The vehicle dossier US · 2019

2019 Hyundai
SANTA FEProblems & recalls

200 distinct owner reports in the NHTSA snapshot. Other components appears in 75 of them. Explore what was reported—and which official actions are on file.

Snapshot Sep 28, 2026Live NHTSA complaint API How this dossier is compiled

01 / Owner-reported evidence

What owners reported.

Categories attached to 200 distinct reports. A report can mention more than one component, so category totals can overlap.

Other components75 reports
Engine75 reports
Transmission & drivetrain35 reports
Electrical system26 reports
Body & structure14 reports
Fuel system12 reports
Steering12 reports
Brakes11 reports
Air bags7 reports
Visibility6 reports
Suspension1 reports
See original component labels
ENGINE73
UNKNOWN OR OTHER47
POWER TRAIN35
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM24
STRUCTURE:BODY14
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM12
STEERING12
SERVICE BRAKES11
AIR BAGS7
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING6
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL5
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS5
VISIBILITY/WIPER4
SEAT BELTS3
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)3
EXTERIOR LIGHTING2
WHEELS2
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY2
TRAILER HITCHES2
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL2
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION2
LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST2
SEATS2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INTERIOR LAMPS/BULBS1
TIRES1
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE1
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:WINDSHIELD:ELECTRICAL HEATING ELEMENT1
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:IMMOBILIZER/PROXIMITY:KEY/SENDER1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING1
FIRERELATED1
Other/I am not sure1
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER1
SUSPENSION1

These are reports made to NHTSA, not verified diagnoses. More reports can reflect more vehicles, more time on the road, or greater reporting activity.

The reporting timeline

When reports arrived.

Reports by year filed, not by the year a problem occurred. Showing the latest 9 years with reports.

Year filed (last two digits)Latest report: Sep 23, 2026
Mileage, where supplied

10,000 miles is the median among 65 reports with usable mileage. The middle half spans 2,000–34,000 miles.

This describes the submitted reports. It does not predict when a vehicle will fail.

02 / Official safety campaigns

2 recall campaigns on file.

A campaign can cover only certain production dates or configurations. The count does not tell you whether an individual car has an open recall.

Mar 17, 2023 Safety recallTRAILER HITCHESCampaign 23V181000

A park-outside advisory is recorded. Verify applicability immediately with NHTSA or the manufacturer.

Reported concern

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.

Manufacturer’s stated response

Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the remedy is completed. Dealers will install a new fuse and wire extension kit as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed starting May 16, 2023. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 244. This recall is an expansion of previous recall number 22V-633.

Manufacturer campaign: 244

Read campaign 23V181000 at NHTSA
Oct 11, 2018 Safety recallAIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOWCampaign 18V715000

Reported concern

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe vehicles. The Side Curtain Air Bag (SCAB) mounting bolts may interfere with and damage the air bags during deployment.

Manufacturer’s stated response

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will install a protective cover over the SCAB installation bolts, free of charge. The recall began December 3, 2018. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 177.

Manufacturer campaign: 177

Read campaign 18V715000 at NHTSA
Check this car’s VIN at NHTSA

03 / The manufacturer’s record

Instructions. Updates. Responses.

182 distinct communications list this model-year. Showing the latest 12. A matching model-year does not establish that every engine, trim or reported symptom is covered.

May 23, 2026 Warranty Program/ExtensionZ01 LetterCertain 2012 – 2017 model year Accent, 2012 – 2017 model year Azera, 2013 – 2018 model year Santa Fe Sport, 2013 – 2019 model year Santa Fe, and 2012 – 2017 model year Veloster vehicles may exhibit an intermittent airbag warnin…NHTSA ID 11033679

Certain 2012 – 2017 model year Accent, 2012 – 2017 model year Azera, 2013 – 2018 model year Santa Fe Sport, 2013 – 2019 model year Santa Fe, and 2012 – 2017 model year Veloster vehicles may exhibit an intermittent airbag warning light and diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) may be set. At Hyundai, we are committed to providing vehicles of outstanding quality and value. In an effort to meet this commitment, the warranty coverage for the Occupant Classification System (OCS)/Occupant Detection System (ODS) under these conditions has been extended to 18 years/unlimited mileage from the date of original retail delivery or date of first use (whichever occurs first) and is valid for original and subsequent owners.

