2019 Hyundai Santa Fe: hesitation when accelerating

Filed Sep 23, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · TX

On 03/26/2026, my 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe received Hyundai Service Campaign 9C2 (TSB 26-01-013H-1), which included an Engine Control Module (ECM) software update for Theta II emissions improvement. The vehicle did not have the following drivability problem before this software update. Immediately after the 9C2 update, the vehicle began jerking/bucking slightly at low speeds, most noticeably around 10-20 mph when coasting with no accelerator input or when applying very light throttle. Acceleration response also feels slower than before the update, with noticeable hesitation when the accelerator is pressed. The problem is most noticeable during the beginning of a drive when the vehicle is cold. After driving for some time and the vehicle warms up, the symptoms improve, although the change in drivability remains noticeable compared with operation before the update. There have been no warning lights or warning messages associated with the problem. The issue began immediately following the ECM software update. The vehicle has not yet been returned to the dealer for diagnosis or confirmation and is available for inspection. I am concerned about the safety implications of delayed or unpredictable acceleration response, particularly when entering traffic, crossing an intersection, or merging when timely acceleration may be necessary. I am reporting this because the condition began only after Hyundai Service Campaign 9C2 was performed and I believe the federal safety agency should evaluate whether this ECM software update is causing similar drivability and acceleration problems in affected vehicles.

Filed Sep 7, 2026 · Fuel system · NY

My vehicle had a very strong gas smell inside and outside of the car. I found a gas puddle under the car coming from the back of the vehicle. Car was hesitating when I stepped on the gas. I was afraid it may stall. I drove the vehicle to my regular service station. Vehicle has an active fuel leak and this is a fire hazard. I was very concerned whether the vehicle would stall and cause an accident. Warranty coverage was denied.

Filed May 30, 2026 · Transmission · NY

In December 2025, a Hyundai dealer performed Service Campaign 9C2 (TSB 25-01-087H), an ECU software update for the 2.4L GDI Theta II engine, during a routine annual NY state emissions inspection. Immediately following this update, the vehicle began exhibiting an RPM flare of approximately 1,200-1,500 RPM during upshifting under light acceleration. This behavior did not exist prior to the update. The condition occurs when ambient temperature is above 50°F and the vehicle has been parked 2+ hours after a prior drive. No warning lamps or fault codes have been present at any point. The issue has been confirmed across four dealer visits at two Hyundai dealerships over five months. Attempted remedies included transmission ECU updates and adaptive resets — none resolved the condition. On the fourth visit, the technician personally experienced the issue and identified reinstalling the pre-update ECU calibration as the likely fix, but stated the prior software version was unavailable. The repair order was nonetheless closed as "vehicle operating as designed." The case has been escalated to Hyundai Motor America National Consumer Affairs and forwarded to Hyundai engineering with no resolution to date. Multiple other 2019-2020 Santa Fe owners report identical post-9C2 symptoms on public forums, indicating a pattern associated with this campaign's ECU calibration. The unexpected RPM surge and erratic shifting during acceleration creates an unpredictable driving experience that could cause hesitation in traffic situations requiring smooth acceleration.

Filed Feb 12, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · 87,000 miles · OR

The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle hesitated while accelerating with the accelerator pedal depressed and the RPM raised. The contact stated that the vehicle occasionally failed to start. No warning light was illuminated. Additionally, while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost automotive power. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that there were metal shavings in the oil pan. Hyundai Eugene (89320 N Game Farm Rd, Eugene, OR 97408) was contacted; however, the failure was not identified. Upon further investigation, the Hyundai Blue Link App retrieved DTC associated with the Power Train EMS and Power Train TCU. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.

Filed Apr 23, 2025 · Transmission · MA

Vehicle is shuddering/jerking upon acceleration due to a defect in the 8 speed automatic transmission. This condition was reproduced by Hyundai of Plymouth, MA and documented on the repair order. Dealer states that a new transmission is required to fix this problem. Safety is at risk due to shuddering upon acceleration which causes hesitation in acceleration. My Hyundai Santa Fe is available for inspection. There should be a recall on this vehicle.

Filed Feb 5, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · 87,000 miles · OH

The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power while depressing the accelerator pedal, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the turbo was replaced. The contact stated that months later, the vehicle hesitated and jerked while depressing the accelerator pedal with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where a part on the transmission was replaced; however, the failure returned, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and the contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and had the transmission replaced. The contact stated that months later, the vehicle began to sputter with an abnormal knocking sound coming from the vehicle. The check engine warning light returned, and the vehicle was taken to the nearest dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired and remained with the dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.

Filed Feb 15, 2021 · Electrical, Transmission · 16,177 miles · NC

We were sitting at red light in a busy intersection at night and the vehicle started hesitating and cut off. We tried pressing the automatic start and it kept hesitating and everything went black on the instrument panel.after 3rd time it started and we were able to get home. It started having more hesitation while to go up hills and low speeds. The automatic start /stop also stopped working in the vehicle. I also was having trouble with the blue link system, they were having to reset it each month until they decided to make a ticket for repair in which took a month or so in order for the engineers to see if it was default on there end. Then they decided to set me up for a appointment to have it looked at through hyundai, which now they saw I have to have whole new head radio head unit with blue link and also a new transmission. Purchased brand new and it has low mileage and need transmission. I'm loosing faith in hyundai!

Filed Jan 25, 2020 · 150 miles · MI

I am not sure what category this should be in but my 2019 hyundai santa fe hesitates when I try to accelerate. This happens mostly when I am accelerating from a complete stop but also happens occasionally when I am going around a corner. This is a dangerous problem that has nearly caused an accident when turning on to a busy street or merging onto the expressway. After some online research, I see this is a widespread issue.

Filed Sep 22, 2019 · Transmission · 9,200 miles · CT

The first time is was driving in the highway when the vehicle hesitated slowed down and I eventually had to get off the highway before it completely turned off. The second time this happened the vehicle turned off as I was mbv aking a right turn on the road.

Filed Sep 2, 2019 · Engine, Transmission · 9,000 miles · VA

I bought santa fe 2019 limited fwd, it has an issue with acceleration, it hesitates around 2000 RPM, it create a big issue when I change lane to overtake or driving to uphill, I have to push acceleration padel really down to keep going. It jerks sometimes. I took two hyundai dealers for check and both said nothing wrong with car, they did not find any code or issue. It is so frustrating sometimes. My 12-year-old pilot has a better ride and performance than 2019 santa fe. This is my first hyundai car and I paid a lot of money . I liked the interior, info system, and external look. Looks like to me issue with transmission gear shifting