If you are servicing an 8-speed vehicle with a âCheck Engineâ light on and one or more of the DTC listed, follow the service procedure and replace the related solenoid and harness.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2019 Hyundai Santa Fe powertrain problems
severe Owners of the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe have filed 30 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 16,177 miles at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
30
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2015 Santa Fe | 22 |
| 2016 Santa Fe | 19 |
| 2017 Santa Fe | 151 |
| 2018 Santa Fe | 9 |
| 2019 Santa Fe (this page) | 30 |
| 2020 Santa Fe | 21 |
| 2021 Santa Fe | 50 |
| 2022 Santa Fe | 53 |
| 2023 Santa Fe | 40 |
1crash
1injury
What stands out
Owners have filed 30 powertrain complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This bulletin provides the procedure to update the TCU to revise the logic for P0741 (Torque converter clutch circuit).
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗If you are servicing an applicable vehicle with a âCheck Engineâ light on and one or more of the DTC listed below, follow the repair procedure and replace the related input/output speed sensor and harness.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗If you are servicing an applicable vehicle with a âCheck Engineâ light on and one or more of the DTC listed below, follow the repair procedure and replace the related solenoid and valve body harness.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗If you are servicing an applicable vehicle with a âCheck Engineâ light on and one or more of the DTC listed below, follow the repair procedure and replace the related solenoid and valve body harness.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2019 Santa Fe powertrain complaints cluster around several interconnected systems. Transmission issues dominate: jerking and harsh shifts, slipping during acceleration, failure to engage drive or park from a complete stop (with RPMs rising but no movement), and total transmission failure as early as 40,000 miles. Owners describe multiple failed repairs—recalibrations don't hold, and dealers quote replacement as the only fix, with some torque converters on months-long backorders.
Engine and starting problems include hard starts with delayed turnover, engine ticking and knocking on cold starts, and sudden stalling at red lights or while driving—sometimes taking 15–20 minutes to restart. The idle-stop/start system is a recurring culprit: stalling repeats within 24–48 hours of using the feature, and one owner reports unintended acceleration during ISG engagement at parking-lot speed.
Internal engine deterioration is evident from metal shavings and bearing material found in the oil pan at 82,000–87,000 miles, rapid oil burn, and fuel odor in the oil. One owner explicitly references the Theta II 2.0L Turbo engine (G4KH) defect from class-action litigation. Hyundai denies warranty claims despite video evidence of metal debris.
Severe safety incidents reported include loss of power at highway speed (unable to exceed 30 MPH despite full throttle), complete stalling during turns or traffic, and brake failure during ISG malfunction. Dealers frequently cannot reproduce issues or fail to identify root causes. Repair attempts (turbo replacement, transmission parts, software updates) provide only temporary relief before failure recurs.
Same Hyundai Santa Fe powertrain reports on nearby years: 2016 · 2017 · 2020 · 2021 · 2022
Failure modes owners describe
Hard start, delayed turnover, engine stalling
Engine difficult or slow to crank at startup; vehicle feels like it might stall. Accompanied by engine ticking or knocking on cold start.
When: Early in ownership; recurs 2–3 times per week
Symptoms owners cite: Hard start; Delayed engine turnover; Engine jerks forward upon start; Engine ticking upon start; Engine loud knocking upon start; Vehicle stalls at red lights with hesitation
Repairs/costs cited: Dealerships unable to recreate issue for months despite frequent occurrence
Transmission failure—complete loss of power
Transmission seizes or loses all function, leaving the vehicle without motive power while driving. Check engine light appeared 11,000 miles before complete failure. Prior dealership inspection at 98,000 miles found no issue.
When: At approximately 109,000 miles; check engine light at 98,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminated; Severe transmission problems progressing to complete failure; Sudden loss of power while driving; Reduced vehicle operability
Repairs/costs cited: Failed component available for inspection; transmission failure at 109,000 miles
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership inspection at 98,000 miles reported no issue found
Transmission jerking, hard shifts, loss of drive
Transmission slips, jerks, or fails to engage drive or park smoothly. Vehicle stops dead at traffic lights; engine starts but transmission won't shift into drive. Hard transmission shifts feel like collision.