Campaign / software reference: Z01

Components: AIR BAGS · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11033679 at NHTSA
May 21, 2026 Service Campaign26-01-013H-2 DNCertain Santa Fe (TMA), Santa Fe Sport (AN), Sonata (LFA), and Tucson (TL) vehicles equipped with Theta II engines may exhibit elevated engine-out emissions. The California Air Resources Board has determined that these vehicles…NHTSA ID 11033700

Certain Santa Fe (TMA), Santa Fe Sport (AN), Sonata (LFA), and Tucson (TL) vehicles equipped with Theta II engines may exhibit elevated engine-out emissions. The California Air Resources Board has determined that these vehicles may be releasing air pollutants which exceed Federal and California standards.

Campaign / software reference: 9C2

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · ENGINE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11033700 at NHTSA
May 21, 2026 Service Campaign26-01-013H-2 TSBCertain Santa Fe (TMA), Santa Fe Sport (AN), Sonata (LFA), and Tucson (TL) vehicles equipped with Theta II engines may exhibit elevated engine-out emissions. This bulletin provides instructions for updating the Engine Control M…NHTSA ID 11033699

Certain Santa Fe (TMA), Santa Fe Sport (AN), Sonata (LFA), and Tucson (TL) vehicles equipped with Theta II engines may exhibit elevated engine-out emissions. This bulletin provides instructions for updating the Engine Control Module (ECM) to address this condition.

Campaign / software reference: 9C2

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · ENGINE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11033699 at NHTSA
May 19, 2026 Service Campaign9C2 060518Following completion of Service Campaign 9C2 (Theta II Emissions Improvement), certain vehicles may exhibit a brief hesitation or rough shifting condition during cold start operation. If present, this condition is expected to o…NHTSA ID 11033705

Following completion of Service Campaign 9C2 (Theta II Emissions Improvement), certain vehicles may exhibit a brief hesitation or rough shifting condition during cold start operation. If present, this condition is expected to occur only within approximately the first 1-3 minutes after engine start, while the catalyst is reaching its normal operating temperature.

Campaign / software reference: 9C2

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · ENGINE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11033705 at NHTSA
May 19, 2026 Service Campaign9C2 DCS 260518Following completion of Service Campaign 9C2 (Theta II Emissions Improvement), certain vehicles may exhibit a brief hesitation or rough shifting condition during cold start operation. If present, this condition is expected to o…NHTSA ID 11033701

Following completion of Service Campaign 9C2 (Theta II Emissions Improvement), certain vehicles may exhibit a brief hesitation or rough shifting condition during cold start operation. If present, this condition is expected to occur only within approximately the first 1-3 minutes after engine start, while the catalyst is reaching its normal operating temperature.

Campaign / software reference: 9C2

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · ENGINE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11033701 at NHTSA
Apr 28, 2026 Warranty Program/Extension26-BD-002H TSBCertain Hyundai vehicles with exterior white paint may exhibit peeling or bubbling on metal body panels: hood, fender(s), roof, door(s), quarter panel(s), and tailgate/trunk. The paint warranty coverage for affected vehicles ha…NHTSA ID 11032529

Certain Hyundai vehicles with exterior white paint may exhibit peeling or bubbling on metal body panels: hood, fender(s), roof, door(s), quarter panel(s), and tailgate/trunk. The paint warranty coverage for affected vehicles has been extended to 10 years/unlimited miles from the date of original retail delivery or date of first use and is valid for original and subsequent owners. The warranty extension does not apply to any vehicle that has ever been declared a total loss or sold for salvage by a financial institution or insurer or has a branded or similar title under any state’s law.

