2019 HYUNDAI Santa Fe XL Problems

Complaints Reported

Complaints by Component

ENGINE

6 complaints

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 container of oil so it doesn't run low. This never happened until we had the timing chain replaced.

Nov 21, 2025

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 failure poses a serious safety risk. Engines from this generation (Lambda II / GDI family) are known to suffer from rod bearing failure, oil consumption, and sudden seizure. If this failure had occurred at highway speed, it could have led to loss of power, stalling, or an accident. Numerous owners have reported similar engine failures in 2016–2019 Santa Fe models at relatively low mileage, and Hyundai has already issued recalls and warranty extensions for related engines. This indicates a potential widespread defect that may not be adequately addressed. Requested Action: I am asking NHTSA to investigate Hyundai’s engine failures in the 2019 Santa Fe XL, review Hyundai’s denial of warranty coverage for vehicles experiencing these failures, and consider expanding existing recalls/warranty extensions to include this model. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Oct 03, 2025

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 manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 91,000

Oct 02, 2025

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 the full line, after the 30 mile journey, the car had used roughly 2qts of oil and was at the low level.

May 25, 2024

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 something like that and they did an oil flush twice $600 later everything should be fine as I turn my back to walk out after paying I was told to listen for any noises so I was concerned for noises because what they did just may not be the fix. so fast forward a week and a half later I hear a subtle noise in the engine and make an appointment for [XXX]. Bring the car in to the Staten Island Hyundai dealership and was treated like a criminal with my own car! They kept on saying customer neglect and that I may need a new engine and it has to go to corporate so nothing‘s gonna happen. It’s cause it’s the weekend and I expected to hear something on Monday but weeks by and not hear nothing until they need more oil change records the last record they have was at 36,000 miles apparently they think I never took it anywhere else so they wanted anything after that and then later on after I submitted that they denied my engine replacement because I didn’t submit anything prior to that anything prior to that would’ve been cleared and it wouldn’t show customer neglect because they do the multipoint inspection every time you walk in the dealership so I was neglecting the car. Why did they not find anything on it? Keep in mind that the oil light never went on there was no oil leak and the engine light never went on so there was no indication that anything was wrong with this car until we heard subtle noise and Hyundai dealership on Staten Island told us we needed a replacement and so this has been going on for two months now and I’ve been calling places trying to get an engineering placement with no luck. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

May 21, 2024

+ 1 more complaint for this component

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

4 complaints

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 was not harmed in the event.

Mar 31, 2025

I am writing to report an issue with Holler Hyundai located at 1150 N. Orlando Ave., Winter Park, Florida, 32789, concerning their handling of recall "AUXILARY CANISTER KIT INST [XXX] -" for my vehicle. Over the past year, I have brought my vehicle to the dealership three times for this recall service. Each time, I was informed that the necessary parts were on back order. Despite repeated inquiries and visits since Feb 20 2023, the dealer has failed to perform the recall repair, citing parts availability issues. This delay send unreasonable, and I believe it reflects a failure on the part of the dealer and possibly the manufacturer to address recall obligations in a timely manner. I am seeking your assistance in resolving this matter. I believe it is critical that the recall repair is performed as soon as possible to ensure my vehicle's safety. I would appreciate any intervention the NHTSA can provide. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Mar 18, 2024

The Paint is peeling on a 2019 Santa Fe limited 4 years the paint should not be peeling

Apr 17, 2023

We were notified in February 2022 that there was a safety issue that could result in a fire while driving or parked. We have asked for recall status updates and continue to be told that there is no fix yet. It has been close to 4 months that we have had to drive a vehicle that is considered unsafe. This is unacceptable.

Jun 14, 2022

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

3 complaints

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 taken the vehicle to a local dealer to be diagnosed; however, the dealer was unable to find an electrical or computer failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure but was unable to assist the contact. The contact believed that the computer system had been compromised. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

