151, 2026

Tires 1

“The contact's son owns a 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe equipped with KUMHO Tires, Tire Line: Solus, Tire Size: 235/65/R17, DOT Number: H25AYA8U1221. The contact stated that while his son was driving 35 MPH, the passenger’s side front tire had a blowout causing damage to the front end of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a body shop and the front end was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was unavailable.”
NHTSA complaint #11460640, 2022