2019 Hyundai Santa-FE Reliability Score & Common Problems

Owners of the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe frequently report issues with the vehicle's electrical system, including problems with starting the car, particularly in cold weather, and recurring battery failures. Many complaints highlight difficulties with the vehicle's ISG (Idle Stop and Go) system, which can cause the engine to fail to restart after stopping. Multiple reports also mention rodents chewing on soy-based wiring, leading to significant vehicle malfunctions and potential safety hazards, such as stalling in traffic. Additionally, one report involves an electrical fire, raising safety concerns. These issues often occur at varying mileages, with some owners experiencing problems shortly after purchasing the vehicle, while others report issues around 40,000 to 75,000 miles. Buyers should be aware of these potential electrical system challenges when considering this model.

Owners report multiple steering-related issues with the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe, often involving the electric power steering system. Complaints frequently mention steering wheel seizures, unexpected hard turns, and loss of power steering assist, sometimes accompanied by warning lights for related systems like the Blind Spot Detection and Lane Keeping Assist. These issues appear to occur across a range of mileages, with some incidents reported as early as 2,000 miles. A notable safety implication includes a crash where the steering pulled to the right, resulting in an impact with a utility pole. Potential buyers should be aware of these reported steering failures and the associated repair costs, as they could indicate underlying mechanical or electrical problems.

Owners of the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe report several issues related to the service brakes, with common complaints involving the ABS system activating unexpectedly and extending braking distances, sometimes preventing emergency stops. Some drivers experience the brakes engaging autonomously or the vehicle veering, often at highway speeds, leading to loss of control. Several complaints highlight delays in recall repairs due to unavailable parts, with some owners noting they were unable to secure timely fixes. Notably, one incident involved a brake failure leading to a crash and fire, resulting in injuries, at approximately 77,200 miles. These reports suggest potential safety concerns, especially in vehicles with higher mileage or those experiencing unresolved ABS issues.

Owners of the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe frequently report airbag deployment failures during crashes, with five of the six complaints involving accidents and injuries. Common symptoms include airbags not deploying at all or only partially inflating, resulting in head injuries such as concussions and other bodily harm. These issues are reported at various mileage points, with one specific case noting a failure at approximately 7,500 miles. Safety implications are significant, as these failures have resulted in serious injuries, including broken ribs and traumatic brain injuries. Additionally, one complaint highlights a problem with the passenger airbag not activating when using a seat cushion, which may affect individuals with disabilities.

Owners of the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe frequently report issues with the Forward Collision Avoidance system. Common symptoms include unexpected activation of the collision alert without nearby vehicles and abrupt braking while using adaptive cruise control, even when no obstacles are present. Some complaints indicate the system's sensors malfunction, with one owner noting a persistent warning light and another describing issues during snowy conditions. These problems are reported at various mileages, from around 21,000 to over 69,000 miles. Safety implications are evident, as one owner described the vehicle veering into oncoming traffic, and another experienced rapid deceleration on the highway.

Owners of the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe report issues with seat belts not snapping or locking properly. Complaints frequently mention difficulties with the seat belt buckle, particularly during colder months, with some owners noting that the seat belt warning light illuminates. These issues appear in vehicles with mileage around 85,000. One report includes a mention of an injury due to seat belt concerns. For potential buyers, understanding that multiple owners describe problems with both the driver and passenger seat belts is important, as these issues could pose safety risks.

Owners of the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe frequently report incidents of sudden unintended acceleration, particularly when maneuvering at low speeds into parking spaces. Common symptoms described include the engine revving unexpectedly and the vehicle accelerating despite the brake being engaged. These incidents often result in crashes, as brakes reportedly fail to stop the vehicle effectively. The complaints involve vehicles with mileage around 12,000 miles and note repeated occurrences over several months. Safety implications are significant, as all reported incidents resulted in crashes, though no injuries have been mentioned. This pattern is important for potential buyers to consider, especially when evaluating the vehicle's performance in low-speed environments.