NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 26 owner complaints for the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe XL. Most complaints involve engine (10) and electrical system (4). The EPA rates it 19–21 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Santa Fe, 2017-2018 Santa Fe Sport, 2019 Santa Fe XL, and 2014-2015 Tucson vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module could malfunction and cause an electrical short, which could result in an engine compartment fire.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each Santa Fe XL model year we’ve synced.
Only one model year synced so far.
“On September 22, 2026, my 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe XL experienced a sudden engine stall while I was stopped at a traffic light. The engine unexpectedly lost power, the steering wheel became extremely difficult to turn and appeared to lock, and the oil pressure, battery, and check engine warning lights illuminated. After restarting the vehicle, I noticed an abnormal clicking or knocking sound coming from the engine. On September 23, 2026, my wife experienced a similar incident while operating the same vehicle. These incidents created serious safety concerns. Unexpected engine stalling and loss of steering assistance could result in a collision, especially in moving traffic, placing drivers, passengers, and surrounding motorists at risk. An independent repair facility initially diagnosed engine failure. Hyundai subsequently inspected the vehicle but denied engine repair assistance, citing alleged maintenance neglect based on a gap in the vehicle's maintenance history that occurred approximately three years before I purchased it. The service manager also indicated that sludge buildup within the engine was associated with combustion-related problems occurring as the…”
“The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe XL. The contact stated that there were intermittent, but constant electrical failures with the vehicle. The contact stated that the doors unintendedly locked and unlocked. Additionally, the contact was unable to upload the software updates for the vehicle or connect the vehicle to the Emergency 9-1-1 system through the cell phone. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was intermittently illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer to be diagnosed; however, the dealer was unable to find an electrical or computer failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure but was unable to assist the contact. The contact believed that the computer system had been compromised. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.”
“The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe XL. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V056000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Fe XL FWD Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.3 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 25 | 21 | $2,850 | 432 |
| Santa Fe XL AWD Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.3 L · All-Wheel Drive | 18 | 24 | 20 | $3,000 | 445 |
| Santa Fe XL Ultimate FWD Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.3 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 23 | 20 | $3,000 | 453 |
| Santa Fe XL Ultimate AWD Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.3 L · All-Wheel Drive | 17 | 22 | 19 | $3,150 | 479 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
1 safety recall as of Nov 14, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 26 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (10), electrical system (4), service brakes, hydraulic (3). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe XL at 19–21 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe XL 5 out of 5 stars overall.