Hyundai Santa Fe Complaints (2019)

203 consumer complaints on file.

#11771805October 17, 2026
POWER TRAIN
After Hyundai 9C2 update the transmission bucks or searches for gear causing what seems to be up and down shifting.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11769096October 5, 2026
POWER TRAIN
Driving at highway speed, vehicle stuttered/lurched. The check AWD, engine light, tire pressure warning lights came on. Check by mechanic resulted in error code P0741 (Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Performance or Stuck Off). Search of error code P0741 indicates that there is a Technical Service Bulletin TSB-23-AT-005H regarding this KNOWN problem. A stutter or lurch of the vehicle can cause the driver to over react, stop or swerve suddenly in traffic potentially causing an accident not to mention possible being struck on the side of the road while waiting for a tow/service truck. Vehicle/components have not been checked by manufacturer--only diagnostic code by Mechanic. Warning lights after incident included the AWD system, Check Engine Light, and Tire Pressure sensor light. Vehicle is being towed to a Hyundai Dealership as Mechanic advised it is not safe to drive.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11768525October 2, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
On August 14 2026, I drove my 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe approximately one mile from my residence to work at approximately 5:00 AM. The vehicle was operating normally and I experienced no warning lights, unusual noises, odors, smoke, or other indications of a problem. I parked the vehicle in an outdoor parking lot and the vehicle remained parked and turned off for approximately four hours. At approximately 9am, I was notified that my vehicle was smoking. A person who was walking past the vehicle observed the smoke, obtained a fire extinguisher, and extinguished the fire. The fire department subsequently responded, disconnected the vehicle battery, and opened the rear of the vehicle to ventilate it. The fire and resulting heat damage were concentrated on the driver's side rear of the vehicle, directly behind the driver's-side rear tire and in the area of the rear bumper. The plastic at the base of the bumper melted, and melted bumper material was observed dripping onto the ground. The responding fire marshal inspected the vehicle and indicated that the electrical box located in this area may be associated with the origin of the fire. Wiring from this area runs to a non-original/non-Hyundai-installed trailer/tow attachment. The exact cause and origin of the fire have not yet been conclusively determined. The vehicle had otherwise operated normally during my ownership, with little to no significant problems prior to this incident. The vehicle is currently being preserved for inspection by my insurance company and mechanic. I am reporting this incident to NHTSA because the vehicle caught fire while parked and unattended after having been driven only approximately one mile, and because the suspected area of origin includes electrical components and wiring associated with the rear of the vehicle. No collision preceded the fire. There were no injuries. I am requesting that NHTSA consider this incident as a potential vehicle/electrical safety issue and investig
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11766397September 23, 2026
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
On 03/26/2026, my 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe received Hyundai Service Campaign 9C2 (TSB 26-01-013H-1), which included an Engine Control Module (ECM) software update for Theta II emissions improvement. The vehicle did not have the following drivability problem before this software update. Immediately after the 9C2 update, the vehicle began jerking/bucking slightly at low speeds, most noticeably around 10-20 mph when coasting with no accelerator input or when applying very light throttle. Acceleration response also feels slower than before the update, with noticeable hesitation when the accelerator is pressed. The problem is most noticeable during the beginning of a drive when the vehicle is cold. After driving for some time and the vehicle warms up, the symptoms improve, although the change in drivability remains noticeable compared with operation before the update. There have been no warning lights or warning messages associated with the problem. The issue began immediately following the ECM software update. The vehicle has not yet been returned to the dealer for diagnosis or confirmation and is available for inspection. I am concerned about the safety implications of delayed or unpredictable acceleration response, particularly when entering traffic, crossing an intersection, or merging when timely acceleration may be necessary. I am reporting this because the condition began only after Hyundai Service Campaign 9C2 was performed and I believe NHTSA should evaluate whether this ECM software update is causing similar drivability and acceleration problems in affected vehicles.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11765740September 21, 2026
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The vehicle experienced a sudden, intermittent engine stall while driving, specifically when slowing down or coasting to a stop in live traffic. When the engine dies, the vehicle immediately loses engine power, power steering, and power braking assist, creating an extreme safety hazard. After stalling, the vehicle refuses to restart for several minutes. An authorized Hyundai dealership previously replaced the high-pressure fuel pump under warranty to address this issue, but the dangerous stalling has persisted over the last 2,000 miles. The vehicle continues to randomly shut off without throwing a permanent check engine light or diagnostic trouble code, and the manufacturer has failed to correct this critical safety defect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11764874September 17, 2026
