2019 Hyundai Santa Fe
Common Problems
Ranked from 54 federal NHTSA complaints. Every problem links to the complaint IDs behind it.
19 Common Problems
Ordered by how often owners reported each one to NHTSA. The bar shows how common a problem is relative to the most-reported on this vehicle. Expand any problem to see the federal complaint IDs.
- 1
Engine oil consumption and burning
10complaintsHigh severityEngineThe engine consumes and burns excessive amounts of oil, leading to low oil levels and potential engine damage.
$400–$4,500est. oil-consumption repair (rings/pcv) · 3–14 hrs laborGet local quotes - 2
Engine Stall at Idle Due to Stop-Start System Failure
8complaintsMedium severityEngineThe engine stalls at idle when the stop-start feature is engaged, requiring the driver to turn off the car and reset it.
$150–$900est. stop-start system diagnosis · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 3
Forward Collision Avoidance System Malfunction
6complaintsHigh severityElectricalThe forward collision avoidance system malfunctions, causing the car to veer into oncoming traffic or collide with obstacles.
- 4
Engine misfires and cylinder issues
5complaintsMedium severityEngineOne or more cylinders misfire, leading to poor engine performance and occasional stalling.
$200–$900est. ignition service (coils/plugs) · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 5
Engine Stalling During Driving
5complaintsMedium severityEngineThe engine stutters and stalls during driving, often requiring the driver to restart the car multiple times.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 6
Paint defects and peeling
5complaintsLow severityOtherFactory paint on the exterior of the vehicle peels and bubbles, reducing the vehicle's appearance and potentially leading to rust.
- 7
Engine thermal issues and fires
4complaintsSafety riskEngineEngine overheats, leading to thermal fires and potential engine failure.
- 8
Braking System Malfunctions at High Speeds
2complaintsHigh severityBrakesThe braking system malfunctions at high speeds, causing the car to brake on its own or fail to decelerate properly.
- 9
Defective Panoramic Sunroof
2complaintsMedium severityOtherThe panoramic sunroof explodes while driving, causing significant damage to the vehicle and potential injury.
- 10
Electrical System Issues Leading to Stalling
2complaintsHigh severityElectricalThe vehicle stalls in traffic and while accelerating after stopping, often without warning lights.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 11
Lane Assist and Stability Control Malfunction
2complaintsMedium severityElectricalLane assist and electronic stability control systems intermittently malfunction, causing the car to pull out of lane or apply brakes unexpectedly.
- 12
Seat Belt Malfunction
2complaintsMedium severityOtherThe seat belts fail to lock properly, posing a safety hazard during sudden stops or accidents.
- 13
Service Brakes Fail to Operate Properly
2complaintsHigh severityBrakesThe service brakes fail to operate properly, especially at moderate speeds, leading to potential loss of control.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 14
Steering Lock-Up During Driving
2complaintsHigh severitySteeringThe steering wheel locks up unexpectedly, causing the car to drift into oncoming traffic or off the road.
$200–$1,500est. power-steering / eps repair · 1–6 hrs laborGet local quotes - 15
Transmission slipping and shifting issues
2complaintsMedium severityTransmissionThe transmission slips during acceleration, causing the vehicle to lose power and require frequent repairs.
$2,500–$5,500est. transmission rebuild/replacement · 8–16 hrs laborGet local quotes - 16
Unintended Acceleration During Low-Speed Maneuvering
2complaintsHigh severityElectricalThe vehicle unexpectedly accelerates during low-speed maneuvers, such as entering or exiting parking spaces, posing a safety risk.
- 17
Unintended Acceleration During Parking
2complaintsHigh severityElectricalThe car accelerates unintentionally while attempting to park, leading to potential collisions with objects or pedestrians.
- 18
Unreliable Rearview Camera
2complaintsMedium severityOtherThe rearview camera malfunctions, causing poor visibility and potential safety risks.
$250–$800est. backup camera replacement · 1–3 hrs laborGet local quotes - 19
Vehicle Suddenly Shuts Off at Low Speeds
2complaintsMedium severityElectricalThe vehicle suddenly shuts off while driving at low speeds, requiring multiple restart attempts before continuing.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes
Other years & sources
Data source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) owner complaints and recalls. Problems are clustered and ranked from the complaint record; occurrence counts reflect corroborating complaints, not total incidence. Vehicle image is illustrative. Repair-cost figures are typical U.S. independent-shop ranges (parts + labor) for the class of repair shown — actual quotes vary by region, engine, and diagnosis; always confirm with a local shop.