When: Various mileages: 40,000 miles reported; 87,000 miles; early ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission jerking during acceleration; Hard shifts causing sudden deceleration; Transmission fails to shift into drive; Vehicle dies at red lights; Transmission slips when accelerating; RPMs increase but vehicle doesn't move
Codes mentioned: DTC associated with Power Train EMS, DTC associated with Power Train TCU
Repairs/costs cited: Starter and software update performed (ineffective); transmission replacement required at 40,000 miles; independent mechanic transmission replacement at 87,000 miles; torque converter on backorder at multiple dealerships
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Service tech initially blamed starter; later advised transmission replacement needed
Transmission delayed or no engagement from stop
When stopped (at red light or stop sign), pressing gas pedal produces high RPMs but vehicle does not move into gear for several seconds to minutes. Hazardous during traffic entry and highway merging.
When: 1,600 miles; recurs after dealer recalibration; various speeds
Symptoms owners cite: RPMs rise but vehicle won't move; Delayed engagement from stop; No response to accelerator pedal; Transmission won't shift into gear despite pedal depression; Hesitation while accelerating from stop
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer recalibration performed twice on vehicle with 1,600 miles; issue returns within one week each time
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer advised case would be escalated to headquarters if failure recurred
Engine stalling while idle-stop/start (ISG) system engaged
Engine stalls after idle-stop/start system disengages, especially at red lights. Takes 15–20 minutes or multiple restart attempts to start. Phenomenon repeats 24–48 hours after ISG is used. System cannot be disabled permanently.
When: Occurs within 24–48 hours of using ISG feature; low mileage (5,000 miles reported)
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalls at red lights; Vehicle hesitates and cuts off while idling; Instrument panel goes black; Prolonged cranking time (15–20 minutes); Hesitation during hill climbs; ISG system reengages after being disabled
Repairs/costs cited: ISG feature disengaged but reengages upon vehicle restart; unknown safety warning software update applied but failure recurred
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Unknown safety warning bulletin issued and software update performed; manufacturer case closed with incorrect vehicle information
Loss of acceleration or power during highway driving
Vehicle suddenly loses power to accelerate while driving at highway speed, even with maximum throttle. RPMs increase but vehicle slows and cannot exceed 30 MPH. Check engine light illuminates; dealership unable to reproduce issue.
When: At various highway speeds (45–60 MPH); 82,000–87,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of motive power while accelerating; Vehicle fails to accelerate despite full throttle; Check engine light illuminates; RPMs increase but speed drops; Vehicle hesitates and jerks during acceleration; Loss of power during hill driving
Codes mentioned: Check engine light
Repairs/costs cited: Turbo replaced; hesitation and jerking continued; transmission part replaced; issue returned; engine failure diagnosed at 87,000 miles but not repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Turbocharger and transmission repairs performed by dealer but underlying problem not resolved
Metal shavings and bearing material in oil; engine deterioration
Metal particles and bearing material found in oil during service, indicating internal engine wear or connecting rod bearing failure. Oil smells of fuel; vehicle burns oil rapidly. Owner reports evidence of Theta II engine defect (G4KH) subject of class action litigation.
When: 82,000–87,000 miles; burning oil at fast rate over 3,000-mile service interval
Symptoms owners cite: Metal shavings in oil pan; Metal and bearing material in oil; Burning oil rapidly; Oil smells of fuel; Engine odor when running; Check engine light; Sputter and abnormal knocking sounds
Repairs/costs cited: Metal confirmed by dealer technician on video; Hyundai denied warranty claim twice; metal also found in oil control valve; independent mechanic quoted $5,700+ for repairs; engine ultimately failed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Warranty claim denied despite video evidence; Hyundai refers to Knock Sensor Detection System software update (Campaign 966) which does not fix mechanical defect
Sudden engine stall without warning while driving
Engine shuts off completely while the vehicle is moving or at a stop, with no warning light or preceding symptoms. Vehicle may or may not restart immediately; stalling hazards include traffic and highway conditions.
