Top 7 Things to Know About the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Problems and Why It Might Still Be Worth a Look
When you hear "Hyundai Santa Fe," you probably think of value-for-money SUVs—spacious cabins, smooth rides, and technology without the excessive price tag. But like any car model, the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe comes with its own set of issues. While it's undeniably one of the more popular and loved SUVs out there—thanks to its stylish looks and family-friendly features—every gem has its flaws.
This article will walk you through seven major problems that you might encounter with the 2019 Santa Fe, peppered with humor (because what's life without a little laugh?), and conclude with why these issues might not be dealbreakers after all.
1. Engine Issues—It’s Got a Heart That Sometimes Skips a Beat
Let's get straight to the heart of the matter—the engine. There have been quite a few complaints about the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe's engine, particularly with its 2.4L inline-4 and 2.0L turbo engines. The primary problem? The engine might suddenly stall or just completely shut off. Imagine cruising down the highway feeling like a king... and then your chariot just decides to take a nap. Not cool.
Symptoms of Engine Problems
- Engine Stalling or hesitating
- Unexplained warning lights (the check engine light is like your car’s way of saying “Houston we have a problem”)
- Burning oil smell or excessive oil consumption
The Human Spin
Some Santa Fe owners have joked, "I guess my Santa Fe's engine needed a coffee break." While humorous, it's no laughing matter when your car quits on you out of the blue. Though Hyundai has addressed some of these issues through recalls and software updates, it’s something potential buyers should be aware of.
A Positive Note
On the brighter side, not every 2019 Santa Fe is affected by this issue, and Hyundai has shown commitment to addressing customer concerns by issuing updates and performing recall-related repairs free of charge.
2. Transmission Glitches—The Shifting Games
Another issue reported by drivers is related to the 8-speed automatic transmission. Users have complained about delayed gear shifts and jerky transitions—like your Santa Fe’s trying to decide if it wants to be in 3rd gear or 4th, and ends up going with the wrong decision half the time.
What You Might Notice
- Rough or delayed shifts when accelerating
- Transmission “slipping” (feels like the gear change didn’t actually engage)
- Loud “thunk” noises when shifting into reverse or drive (yes it’s as uncomfortable as it sounds)
The Lighter Side
One owner quipped, “It’s like my car’s playing ‘Choose Your Own Adventure’... but with gears.” Sure it’s funny when you’re not the one driving but it can be quite inconvenient.
The Bright Spot
Not all Santa Fe owners experience these problems and Hyundai has continued to work on transmission firmware updates to smooth out the gear-shifting process. For many owners this has been a quick fix and a trip to the dealership away from resolution.
3. Electrical System Gremlins—Lights and Wipers and Screens Oh My!
Modern cars are practically rolling computers and the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe is no exception. Unfortunately, sometimes those computers get a little confused. There have been a range of reports about the Santa Fe’s electrical system, ranging from the infotainment system freezing like a Windows '98 PC to windshield wipers having a mind of their own.
Common Electrical Issues
- Infotainment system randomly rebooting or freezing
- Headlights flickering or burning out quicker than usual
- Windshield wipers turning on/off without driver input (maybe they think it’s always raining)
The Humor Element
One owner commented, "At least my Santa Fe’s wipers are optimistic... they're always ready for a storm." It’s these quirks that make life interesting but let's be honest—they’re more annoying than endearing when you're on a road trip and the GPS decides to give up.
Positive Side
Hyundai's electrical issues have been more of a nuisance than a danger. Updates to software have resolved many infotainment glitches and replacing wipers or light bulbs are manageable DIY fixes for most car owners.
4. Fuel Efficiency—Good Luck Getting What the Sticker Says
On paper, the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe boasts competitive fuel economy—up to 25 mpg combined for the 2.4L engine and 22 mpg for the 2.0L turbo. But in reality, a fair number of owners have reported far lower numbers. If you’re seeing only 16-18 mpg on the same model rated for 25 mpg, you might be a bit disgruntled.
Tips for Better Fuel Economy
- Make sure your tire pressure is always optimized
- Keep up with regular oil changes and maintenance
- Don't be a lead-foot on the gas pedal!