ENGINE
The car started having problems immediately after replacement with a new battery. The issue with the ISG (Idle Stop and GO System) started appearing. When the Auto Stop Indicator turns green, the car stalls which puts my life at risk. I have spoken to a number of mechanics and I am not getting a satisfactory answer on how to fix this problem.. One mechanic told me it was the starter which turned out not to be true. I have also spoken with a number of other mechanics and they are clueless on how this problem can be remedied. And the Hyundai dealter wanted $275 just to look at it but with no guarentee. The whole issue is putting my life and other motorists at risk.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11763606September 11, 2026
ENGINE
2019 Santa Fe with 80,000 miles showed signs of excessive oil consumption. Service was scheduled with licensed Hyundai franchise service center. Known oil consumption issues on Theta II engines for that year. Testing requires 3 steps. First step is to change the oil and document levels. Engine is tested for 1000 miles then returned to service center. After 1000 miles, service center reports 2.5 qts of oil per 1000 miles. Hyundai corporate was contacted where they approved warranty work for the vehicle. Step two requires Combustion Chamber Cleaning. During this portion of the work, service center calls about fire that took place immediately after a test drive. Dealership states engine and components destroyed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11762546September 7, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
My vehicle had a very strong gas smell inside and outside of the car. I found a gas puddle under the car coming from the back of the vehicle. Car was hesitating when I stepped on the gas. I was afraid it may stall. I drove the vehicle to my regular service station. Vehicle has an active fuel leak and this is a fire hazard. I was very concerned whether the vehicle would stall and cause an accident. Warranty coverage was denied.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11761505September 2, 2026
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
Update Re: ODI Complaint Number: 11759237 Subsequent Actions and Manufacturer Refusal to Remediate Safety Defect: Following the [XXX], acute safety incident—where the vehicle lost motive power and entered severe limp mode on [XXX] immediately upon release from Sheehy Hyundai of Chantilly—the vehicle remained in dealer custody for 11 days (August 20–August 31, 2026). Failure to Diagnose Core Defect: Despite recurring total power loss, active diagnostic trouble code P00AF00 (Turbocharger Boost Control Module Performance), and four consecutive turbocharger destructions within 20,000 miles, the authorized dealership refused to conduct internal engine diagnostics, drop the oil pan, inspect the oil filter, or perform borescope checks. Physical Contamination Documented: On August 29, 2026, an on-site physical inspection confirmed sparkling metallic particulate suspended in the engine oil on the dipstick and substantial oil blow-by/intrusion into the turbocharger air intake line. Formal Denial of Safety/Warranty Coverage: On August 31, 2026, dealership management and Hyundai Motor America (Consumer Affairs Case #[XXX]) formally denied warranty assistance and refused engine teardown under the Theta II Lifetime Engine Warranty Settlement. Coverage was declined citing "outside influence" due to an aftermarket turbocharger assembly, while Hyundai refused to investigate the underlying engine failure contaminating and destroying the forced-induction system. Evidence Preservation: On August 31, 2026, the vehicle was towed to an independent facility to mitigate road hazards, conduct teardown diagnostics, and preserve the engine oil/filter for ISO-accredited spectrographic laboratory analysis. The manufacturer released an unsafe vehicle into traffic on August 20, 2026, and subsequently refused to investigate or remedy a documented internal engine failure that creates sudden, recurring loss of motive power. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11760439August 28, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
My vehicle recently received the Hyundai 9c2 emissions upgrade they required and since then the vehicle has had predictable acceleration issues for the first several minutes after the vehicle. While trying to slowly accelerate the vehicle with unpredictably lurch forward. Many people have been reporting this.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11759237August 24, 2026
POWER TRAIN, ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The vehicle suffers from recurring, sudden loss of motive power and transitions into engine "limp mode" while driving in active, heavy traffic. This severe drivability defect has occurred on four separate occasions under Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P00AF00 (Turbocharger/Supercharger Boost Control "A" Module Performance) and related boost/MAP faults (P0234). During these episodes, the vehicle abruptly loses acceleration capability without warning, creating an acute collision risk when navigating highway traffic and intersections. The turbocharger assembly has required replacement three separate times due to recurring oil contamination from the engine crankcase. Despite meticulous maintenance (documented synthetic oil changes every 3,000–5,000 miles since new), the manufacturer and dealership have repeatedly blamed peripheral turbo components rather than diagnosing or repairing the root cause (I suspect excessive engine crankcase pressure/piston ring blow-by based on the significant oil deposition on the turbo, map sensor, and pooling in the intake line).
