Hyundai

Santa Fe (TM)

2019-2024 · Midsize SUV · 7 engines
Best Engine ⚠️ Caution (3.2)
1,157 NHTSA Complaints
0 Recalls
23 Fire Reports
60 Crash Reports
Includes data from: SANTA FESANTA FE HEVSANTA FE HYBRIDSANTA FE PHEVSANTA FE PLUG-IN HYBRIDSANTA FE XL
View all 5 generations of the Hyundai Santa Fe → 📋 Inspection checklist

Engine Reliability Ratings

T-GDI GAMMA-II

1.6L Turbo
⚠️ Caution (3.2)
30 complaints 22.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

safety systems
8
other
7
transmission
7
engine
5
electrical
5

Known Issues

Safety Systems Issues (8 complaints)
Transmission Issues (7 complaints)
Engine Issues (5 complaints)

Same engine used in

DOHC GDI LAMBDA

3.3L
⚠️ Caution (3.1)
23 complaints 23.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

other
7
engine
7
brakes
5
electrical
3
transmission
1

Known Issues

Engine Issues (7 complaints)
Brakes Issues (5 complaints)
Electrical System Issues (3 complaints)

T-GDI Gamma-II

1.6L 4-cyl Turbo / 177 hp
⚠️ Caution (2.9)
163 complaints 37.7 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

engine
54
transmission
41
electrical
40
safety systems
35
fuel system
31

Known Issues

Engine Issues (54 complaints)
Transmission Issues (41 complaints)
Electrical System Issues (40 complaints)

T-GDI THETA III

2.5L 4-cyl Turbo / 281 hp
⚠️ Caution (2.3)
339 complaints 84.8 per year Gasoline
1 fire report
View details

Complaint Breakdown

transmission
122
other
66
engine
58
safety systems
52
electrical
42

Known Issues

Transmission Issues (122 complaints)
Typical onset: 5,450–15,150 mi
Engine Issues (58 complaints)
Safety Systems Issues (52 complaints)

GDI THETA III

2.5L 4-cyl / 191 hp
Avoid (1.7)
240 complaints 80.0 per year Gasoline
4 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

other
64
engine
59
electrical
52
safety systems
39
transmission
31

Known Issues

Engine Issues (59 complaints)
Electrical System Issues (52 complaints)
Safety Systems Issues (39 complaints)

T-GDI THETA II

2.0L 4-cyl Turbo / 235 hp
Avoid (1.2)
103 complaints 51.5 per year Gasoline
8 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

engine
49
other
27
electrical
12
transmission
11
fuel system
7

Known Issues

Engine Issues (49 complaints)
Electrical System Issues (12 complaints)
Transmission Issues (11 complaints)

GDI THETA II

2.4L 4-cyl / 185 hp
Avoid (1.0)
237 complaints 118.5 per year Gasoline
10 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

engine
74
other
52
electrical
34
safety systems
33
transmission
32

Known Issues

Engine Issues (74 complaints)
Electrical System Issues (34 complaints)
Safety Systems Issues (33 complaints)

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Hyundai Santa Fe regardless of engine variant.

Engine Issues (306 complaints)
engine critical
Transmission Issues (244 complaints)
transmission critical
Electrical System Issues (183 complaints)
electrical critical
Safety Systems Issues (167 complaints)
safety_systems critical
Fuel System Issues (62 complaints)
fuel_system critical

Alternatives in Midsize SUV

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2019-2024 Hyundai Santa Fe problems?

The 2019-2024 Hyundai Santa Fe has accumulated 1,157 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Engine, Transmission, Electrical System. As with any used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection and vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Hyundai Santa Fe engine is most reliable?

The 2019-2024 Hyundai Santa Fe was offered with 7 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2.5L 4-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

Is the 2019-2024 Hyundai Santa Fe a good used car?

The 2019-2024 Hyundai Santa Fe can be a solid used car purchase depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 1,157 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2019-2024 Hyundai Santa Fe have?

The 2019-2024 Hyundai Santa Fe has 1,157 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.

What recalls affect the 2019-2024 Hyundai Santa Fe?

There are 0 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2019-2024 Hyundai Santa Fe vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.

What should I check before buying a used Hyundai Santa Fe?

Before buying a used Hyundai Santa Fe, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Engine, Transmission, Electrical System, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.

Does the Santa Fe have NHTSA crash test ratings?

NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2019-2024 Hyundai Santa Fe. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 1,157 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-04-07.

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