NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Safety Ratings
The 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe scores 72 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 2 recalls, and 190 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
For the 2019 model year, the Hyundai Santa Fe recorded a NHTSA Safety Index of 72 out of 100, landing it in the Average safety band. While its crash-test results were strong across the board, the vehicle's overall safety profile is tempered by a notably weak rating for its avoidance technology and two recalls. Of particular concern for consumers considering a used model is one recall that included a park-outside warning due to a fire risk.
The 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 72 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 ranks 88 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 72 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 14.6% |
| Recalls on file | 2 (includes park-outside) |
| Owner complaints | 190 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 88 of 93 SUVs tested for 2019 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe?
The 2019 Santa Fe earns a 5-star overall crash-protection rating from NHTSA, including a 5-star side-impact score. This strong performance, reflected in its 61 out of 70 crash-protection sub-score, points to robust structural engineering for occupant safety. However, the vehicle's active-safety suite is notably deficient. It scores only 2 out of 10 for avoidance technology, as neither forward collision warning nor lane departure warning systems are present. Electronic stability control is the sole active-safety feature credited. This absence of collision avoidance technology significantly impacts its overall safety assessment, pulling the composite Safety Index down to 72 out of 100 despite the strong crash results. The defect record also presents concerns, contributing a sub-score of 9 out of 20. Two recalls have been issued, including a trailer-hitch campaign that carries a park-outside directive. This remains a critical safety issue for any vehicle where the recall remedy has not been confirmed. Owner complaints total 190, with the most recent filed in mid-2026, indicating an active complaint file that prospective owners should review. No prior-year Safety Index is available for comparative analysis. For the 2019 model year, the Santa Fe demonstrates strong passive safety in crashes but is significantly limited by its lack of advanced collision-avoidance systems.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe perform in crash tests?
The 2019 Santa Fe SUV AWD achieved an overall 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA. Its side-crash rating also reached a perfect 5 stars. Frontal and rollover assessments each yielded 4 out of 5 stars. The measured rollover risk was 15 percent, with the dynamic tip-test resulting in "No Tip."
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 13088
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 have any recalls?
Yes. Two recall campaigns cover this model year. The first, issued before the vehicle even went on sale, addresses side curtain air bag mounting bolts that may interfere with proper deployment. The second, a trailer-hitch structural campaign spanning multiple Santa Fe model years, carries an active park-outside or do-not-drive directive, meaning affected owners should not garage the vehicle until the remedy is confirmed complete.
TRAILER HITCHES23V181000
Risk: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the remedy is completed. Dealers will install a new fuse and wire extension kit as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed starting May 16, 2023. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 244. This recall is an expansion of previous rec
Reported 2023-03-17
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW18V715000
Risk: In the event of a crash, if the air bags become damaged during deployment they may not inflate properly, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will install a protective cover over the SCAB installation bolts, free of charge. The recall began December 3, 2018. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 177.
Reported 2018-10-11
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe?
NHTSA has logged 190 unverified owner complaints against the 2019 Santa Fe. Alleged problem areas include Engine (65 reports), Unknown Or Other (46), Power Train (29), Electrical System (26), Structure (14), and Forward Collision Avoidance (13). These are unverified consumer allegations, not established defects.
190 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe?
Prospective owners of a 2019 Santa Fe should prioritize a VIN-specific recall verification with NHTSA. Of particular concern is a park-outside trailer hitch recall. Confirming the completion of its remedy, alongside all other outstanding campaigns, is a critical pre-purchase step. Dealership assurances alone are insufficient; independent verification through the official NHTSA recall lookup tool is strongly advised.
- The 2019 Santa Fe carries an active park-outside or do-not-drive recall tied to a trailer-hitch structural defect, a campaign that spans multiple model years and requires VIN-specific remedy verification before the vehicle is considered clear.
- A separate pre-sale recall issued before the model year launched addresses side curtain air bag mounting bolts that may interfere with deployment, making it one of the earliest safety actions recorded against this generation.
- The avoidance-tech sub-score of 2 out of 10 reflects the absence of both forward collision warning and lane departure warning on this model year, a gap that directly limits the Safety Index ceiling regardless of the strong crash-test hardware.
- NHTSA's complaint file for this model year includes 190 unverified reports, with Engine allegations alone accounting for 65 of them and the most recent complaint filed in 2026, indicating the file is still receiving new submissions.
RANKINGSWhere the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe places
The 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2019 Hyundai Santa Fe safety questions
Was the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 72 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 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe 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 14.6%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe, 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?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 190 owner complaints are on file for the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Santa Fe years
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 13088), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Hyundai Santa Fe 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 88 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.