2019 Hyundai Santa Fe: problems, recalls and what it’s worth
Known weak spot on this generation: Theta II 2.0T / 2.4L GDI engine. 2 recall campaigns to confirm with a dealer. A lot of owner complaints, 37% about engine & cooling.
Cold-start knock/rattle that fades as it warms, oil consumption, a check-engine light for the knock sensor. Confirm the KSDS software recall was performed and ask whether the engine was ever replaced.
Known problems on the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe
Theta II 2.0T / 2.4L GDI engine $4,000–$7,000 to fix
If equipped with the 2.4L or 2.0T Theta II GDI (most were), this generation has a documented rod-bearing failure — knocking, then seizure or fire. Covered by huge recalls, a class-action settlement, and a knock-sensor software update (KSDS); a lifetime warranty applies to many, but only for the original-owner chain in some cases.
Check for: Cold-start knock/rattle that fades as it warms, oil consumption, a check-engine light for the knock sensor. Confirm the KSDS software recall was performed and ask whether the engine was ever replaced.
Basis: NHTSA recalls 15V568/17V226/others; Hyundai/Kia engine class-action settlement; KSDS campaign
Known patterns for this year and model, not findings about one car. A well-kept example may already have had the fix. Costs are rough US shop prices.
2019 Hyundai Santa Fe recalls
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe. Repairs are free at a dealer for the brand, and a dealer can confirm by VIN which were already done.
- Trailer HitchesFire risk
A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Details 23V181000
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2023 Santa Fe, 2021-2023 Santa Fe HEV, 2022-2023 Santa Fe Plug-in HEV and Santa Cruz vehicles potentially equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Hyundai dealership. Water accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (PCB) may cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire.
Fix: Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the remedy is completed. Dealers will install a new fuse and wire extension kit as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed starting May 16, 2023. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 244. This recall is an expansion of previous recall number 22V-633.
- Airbags
In the event of a crash, if the air bags become damaged during deployment they may not inflate properly, increasing the risk of injury.
Details 18V715000
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.
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.
2019 Hyundai Santa Fe safety investigations and free repairs
No open safety investigations.
Free repairs to ask about (warranty extensions):
- Airbags: Certain 2012 – 2017 model year Accent, 2012 – 2017 model year Azera, 2013 – 2018 model year Santa Fe Sport, 2013 – 2019 model year Santa Fe, and 2012…
- Engine: Certain Santa Fe (TMA), Santa Fe Sport (AN), Sonata (LFA), and Tucson (TL) vehicles equipped with Theta II engines may exhibit elevated engine-out emissions.
- Exhaust and emissions: Following completion of Service Campaign 9C2 (Theta II Emissions Improvement), certain vehicles may exhibit a brief hesitation or rough shifting condition during cold start operation.
- Paint: Certain Hyundai vehicles with exterior white paint may exhibit peeling or bubbling on metal body panels: hood, fender(s), roof, door(s), quarter panel(s), and tailgate/trunk.
- Warranty extension: Some vehicles may exhibit a loss of connectivity or interruptions in the middle of using Bluelink Service functions.
1 more in the full VIN report.
A dealer for the brand can check these by VIN.
Source: NHTSA, Sep 24, 2026.
2019 Hyundai Santa Fe safety and fuel
From NHTSA’s crash tests and the EPA’s fueleconomy.gov.
What owners complain about
199 complaints filed with NHTSA for this year and model, which is a lot.
Share of complaints that mention each area. One complaint can mention several.
What a 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe is worth
Rough trade-in values — roughly what a dealer would pay — by mileage, from published trade-in guides. Private sales and dealer prices run higher. For the exact car, add its VIN.
| Mileage | Trade-in (rough) |
|---|---|
| 40,000 mi | $11,650 |
| 160,000 mi | $10,045 |
Other Hyundai Santa Fe years
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
Printable inspection checklist · Out-the-door price calculator