Campaign / software reference: Z05

Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11032529 at NHTSA
Apr 28, 2026 Warranty Program/Extension26-BD-002H DNSome Hyundai vehicles with exterior white paint may exhibit peeling or bubbling on metal body panels: hood, fender(s), roof, door(s), quarter panel(s), and tailgate/trunk. The paint warranty coverage for affected vehicles has b…NHTSA ID 11032528

Some Hyundai vehicles with exterior white paint may exhibit peeling or bubbling on metal body panels: hood, fender(s), roof, door(s), quarter panel(s), and tailgate/trunk. The paint warranty coverage for affected vehicles has been extended to 10 years/unlimited miles from the date of original retail delivery or date of first use and is valid for original and subsequent owners.

Campaign / software reference: Z05

Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11032528 at NHTSA
Apr 14, 2026 Service Campaign9C2 OLCertain 2019 – 2020 model year Santa Fe, 2017 – 2018 model year Santa Fe Sport, 2015 – 2019 model year Sonata, and 2018 – 2021 model year Tucson vehicles may exhibit elevated engine-out emissions. Hyundai is conducting a servic…NHTSA ID 11031416

Certain 2019 – 2020 model year Santa Fe, 2017 – 2018 model year Santa Fe Sport, 2015 – 2019 model year Sonata, and 2018 – 2021 model year Tucson vehicles may exhibit elevated engine-out emissions. Hyundai is conducting a service campaign to update the Engine Control Module (ECM) Software for vehicles equipped with the (2.4 GDI) Theta II engine to improve engine combustion and fuel trim adaptations.

Campaign / software reference: 9C2

Components: ENGINE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11031416 at NHTSA
Apr 10, 2026 OtherDTN DLThe National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has identified the presence of substandard and dangerous driver’s-side airbag inflators manufactured by Jilin Province Detiannuo Automobile Safety System Co., Ltd. (DTN…NHTSA ID 11032523

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has identified the presence of substandard and dangerous driver’s-side airbag inflators manufactured by Jilin Province Detiannuo Automobile Safety System Co., Ltd. (DTN). These inflators were not supplied, approved, or authorized by the vehicle manufacturers and have primarily been found in vehicles that previously experienced a crash and underwent airbag replacement using non-genuine parts. These dangerous inflators have ruptured during deployment, posing a serious risk of injury or death due to metal fragments entering the vehicle cabin. To date, Hyundai is aware of three people who have died while driving a Hyundai vehicle with one of these substandard replacement airbag inflators that deployed in what likely would have been a survivable crash. NHTSA has issued a public advisory urging vehicle owners and service professionals to have vehicles inspected if there is reason to believe that a non-genuine replacement airbag may have been installed. Vehicles with salvage or rebuilt titles, prior airbag deployments, or unknown repair histories may present a higher risk. NHTSA strongly cautions against self-inspection by vehicle owners and recommends inspection by trained technicians.

Components: AIR BAGS. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11032523 at NHTSA
Apr 10, 2026 OtherDTN DCSThe National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued an urgent safety advisory regarding dangerous, counterfeit driver‑side airbag inflators manufactured by Jilin Province Detiannuo Automobile Safety System Co.…NHTSA ID 11032522

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued an urgent safety advisory regarding dangerous, counterfeit driver‑side airbag inflators manufactured by Jilin Province Detiannuo Automobile Safety System Co., Ltd. (DTN), that have been identified in U.S. vehicles following prior crashes, theft, or non‑certified airbag replacements. These inflators are not approved for use, may rupture during deployment, and have caused serious injuries and fatalities. Please see attached announcement, provided by NHTSA, for more details.

