2019 HYUNDAI SANTA FE

TRAILER HITCHES

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.

Risk: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

STRUCTURE:BODY

Paint peeling and chipping will cause rust.

POWER TRAIN

I was driving home Friday August 29th 2025 around 10:30 am on I-70 W when I began to have trouble accelerating my vehicle. There were vehicles trailing closely behind me so I increased pressure on the gas pedal. I would feel my car forcibly trying to compensate and the RPMs on the vehicle increased significantly. The check engine light then illuminated and the car stedily beagan to decelerate although RPMS were increasing and the force on the gas pedal was at its maximum. I could no longer get past 30 MPH. The cars behind me had to quickly change lanes behind me to avoid rear end collision and I finally pulled over to the shoulder of the highway but it was a very narrow shoulder so my safety and the safety of those driving around were compromised because they could have easily resulted in a high speed rear-end collision that could have been fatal and the location of my car on the shoulder was not safe and I could have been side-swipped waiting for a friend to come get me and for me to move my car off hat narrow shoulder. I was frantic and very emotionally distressed by this incident because all the maintenance on the car was up to date and there was no check engine light on in the car prior to this incident. The unexpected and decelleration and inability to compensate on the highway was very unsafe. I have taken my car to the delearship and they have yet to address my engine issues or the safety concerns. The rep actually laughed while I was recounting the events. I also called hagerstown police department to have a police officer come out to the breakdown site because I did not feel safe but my frined arrived before the police.

ENGINE

I was driving home Friday August 29th 2025 around 10:30 am on I-70 W when I began to have trouble accelerating my vehicle. There were vehicles trailing closely behind me so I increased pressure on the gas pedal. I would feel my car forcibly trying to compensate and the RPMs on the vehicle increased significantly. The check engine light then illuminated and the car stedily beagan to decelerate although RPMS were increasing and the force on the gas pedal was at its maximum. I could no longer get past 30 MPH. The cars behind me had to quickly change lanes behind me to avoid rear end collision and I finally pulled over to the shoulder of the highway but it was a very narrow shoulder so my safety and the safety of those driving around were compromised because they could have easily resulted in a high speed rear-end collision that could have been fatal and the location of my car on the shoulder was not safe and I could have been side-swipped waiting for a friend to come get me and for me to move my car off hat narrow shoulder. I was frantic and very emotionally distressed by this incident because all the maintenance on the car was up to date and there was no check engine light on in the car prior to this incident. The unexpected and decelleration and inability to compensate on the highway was very unsafe. I have taken my car to the delearship and they have yet to address my engine issues or the safety concerns. The rep actually laughed while I was recounting the events. I also called hagerstown police department to have a police officer come out to the breakdown site because I did not feel safe but my frined arrived before the police.

STRUCTURE:BODY

Paint coming off of hood, no contact of any kind. Took to dealer and was told past its warranty sorry. Cost me over $1K to fix the problem.

ENGINE

Oil consumption on vehicle engine leading the engine to run low on oil for extended periods of time

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Rear backup camera not working. Put car in reverse gear multi function screen goes black

STRUCTURE:BODY

White paint peeling off 2019 Santa Fe since 2023 ... Hyundai says they are aware of the defective paint issue but denied any recorse or responsibility. Paint comes off while driving and reduces visibility.

ENGINE

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.

STRUCTURE:BODY

I am the owner of a 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe in Pearl White (paint code SWP). The paint on my vehicle has begun peeling extensively on the hood, and other exterior panels. This appears to be the same paint defect that Hyundai previously acknowledged for the 2017–2018 Santa Fe Sport under a Customer Satisfaction Program (TXXW), but the 2019 model is not covered. The paint is bubbling and lifting without any impact or damage, suggesting a manufacturing defect. This significantly affects the vehicle’s appearance and may compromise corrosion protection. Numerous other owners of 2019 Hyundai models have reported similar problems. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this issue as a potential widespread defect and urge Hyundai to include affected model years in any extended warranty or recall efforts.

SERVICE BRAKES

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.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

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.

POWER TRAIN

Vehicle is shuddering/jerking upon acceleration due to a defect in the 8 speed automatic transmission. This condition was reproduced by Hyundai of Plymouth, MA and documented on the repair order. Dealer states that a new transmission is required to fix this problem. Safety is at risk due to shuddering upon acceleration which causes hesitation in acceleration. My Hyundai Santa Fe is available for inspection. There should be a recall on this vehicle.