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11752203July 22, 2026
POWER TRAIN
Transmission was replaced under warranty by Hyundai in Nov 2024. Engine was replaced at 100600 miles in Nov 2025. Issues with the transmission were happening at that time but ignored by dealership as issues related to failing engine. Our mechanic confirmed in April that transmission was failing and told us to go to Hyundai. We went to dealer in April 2026. They confirmed transmission needed to be replaced. They were going to contact Hyundai USA. We received no updates despite many calls to the dealer. We had to call Hyundai USA directly. They opened a case. Dealer finally called and took car in and requested good faith repair by Hyundai USA. Hyundai USA responded 2 weeks later and is not covering anything. They replaced our transmission in Nov 2024 with a refurbished transmission that they NO LONGER MAKE. Clearly due to the fact that the refurbished part doesn’t work. They now want me to pay $8000 to repair transmission. My car has been maintained on schedule by my mechanic. All paperwork available. I have had Toyotas, Hondas and chevys that have lasted close to 20 years. This has been a horribly disappointing experience. And I now need to buy a new car for my 17 year old instead of handing down. I will NEVER buy another Hyundai. I want everyone to be aware of my experience. Disgusting customer service by Hyundai USA.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11749805July 12, 2026
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
COMPLAINT SUMMARY: [XXX] / ENGINE THERMAL FIRE RISK / WARRANTY DECEPTION My 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe (2.4L GDI Engine) is experiencing severe powertrain degradation under the known Theta II engine defect class-action framework. On November 7, 2025, the vehicle logged a Permanent Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P1326 via an independent scan, indicating catastrophic internal rod bearing wear. On XXX, the vehicle was brought to Hyundai of Milledgeville for safety recall verification. Instead of executing the mandatory corporate-directed Bearing Clearance Test (BCT) to replace the failing engine block, the service department committed technical campaign malpractice. The technician forced the 9C2 ECU Software Update directly over the locked mechanical fault to suppress the dashboard warning lights and alter the vehicle's ROM ID parameter limits. When caught via a photograph of their active GDS diagnostic tablet showing 7 historical system faults, the service manager provided a truncated printed report hiding Page 1 and omitting the critical P1326 powertrain code count to evade a warranty engine replacement. Due to these unmitigated delays, the vehicle has suffered severe consequential safety damage. The advanced engine degradation and oil consumption have flooded the exhaust system, melting the catalytic converter substrate and triggering a new DTC P042000 (Catalyst Efficiency) fault immediately after the dealer visit. The extreme engine vibrations have also damaged the transmission's torque converter clutch (DTC P074100). The dealership refused a service loaner and knowingly sent a disabled consumer and an elderly passenger away in an active, failing vehicle that presents a sudden stall-on-highway hazard and a severe thermal exhaust fire risk under extreme summer heat conditions. Hyundai Motor America Corporate has failed to provide emergency towing or alternative mobility accommodations despite a registered corporate case file. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11742308June 5, 2026
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
My 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe 2.4L (VIN: [XXX]) is experiencing a severe safety defect involving rapid engine oil starvation. The vehicle recently failed an official oil consumption test conducted by Fred Beans Hyundai of Abington, where it was documented that the engine consumed 1 quart of oil in just 881 miles (PA Request #XXX). This vehicle is equipped with the Theta II engine, which currently has active warranty extensions (TXXC and TXXI) specifically covering connecting rod bearing failure. Despite the documented severe oil loss—which is the primary known cause of connecting rod bearing wear and sudden engine seizure—Hyundai Corporate (Case #XXX) is refusing to evaluate the vehicle under these warranties. They have improperly classified my claim as a denied "goodwill" request and are refusing to perform a connecting rod bearing clearance test to determine if the bearings have been damaged by this starvation. Because Hyundai refuses to perform the required diagnostic safety protocols, the vehicle must be driven in an oil-starved condition. This poses an imminent and severe safety risk of sudden engine seizure, stalling, and complete loss of motive power at highway speeds without warning, which could result in a catastrophic crash. The manufacturer is ignoring their own failure thresholds and putting driver safety at risk. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11742383June 5, 2026
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
On March 04, 2026, I took my 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe to the local dealer for oil change service. As part of that service visit, they performed Hyundai recall 9C1 which was supposed to lower tailpipe emissions. The next morning, and ever since, my vehicle ran differently. The engine had several 1000rpm surges and was sluggish at other times. This behavior has continued. Particularly when I first start out in the morning and the engine is cold. Never after the engine is warmed up. A visit to the Hyundai forum shows a growing list of other Hyundai owners who are experiencing the same issues. This recall is defective and should be corrected.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11741031May 30, 2026
POWER TRAIN
