NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Xl Safety Ratings
The 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Xl scores 79 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 1 recall, and 25 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
For the 2019 model year, the Hyundai Santa Fe XL presents a Safety Index score of 79 out of 100, landing it in the Average tier. While its crash-test scores are strong, a significant park-outside recall and a near-zero rating for crash-avoidance technology prevent a higher overall safety assessment. This vehicle represents a reasonable option in the used market, provided these specific safety considerations are fully understood.
The 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe XL received a NHTSA Safety Index of 79 out of 100 and an NHTSA overall crash-test rating of 5 out of 5 stars, based on federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 93 SUVs from 2019 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Xl ranks 65 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 79 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 15.7% |
| Recalls on file | 1 (includes park-outside) |
| Owner complaints | 25 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 65 of 93 SUVs tested for 2019 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Xl?
A significant park-outside advisory for a brake control module recall defines the 2019 Santa Fe XL's safety profile. This single recall, carrying NHTSA's most serious designation, anchors the defect-record sub-score at 15.5 out of 20, and aligns with numerous owner complaints regarding service brakes. Despite this, the model achieved an Average Safety Index of 79/100, bolstered by its robust crash protection. NHTSA awarded the Santa Fe XL a 5-star overall rating and a 5-star side impact rating, with solid performance in frontal and rollover tests, contributing to a strong crash-protection sub-score of 61 out of 70. However, the vehicle's avoidance-tech sub-score of 2 out of 10 reflects a notable absence of advanced safety features like forward collision warning and lane departure warning, relying only on electronic stability control. This omission, while not uncommon for its segment in 2019, represents a measurable gap when assessed by current safety standards. Beyond the brake recall, 25 owner complaints also cluster notably around the engine.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Xl perform in crash tests?
The 2019 Santa Fe XL achieved a 5 out of 5 star Overall Safety Rating from NHTSA. This strong performance is underpinned by a perfect 5-star rating in the side crash test and a 4 out of 5 star rating in the frontal crash test. Its rollover resistance was rated at 4 out of 5 stars, with a 16 percent risk of rollover in the agency's evaluations, and the dynamic tip test concluded with a "No Tip" result. All crash-test categories received a rating.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 13051
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Xl have any recalls?
Yes. The 2019 Santa Fe XL carries one recall, and it is a park-outside campaign - meaning owners were advised not to park the vehicle indoors pending a remedy. The recall targets the antilock and traction control module, covering certain 2016-2019 Santa Fe family vehicles. Any used-market shopper must verify remedy completion by VIN before purchase.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE22V056000
Risk: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS multi-fuse, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 31, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 218.
Reported 2022-02-03
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Xl?
NHTSA has logged 25 unverified owner allegations for this model year, including one reported crash. The most frequently alleged problem areas are the Engine (9 reports), Unknown or Other (6), Service Brakes (5), Electrical System (4), and Hydraulic components (3). These are consumer allegations only and have not been independently verified.
25 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Xl?
A critical park-outside recall, involving the brake control module, remains open for the 2019 Santa Fe XL. Before purchasing this model year, verify through NHTSA's recall lookup tool that the specific vehicle's VIN shows the remedy has been completed at a Hyundai dealership. Documentation of this service is essential; do not assume the repair has been performed.
- The 2019 Santa Fe XL carries a park-outside recall on its antilock and traction control module - the most serious recall designation NHTSA uses - and remedy completion must be confirmed by VIN before purchase.
- NHTSA's crash tests gave this specific model year a 5-star overall and a 5-star side rating, with frontal and rollover each earning 4 stars and a 16 percent rollover risk measurement.
- The avoidance-tech sub-score of 2 out of 10 reflects the absence of forward collision warning and lane departure warning on this model year - only electronic stability control was standard.
- Of the 25 unverified owner complaints on file, 5 allege Service Brakes issues, a pattern that aligns with the subject of the vehicle's single recall campaign.
RANKINGSWhere the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Xl places
The 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Xl qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Xl safety questions
Was the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Xl crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Xl, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 79 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Xl crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Xl earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 15.7%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Xl have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Xl, including a park-outside or do-not-drive campaign, which is the most serious class of recall. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Xl?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 25 owner complaints are on file for the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Xl. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Rivals in SUV (2019)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Tesla Model X 60d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X 75d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X 90d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X P100d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X P90d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Nissan Murano | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 13051), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Hyundai Santa Fe Xl 2019.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 65 of 93 in the SUV class for 2019.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.