What are the most common problems with the 2016 Hyundai Santa FE?

Owners have filed 236 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine (151 complaints), followed by unknown or other (25).

How many 2016 Hyundai Santa FE complaints mention a crash or fire?

6 of 236 complaints report a crash and 2 a fire; 6 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2016 Hyundai Santa FE recalls and problems

3 recalls and 236 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2016 Hyundai Santa FE.

recalls

236

owner complaints

complaints mentioning a crash

mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2016 Hyundai Santa FE recalls

Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, control unit/module

NHTSA campaign 22V056000 · reported February 3, 2022 · Hyundai Motor America · 357,348 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Santa Fe, 2017-2018 Santa Fe Sport, 2019 Santa Fe XL, and 2014-2015 Tucson vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module could malfunction and cause an electrical short, which could result in an engine compartment fire.
The risk: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: 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.

Latches/locks/linkages: hood, latch

NHTSA campaign 17V358000 · reported June 5, 2017 · Hyundai Motor America · 437,400 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the secondary hood latch actuating cable may corrode and bind, causing the secondary hood latch to remain in the unlatched position when the hood is closed.
The risk: If the hood is not securely closed or the primary latch is inadvertently released and the secondary latch is not engaged, the hood could unexpectedly open while driving, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
The fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the secondary latch cable, free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2017. Owner's may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for the recall is 163.

Seat belts: front, warning light/devices

NHTSA campaign 16V145000 · reported March 10, 2016 · Hyundai Motor America · 34,200 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Santa Fe vehicles manufactured September 1, 2015 to February 12, 2016. In the affected vehicles, the wires in the front seat belt buckle harnesses may be damaged by the seat's height adjuster mechanism, resulting in a failure to provide an audible warning when front seat occupants do not fasten their seat belts. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
The risk: Without a warning to remind the front seat occupants that their seat belts are not buckled, they may forget to buckle their seat belt, increasing their risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and reroute the wires in the front seat belt buckle harnesses to their proper locations, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on April 27, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 141.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

Engine151
Unknown or other25
Power train21
Electrical system11
Air bags9
Service brakes, hydraulic9
Fuel/propulsion system8
Seat belts8
Service brakes8
Structure6

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Sep 4, 2026 · Engine
1. Component/System Failure & Availability: The failed component is the engine's internal Camshaft Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) phaser backing bolt within the 3.3L V6 engine assembly. An internal factory bolt unthreaded, backed out, and physically pierced directly through the upper valve cover. The vehicle and intact…

Jun 11, 2026 · Engine · crash reported
WHAT FAILED: The engine — the 3.3L Lambda II GDI V6 (engine family GHYXV03.31XE per the federal emissions label) — failed catastrophically: a connecting rod penetrated the engine block. The failed engine IS available for inspection on request. It has been preserved unrepaired since the failure, the rod penetration of…

Jun 6, 2026 · Engine
I filed a complaint when the first engine seized. It's a miracle we got off the road safely that day. While it was at the dealership, the engine was replaced with a used engine and covered by my extended warranty from Vroom. I believe the cost was approximately $14,000. I was told the engine had around 30,000 miles on…

May 25, 2026 · Engine
Purchased a used Santa Fe in January 2026 with 129k mile and at 131k my vehicle's CEL came on and did not function properly while operating. While driving the vehicle failed to accelerate above 25 mph when I pushed the gas. I pulled over to get out of the way of traffic and avoid any accidents. I shut the car off and…

Apr 21, 2026 · Engine
Rod bearing failure while driving, engine made a clanking noise. Engine made a loud bang and shut off. It was difficult for the driver to get control of the vehicle and get it to the side of the road. Engine threw the rod and piston through the oil pan causing catastrophic internal damage. The oil had been changed the…

Santa FE model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes	Fires
2013	3	605	14	41
2014	3	493	16	30
2015	2	255	9	13
2016	3	236	6	2
2017	6	971	14	23
2018	2	109	6	4
2019	2	203	16	13

Across all years, the 2017 Santa FE has the most complaints (971). All Hyundai Santa FE years →

Questions

Does the 2016 Hyundai Santa FE have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2016 Hyundai Santa FE, the most recent reported on February 3, 2022 (Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, control unit/module). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Hyundai Santa FE?: Owners have filed 236 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine (151 complaints), followed by unknown or other (25).
How many 2016 Hyundai Santa FE complaints mention a crash or fire?: 6 of 236 complaints report a crash and 2 a fire; 6 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received September 4, 2026.