Fun Thought
“Maybe the engineers who designed the Santa Fe’s fuel economy were feeling really... optimistic,” said one owner. The reality is that real-world conditions can vary but it seems some Santa Fe’s just aren’t sipping fuel as efficiently as advertised.
Keep in Mind
Fuel economy often varies significantly based on driving habits and maintenance. With some tweaks to your driving style, you might see an improvement in mpg. And at the end of the day, it’s still not as thirsty as a full-size SUV guzzler.
5. Interior and Build Quality—Comfortable but Not Luxurious
While the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe offers a spacious and well-laid-out cabin, some owners have noted quality issues with the materials and build. Plastic trim pieces can sometimes feel flimsy or cheap. Additionally, things like rattling noises, loose trim, and seat upholstery wearing out faster than expected have been mentioned by some drivers.
Common Interior Complaints
- Rattling or squeaking noises on rough roads
- Easily scratched or scuffed interior surfaces
- Seat upholstery wearing out or tearing prematurely
The Humor Angle
“It’s like my Santa Fe has a jazz band in the dashboard," said one owner who dealt with rattling noises on a regular basis. While amusing in hindsight rattles and squeaks can detract from the overall driving experience.
Positive Spin
On the plus side, these complaints are mostly about aesthetic imperfections rather than major functional failures. Hyundai has a reputation for solid reliability and often offers repairs under warranty for these kinds of build quality issues.
6. Braking Problems—Not Exactly Stop-and-Go Friendly
Some 2019 Santa Fe drivers have reported issues with the braking system. Specifically, the brakes may feel spongy or take longer than expected to stop the vehicle. This can be particularly worrisome in emergency situations where you need immediate stopping power.
Symptoms to Look Out For
- Brakes feeling “soft” or unresponsive
- Longer stopping distances than expected
- Squeaking or grinding noises when applying brakes
A Lighthearted Take
As one owner put it, "My Santa Fe’s brakes act like they’re politely asking the car to slow down rather than demanding it." It’s true—brakes are one area where “soft” isn’t exactly a word you want to use.
What Can Be Done
Hyundai’s braking issues are often linked to faulty brake pads or hydraulic systems which can usually be fixed with a dealership service appointment. Regular brake maintenance will also keep this issue at bay.
7. Climate Control Woes—When Hot and Cold Get Mixed Up
The HVAC system in the 2019 Santa Fe has faced its own share of complaints. Some drivers have noted that the climate control system fails to properly heat or cool the cabin or doesn't maintain the set temperature properly. This can make driving in extreme weather a rather unpleasant experience.
Possible Symptoms
- Air conditioning that takes forever to cool
- Heater not warming up the cabin adequately
- Inconsistent airflow or temperature changes
Making Light of It
"Driving my Santa Fe in the summer is like playing Russian roulette... will I get AC or a sauna today?" joked a frustrated owner. While it makes for a good story to share with friends it’s less fun when you're sweating bullets on your morning commute.
Silver Lining
Hyundai has provided software updates and HVAC fixes for many customers experiencing these issues. So while it’s an inconvenience there's a good chance the problem can be fixed quickly.
Conclusion: Is the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Still Worth It?
Despite these seven common issues, the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe has plenty going for it—excellent safety features (it’s a IIHS Top Safety Pick+), a comfortable ride, and a stylish look. And let’s not forget Hyundai’s famous warranty which helps cover many potential problems. As Alex Collantes, a Santa Fe owner, put it, “Sure, my Santa Fe has its quirks, but for the price and what I get in return, I wouldn't trade it. Plus every car has its issues you just gotta find the one you can live with.”
So while the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe may have its fair share of problems for many owners, these drawbacks are outweighed by the vehicle’s overall value, comfort, and Hyundai’s dedication to resolving customer complaints. If you’re considering a used 2019 Santa Fe just make sure to have it inspected properly and understand what issues might pop up—because being an informed buyer is half the battle.
Final Thoughts
No car is perfect and that’s okay. The key is finding a vehicle that meets your needs and that you feel comfortable driving—rattles, HVAC glitches, and all. Would you still consider the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe despite these quirks? Let us know your thoughts.
References
This article is based on user reports on car review forums personal testimonials and official Hyundai recall information.