Components: AIR BAGS. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11032522 at NHTSA
Mar 30, 2026 Service Campaign9C2 Susp DCSHyundai Motor America is currently investigating an ongoing issue with software GDS event #1383 related to 2015MY Sonata (LFA) 2.4L vehicles. The matter is currently being investigated for a resolution as soon as possible. The …NHTSA ID 11030625

Hyundai Motor America is currently investigating an ongoing issue with software GDS event #1383 related to 2015MY Sonata (LFA) 2.4L vehicles. The matter is currently being investigated for a resolution as soon as possible. The impacted vehicles related to this event will not show open on the VIN in WebDCS while this event is under suspension.

Campaign / software reference: 9C2

Components: ENGINE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11030625 at NHTSA
Mar 30, 2026 Service Campaign9C2 Susp DNHyundai Motor America is currently investigating an ongoing issue with software GDS event #1383 related to 2015MY Sonata (LFA) 2.4L vehicles. The matter is currently being investigated for a resolution as soon as possible. The …NHTSA ID 11030619

Hyundai Motor America is currently investigating an ongoing issue with software GDS event #1383 related to 2015MY Sonata (LFA) 2.4L vehicles. The matter is currently being investigated for a resolution as soon as possible. The impacted vehicles related to this event will not show open on the VIN in WebDCS while this event is under suspension.

Campaign / software reference: 9C2

Components: ENGINE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11030619 at NHTSA
Browse all manufacturer records by page

Records below contain the NHTSA bulk summary unless a document-reviewed explainer is linked. A service bulletin is not a safety recall or a promise of a free repair. Records may be revised or superseded; verify the current document with the manufacturer.

04 / Agency investigations

Official inquiries.

An investigation is an inquiry into a potential concern. Its presence does not establish a defect, and a closed case does not certify a car’s condition.

Opened Sep 12, 2022 ClosedLoss of Motive PowerDP22003

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complaints were provided which alleged that the oil drain pans lack sufficient structural integrity and are susceptible to cracking. The petition itself can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI number 11481745. On September 12, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Defect Petition (DP22-003) to evaluate the Petitioners’ request. The Petitioners have provided additional complaints within four supplemental letters dated January 31, 2023, March 21, 2023, May 23, 2023, and August 4, 2023. ODI’s evaluation included the review and analysis of the complaints and supporting information submitted by the Petitioners, as well as additional complaints submitted directly to NHTSA which referenced either the oil drain plug or a crack in the oil pan. After reviewing the available data, ODI has not identified evidence that would support opening a defect investigation into the oil drain pan assemblies of the subject vehicles. Based on a review of the available information, a loss of motive power resulting from an oil drain plug back out has not occurred between the initial sale of a vehicle and the completion of its first oil change. If during an oil change service, a technician fails to remove the existing drain plug gasket before installing a new gasket, it is likely that a proper seal between the drain plug and the oil pan will not be made. An improper seal between the drain plug and oil pan could lead to the backing out on the drain plug, resulting in the sudden loss of oil while driving. Additionally, the provided examples of oil pan cracks were localized to the immediate vicinity of the oil drain plug and/or appeared to be the result of direct-contact with a tool during servicing. There is no information to support that a vehicle-based defect exists relating to the oil pan assembly, and instead the documented incidents are related to the failure to follow the proper maintenance procedures during oil change service. In October 2023, Hyundai published a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) that provided detailed instructions for oil change service on its gasoline powered vehicles, specifically highlighting the need to remove and replace the existing drain plug gasket prior to reinstalling the drain plug. After a thorough review of the material submitted by the petitioner, the information already in NHTSA's possession, and the potential risks to motor vehicle safety implicated by the petitioners' allegations, NHTSA does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. Therefore, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA’s reasons for denial of the petition will be published. The reference numbers for the complaints to NHTSA cited by the petitioner can be found in the petition submission documents in the public file for DP22-003. To review those complaints and the additional complaints ODI added to its evaluation which are cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

Recorded closure: Dec 12, 2023

Find investigation DP22003

Your next step

Take good questions
to the inspection.

Use these prompts with a qualified inspector. This page is research, not a diagnosis or a substitute for a hands-on inspection.