Sep 29, 2025

2019 HYUNDAI SANTA FE XL- I feel something should be done against Hyundai. I could have easily been killed by their failure in one area. Vehicle wiring harnesses. Are you aware that the wiring systems in many of their vehicles are made from Soy. Soy is a product that is made of Soy Beans and guess that rodents such as mice, chipmunks and squirrels love. Soy Beans. I have had three instances where rodents have chewed the wiring in my vehicle. The one time I could have been killed. To be honest I thought I would be when cars could come behind me and screech on their brakes. I was driving in heavy traffic coming back from Chicago and my vehicle stopped right in the third land of a heavy interstate highway with semis and such passing me at 60 plus miles of hour. The traffic was so thick at times I could not get out of the car and there I sat stalled. I eventually had my vehicle towed to my mechanic and a red squirrel got under the hood of my vehicle at some point and chew the heck out of the wiring. That was the second time. The third time happened today. I could have easily been killed when my call stopped on the busy intestate. Setting there with my flashers going in the middle lane not moving with vehicles going around me at high speeds. I have over $1,000.00 in costs repairing rodent chews on my vehicle. It is not just myself, look on the net. This issue is ever going with Hyundai. The company needs to reimburse me for costs incurred on this and but more so your office needs to look into having Hyundai fix this. They need to replace all the wiring harnesses in their vehicles with normal wiring like USA cars use if theirs are made with rodent attracting products. I have other vehicles here and have had for years and not one of my other vehicles have had so much as a rodent issue with those setting side by side the Hyundai. In fact I am to the point of selling it and taking a loss as the stress on wondering if it will happen again and create a financial strain on my is overwhelming. I had dozens of USA vehicles and even lived on farms and never had anything chewed by a rodent. Something needs to be done. I am on fixed income and I can not afford car bills because of rodents. I put my trust in Hyundai because of their 100,000 mile warranty which is why I bought the car. Their warranty does not cover critter claims and had to pay for these repairs out of my pocket and I do not have the money for this. Not once did anyone mention nor would one thing of wiring getting attracted and eaten by rodents because of how they made their vehicles. Thank You.

Jun 26, 2023

Purchased vehicle 7/25/2022 at the end of October battery was dead we jumped it. Then when it got cold it would not start jumped it and started. Went bought a new battery the battery in car when we bought it was a 630cca parts store didn’t have a listing for my battery so matched it and got one with 640cca. Next morning would not start. Tried jumping it wouldn’t start that way. Called Hyundai parts department and asked what battery should be in it said at least 660cca, so we got a 750cca a week or 2 later Today 11/29/22 was cold snow morning wouldn’t start. The problem is my car doesn’t start below 32degrees. Very upsetting I buy a new vehicle that reliable and it doesn’t seem reliable it. I’ve also read earlier forums and I read numerous complaints about this issue. I try looking up the battery for this model and it say’s discontinued so what am I supposed to do. I need a reliable car for my family not one that will leave me stranded and calling in to work or kids to not go to school.

Nov 30, 2022

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

3 complaints

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 not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Jul 07, 2022

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 had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Jun 23, 2022

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 repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

May 10, 2022

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE

1 complaint

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.

Nov 03, 2025

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,VISIBILITY/WIPER

1 complaint

While driving west in I-70 near Frisco, CO. The sunroof randomly exploded, throwing glass throughout the vehicle. I was driving the car with my wife and dog, all of us got covered in glass and the exploding glass was extremely loud. We were lucky the sound didn’t cause me to drive off the road or that any of falling glass severely cut us.

Mar 28, 2025

VISIBILITY

1 complaint

The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe XL. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the panoramic sunroof fractured. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 27,000.

Oct 23, 2023

SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

I contacted my local Hyundai dealership to have this recall fixed but was told they couldn't take my car in until October 27th 2022 at Kerry Hyundai, 6149 Hopeful Church Rd, Florence, KY 41042 If it's just a fuse replacement why do I have to wait over 3 month to have it fixed. I'm a fulltime rideshare driver and now I don't feel safe driving passenger around, the change of an engine fire and/or brake failure with passenger in my car could turn fatal. I was even told be the person in the service department that there was no risk of fire in vehicle do to this recall...

Jul 19, 2022

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

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. I can not use my car to go on any long trips for fear it will catch fire. Hyundai should buy my car back since it can catch fire and I can’t use it reliably and since it could kill me or my family.

May 11, 2022

STEERING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 complaint

Pulling out of a parking lot onto a street, when engine revved uncontrolled and did not respond to braking and steering, (pulled to the right). Impact with utility pole. Fortunate that there were no injuries. Vehicle is not drivable and has not been inspected by insurance or dealer as yet. No warning lamps.

Nov 29, 2021

Crash: 1

STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

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 differently. I have been waiting for since 7/6/21 for Hyundai corporate offices to contact me back. I have been told to not do anything until a case manager contacts me. I have not been provided a car to drive or any help by the dealer. The dealer told me they do not do body work and not to bring the car to them. I had no warning.

Jul 23, 2021

⭐

4.5/5.0

80 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

How many problems does the 2019 HYUNDAI Santa Fe XL have?

The 2019 HYUNDAI Santa Fe XL currently has 23 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.

What are the most common problems with 2019 HYUNDAI Santa Fe XL?

The most common problems reported for the 2019 HYUNDAI Santa Fe XL are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.

Where does this 2019 HYUNDAI Santa Fe XL problem data come from?

All problem and complaint data for the 2019 HYUNDAI Santa Fe XL comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.