In December 2025, a Hyundai dealer performed Service Campaign 9C2 (TSB 25-01-087H), an ECU software update for the 2.4L GDI Theta II engine, during a routine annual NY state emissions inspection. Immediately following this update, the vehicle began exhibiting an RPM flare of approximately 1,200-1,500 RPM during upshifting under light acceleration. This behavior did not exist prior to the update. The condition occurs when ambient temperature is above 50°F and the vehicle has been parked 2+ hours after a prior drive. No warning lamps or fault codes have been present at any point. The issue has been confirmed across four dealer visits at two Hyundai dealerships over five months. Attempted remedies included transmission ECU updates and adaptive resets — none resolved the condition. On the fourth visit, the technician personally experienced the issue and identified reinstalling the pre-update ECU calibration as the likely fix, but stated the prior software version was unavailable. The repair order was nonetheless closed as "vehicle operating as designed." The case has been escalated to Hyundai Motor America National Consumer Affairs and forwarded to Hyundai engineering with no resolution to date. Multiple other 2019-2020 Santa Fe owners report identical post-9C2 symptoms on public forums, indicating a pattern associated with this campaign's ECU calibration. The unexpected RPM surge and erratic shifting during acceleration creates an unpredictable driving experience that could cause hesitation in traffic situations requiring smooth acceleration.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11739369May 21, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Vehicle: 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe, VIN [XXX] , exterior Quartz White Pearl. Component: Exterior factory paint (paint/trim). Complaint: This vehicle exhibits a systemic, progressive factory paint defect — excessive peeling and bubbling of the white finish that spreads from one body panel to the next. This is a known defect across this vehicle generation; Hyundai acknowledged it by issuing Warranty Extension Z05 (TSB 25-BD-004H), which extends paint coverage to 10 years/unlimited miles for affected white-paint vehicles including the 2019 Santa Fe. Hyundai repaired the hood under this warranty in 2025, during which the vehicle was out of service for 77 consecutive days. Since that repair, the defect has migrated to the adjacent fender and has also appeared on a door, demonstrating that it is spreading across the vehicle. Hyundai has offered to repaint only the single currently-visible panel rather than addressing the systemic defect. I am filing this complaint to document the defect and its progression, and to support the public record regarding factory paint failure on these vehicles. No crash, injury, or fire has resulted. The vehicle is owned by my spouse; I am submitting as authorized representative. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11737086May 11, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Hyundai recently had a service campaign that was issued to address an emissions related issue in CA. The service campaign was 9C2 and the TSB was 25-01-087H. After this software update was applied to my vehicle the engine is now sluggish on a cold start and the transmission is shifting differently at low speeds and low gears. It appears that the performance of my vehicle has been compromised. There is a Hyundai forum where many Santa Fe owners are experiencing the same issues after the software update. I have notified the service advisor at my local Hyundai dealership.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11736151May 6, 2026
ENGINE, SUSPENSION
Engine is burning a tremendous amount of motor oil. Dealer does acknowledge engine is burning oil. No warning lights on. Told burning motor oil is normal for a hyundai engine. Engine can seize during driving with no warning and is a safety issue. Front struts are also failing. No warning and is a safety issue: Currently trying to get dealer to cover defective components under warranty. Nothing has been repaired or resolved as of yet.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11734899April 30, 2026
POWER TRAIN
Vehicle Information: 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Mileage at failure: approximately 109,000 miles Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor Company The vehicle experienced a complete failure of the automatic transmission system. The failed component is available for inspection upon request. At approximately 98,000 miles, the vehicle’s check engine light illuminated. I brought the vehicle to an authorized Hyundai dealership for diagnosis while it was still within the 100,000-mile powertrain warranty period. The dealership inspected the vehicle and advised that no issue was found, and no repairs were performed at that time. Approximately 11,000 miles later, the vehicle experienced severe transmission problems, which progressed to complete transmission failure at approximately 109,000 miles. Safety Risk: The transmission failure resulted in a sudden loss of power and reduced vehicle operability while driving. This condition presents a potential safety risk to the driver and surrounding traffic, particularly during normal roadway and highway use. Prior Inspection / Diagnosis: The issue was not identified or reproduced during the dealership inspection at approximately 98,000 miles when the check engine light was present. Other Inspections: The vehicle was inspected by a Hyundai dealership at approximately 98,000 miles. No inspection by police, insurance representatives, or manufacturer engineering personnel has occurred since the transmission failure. Warning Signs: Check engine light illuminated at approximately 98,000 miles Vehicle was taken to dealership for diagnosis at that time No specific transmission warning messages were displayed Dealership reported no issue found Maintenance History: The vehicle has been regularly maintained with oil changes performed approximately every 5,000 miles. Maintenance records are available for review upon request.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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