When: Various mileages and conditions; 34,000 miles reported
Symptoms owners cite: Complete engine shutdown at red light; Engine stall during highway driving; Engine stall during right turns; No warning lights before stall; Stall while coming to a stop
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer unable to determine cause at 34,000 miles
Idle-stop/start (ISG) system unintended acceleration
When ISG system engages at low speed (parking lot entry), engine revs and vehicle accelerates despite brake pedal depression and hand brake engagement. Brake system fails to stop vehicle. Collides with parked car.
When: At 5,000 miles during slow-speed parking lot entry
Symptoms owners cite: Engine revs unexpectedly during ISG engagement; Vehicle accelerates despite brake pedal depressed; Brake failure; Hand brake ineffective; No air bag deployment
Repairs/costs cited: Unknown safety warning bulletin repaired; software update applied; failure recurred multiple times
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Unknown safety warning bulletin and software update performed by dealership; manufacturer case opened and closed
Transmission jerking and rough shifts causing injury
Transmission shifts harshly or lunges forward, escalating from slight roughness to violent jerking that causes physical injury (nerve pinching). Vehicle shudders upon acceleration.
When: Within one week of purchase; continues to worsen
Symptoms owners cite: Rough transmission shifts; Transmission lunges forward; Shuddering upon acceleration; Hesitation in acceleration
Repairs/costs cited: Owner required emergency room visit for neck nerve injury; new transmission documented as required repair
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer documented condition and identified need for transmission replacement
Automatic collision avoidance (AEB) system malfunction
Collision avoidance system triggers emergency braking incorrectly, slamming brakes to near-stop without imminent collision threat. Vehicle in adjacent lane was only turning, not colliding.
When: Early ownership; occurred once at 60 MPH
Symptoms owners cite: Automatic emergency braking triggered without collision risk; Brakes slam to near-stop; No warning before activation
Oil pan crack near drain plug
Oil pan develops crack near the drain or fill plug, leading to oil leakage. Multiple owners report same failure pattern, suggesting manufacturing defect.
When: Detected during routine oil change service
Symptoms owners cite: Oil leak from oil pan
Repairs/costs cited: Oil pan replacement required
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued; owner suggests recall needed
Oil pressure warning and check engine light
Oil pressure warning light illuminates followed by check engine light, indicating oil pressure system failure.
When: After 2+ years of ownership with routine maintenance
Symptoms owners cite: Oil pressure warning light; Check engine light
Front CV joint inner axle boot failure
CV joint inner axle boot loses grease due to insufficient clamp torque or poor clamp material quality, allowing grease to escape.
Symptoms owners cite: Grease loss from CV joint boot
Repairs/costs cited: CV joint boot or axle assembly replacement
Synthesized from 30 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
Transmission: yes, available upon inspection I own a 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe. I have brought it in for repairs on the transmission a couple of times. The check engine light has come on but the computer was not displaying the problem. I am aware that this is not uncommon for the year, make, and model. Recently, I was driving my car on a high-speed highway when the transmission went out. While…
Upon going for an oil change at Express Lube in Newton , NJ I was advised that there are multiple widespread & ongoing problems with a crack that forms in the oil pan next to the drain/fill plug. My vehicle was diagnosed with that very problem. I believe a a recall to should be done by Hyundai to replace these oil pans. Thank you
Had powertrain trouble with your 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe?
It's a meaningful issue. 30 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 8 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 9,200 and 87,000 miles, with the median around 16,177. A quarter of owners report trouble before 9,200; a quarter make it past 87,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2019/Hyundai/Santa Fe.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.