ENGINE

One cylinder of the engine is misfiring. When I bought it used in 2021, I realized it had a problem. At red lights or stop signs, the car would randomly not accelerate when it was time for me to go. I would have to turn it off, then on; shift to park then drive; or mash hard on the gas for the car to recover. For example, it happened at these days and times in 2024 (I didn't write down every time since ownership began): 1/24/24 and the key icon lit up; 3/14/24 at 9:20 am; 4/20/24; 7/19/24; 8/7/24; 8/18/24; 8/21/24 at 10:40 am; 8/25/24; 8/27/24; 9/7/24 at 12:30 pm and 3:21 pm; 9/12/24 at 10:38 am; 9/20/24; 9/21/24 at 1:43 pm; 9/23/24 at 7:38 am; 11/12 at 9:36 am; 10/26/24; and 10/27 at 4:37 pm. It was scary! I took the car to the Hyundai dealership in September 2022 and in October 2022 for this issue and the alert that Forward Collision Assist warning wasn't working. I was told both time that they didn't know why the first happened and recommended I replace the entire bumper for the second (it's no longer happening and I did not replace the bumper). I reported it to Hyundai Customer Care and nothing happened. The car also required 4-5 quarts of oil every 2000 miles. I believe these were precursors to what happened this month. On April 5, 2025 the car completely stopped while I was driving on the highway. I added oil and it chugged to an oil change shop where the diagnosis was a problem with coil 3 in the engine. I went to an auto parts store and replaced coil 3, and the car chugged just enough for me to get home. I had a tune up and the mechanic put Heet in the gas tank in case it was a fuel injection issue. The car didn't improve so I took it to another mechanic who diagnosed a misfire in the third cylinder as well, and the spark plug in the third spot looked brand new though the other three showed a bit of wear from the few days I used the car. He told me the engine problem was serious and needed a dealer's examination. I will go to the dealership on 4/17/25.

WHEELS

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

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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

POWER TRAIN

When accelerating the transmission slips. My mechanic said Hyundai has a memo saying they are making a new torque converter due to these problems, and I will need a new torque converter. The torque converter is on backorder and according to my mechanic, will not be available for many months; thus indicating there are many other folks with the same problem. This is very dangerous when accelerating, as the speed drops off due to the slippage, and can put me in a dangerous position if I need to accelerate to avoid a potential situation. It has also presented issues from a dead stop, pulling out into traffic, where the slippage puts me at risk. This has been going on for quite some time, and my mechanic has been doing what Hyundai memos instuct.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER

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 illuminated. The dealer was informed of the failure however, the vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was 90,000.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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 illuminated. The dealer was informed of the failure however, the vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was 90,000.

SERVICE BRAKES

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 stop. The contact then saw the vehicle at the hillside engulfed with fire and smoke and tried to break a window, however, the contact heard his daughter and stopped. The Fire Department and Police Department were on scene and extinguished the remaining of the fire and the hillside. The origin of the fire was on the engine. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was consumed by the fire and the remainder were taken to Lenzi Automotive. The contact was the only occupant in the vehicle and sustained scrapes and bruises to her elbow, finger, right thigh, buttocks, and back rib that require medical attention. The failure mileage was approximately 77,200.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

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.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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.

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while at a red light, the vehicle stalled. The failure had occurred on several occasions. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY

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.

STRUCTURE:BODY

White body paint chipping.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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.

VISIBILITY/WIPER

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.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Auto stop/go disables car’s ability to resume driving after stopping at a light etc. This is without activating feature. You have open and close door and press button on/off over and over. Turbo was changed bc mechanic assumed it was the problem. Now it is happening after reaching destination and then attempting to leave if not sitting long enough. New battery and $2000 turbo!

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power while depressing the accelerator pedal, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the turbo was replaced. The contact stated that months later, the vehicle hesitated and jerked while depressing the accelerator pedal with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where a part on the transmission was replaced; however, the failure returned, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and the contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and had the transmission replaced. The contact stated that months later, the vehicle began to sputter with an abnormal knocking sound coming from the vehicle. The check engine warning light returned, and the vehicle was taken to the nearest dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired and remained with the dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power while depressing the accelerator pedal, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the turbo was replaced. The contact stated that months later, the vehicle hesitated and jerked while depressing the accelerator pedal with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where a part on the transmission was replaced; however, the failure returned, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and the contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and had the transmission replaced. The contact stated that months later, the vehicle began to sputter with an abnormal knocking sound coming from the vehicle. The check engine warning light returned, and the vehicle was taken to the nearest dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired and remained with the dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.

ENGINE

This has been an ongoing issue since the date of purchase 10/23. I've been taking my vehicle for regular check ups and oil changes. My vehicle appears to be consuming oil. I have to put a quart in every week, but no one can find the issue. The dealership told me there is a recall on these particular vehicles engine.

POWER TRAIN

We have had our vehicle for over 2 years with routine maintenance. On 1/25/26 We were driving home and oil light came on then check engine light. The oil pressure the issue.

ENGINE

We have had our vehicle for over 2 years with routine maintenance. On 1/25/26 We were driving home and oil light came on then check engine light. The oil pressure the issue.

ENGINE

2019 Santa Fe, this vehicle was serviced by Hyundai three times for a "Knock Sensor" notification. 12/3/2019: ECM manufacturers recall 14,242 miles 7/13/2021: Knock Sensor hardware notification - 38,615 miles 12/15/2024 repaired 1/7/2025: Knock Sensor hardware notification – 79,882 miles Panel indicating motor issues, vehicle becomes unable to accelerate above 60 mph. We have documented communications between dealers and Hyundia corporate with case#

ENGINE

SUV driving great for 2 years with routine maintenance- engine light pops up, doesn’t go away, and i take it to a local shop. SUV has low oil pressure of 5 and needs replaced. No sounds or driving issues prior.