← New search

2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 179.

About this comparison →

How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

Other model years Selected year
Compare all Santa Fe Sport years →

Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

27 reports with mileage · 41 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine. Review the 42 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 6 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 4 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

4 crash reports10 fire reports3 injury reports

What owners actually said

68 reports
93,500 miles · Feb 1, 2023
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V056000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that he had noticed a slight burning odor while driving the vehicle. There was no warning light illu…

Read full complaint

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V056000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that he had noticed a slight burning odor while driving the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 93,500. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ODI #11505003

105,000 miles · Jan 23, 2023
Engine

The contact's granddaughter owns a 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated while the owner was driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle began to make an abnormal noise, and then the vehicle stalled. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not drivable. The owner towed the vehicle to an indepe…

Read full complaint

The contact's granddaughter owns a 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated while the owner was driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle began to make an abnormal noise, and then the vehicle stalled. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not drivable. The owner towed the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The owner towed the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the engine to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.

NHTSA ODI #11503104

63,000 miles · Oct 21, 2022
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

The contact's daughter owns a 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated while she was driving at approximately 4 MPH, the ABS, Stabili-trak, battery, and TPMS warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was driving normally. The contact stated that the warning lights remained illuminated every time the …

Read full complaint

The contact's daughter owns a 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated while she was driving at approximately 4 MPH, the ABS, Stabili-trak, battery, and TPMS warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was driving normally. The contact stated that the warning lights remained illuminated every time the vehicle was started. The contact stated that after the tire pressure fell below 23 PSI, the warning lights would turn off. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V056000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 63,000.

NHTSA ODI #11490364

172,000 miles · Sep 20, 2022
EngineCrash

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sante Fe. The contact stated that after she purchased the vehicle while driving, she rear-ended another vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the engine was replaced however, the contact stated that two to three hours later while driving, the RPM’s failed to increase over number two a…

Read full complaint

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sante Fe. The contact stated that after she purchased the vehicle while driving, she rear-ended another vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the engine was replaced however, the contact stated that two to three hours later while driving, the RPM’s failed to increase over number two and the engine failed to engage at 45 MPH. The contact then stated that while driving or idling, she heard a rattling noise in the engine, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the fuel pressure sensor regulator and the camshaft timing belt failed. The contact then stated that the vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that two head gaskets failed and the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, the contact stated that no warranty information was provided and was unable to contact the manufacturer. The failure mileage was approximately 172,000.

NHTSA ODI #11485422

57,698 miles · Jan 26, 2022
Electrical System

The contact's son owns a 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that the vehicle occasionally failed to start. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was jump-started and taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the battery; however, the failure recurred several times. The contact stated that she was…

Read full complaint

The contact's son owns a 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that the vehicle occasionally failed to start. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was jump-started and taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the battery; however, the failure recurred several times. The contact stated that she was able to jump-start the vehicle. The contact also stated that the audio system of the vehicle had failed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the battery and the instrument panel needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 57,698.

NHTSA ODI #11448949

Mileage unknown · Dec 28, 2021
EngineFire

Car was stolen.Car was send to body shop for repairs.Car was started at body shop after battery was replaced.Car was driven out of shop after repairs.After going less than 1000feet car shut down.Tried to start Hyundia and smoke poured out from up hood.It looked as if car was going to burst into flames.I did not raise hood and sm…

Read full complaint

Car was stolen.Car was send to body shop for repairs.Car was started at body shop after battery was replaced.Car was driven out of shop after repairs.After going less than 1000feet car shut down.Tried to start Hyundia and smoke poured out from up hood.It looked as if car was going to burst into flames.I did not raise hood and smoke died down.Wrecker returned car to body shop.They checked car and engine was completely locked up.Geico sented car to Thornton Road Hyundai Lithia Springs,Georgia for engine replacement.

NHTSA ODI #11445203

133,000 miles · Oct 28, 2021
Engine

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently stalled. The contact stated that the check engine, oil, and battery warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to pull over and had the vehicle towed to a local mechanic where it was not dia…

Read full complaint

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently stalled. The contact stated that the check engine, oil, and battery warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to pull over and had the vehicle towed to a local mechanic where it was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that the repair was not covered. The failure mileage was approximately 133,000.

NHTSA ODI #11438561

48,000 miles · Sep 17, 2020
Electrical SystemEngineUnknown Or OtherFire

VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE SPONTANEOUSLY AT A PARKING LOT. CAR WAS JUST SERVICED AND INSPECTED A MONTH PRIOR AT THE HYUNDAI DEALER WHERE I PURCHASED IT AND HAD NO PROBLEMS REPORTED. CAR WAS PARKED AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT. FROM THE INITIAL REPORT FROM THE FIRE DEPARTMENT THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE WAS A MECHANICAL ISSUE. THE VEHICLE WAS …

Read full complaint

VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE SPONTANEOUSLY AT A PARKING LOT. CAR WAS JUST SERVICED AND INSPECTED A MONTH PRIOR AT THE HYUNDAI DEALER WHERE I PURCHASED IT AND HAD NO PROBLEMS REPORTED. CAR WAS PARKED AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT. FROM THE INITIAL REPORT FROM THE FIRE DEPARTMENT THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE WAS A MECHANICAL ISSUE. THE VEHICLE WAS A TOTAL LOSS.

NHTSA ODI #11355609

83,000 miles · Jun 17, 2019
Engine

TOOK CAR IN 1 MONTH AGO FOR SERVICE CAMPAIGN (SOFTWARE UPDATE) 2016 SANTA FE SPORT 83,000 MILES. WHILE DRIVING ON FREEWAY YESTERDAY ENGINE LIGHT STARTED FLASHING AND CAR WENT IN TO 'SAFE MODE' WAS ABLE TO GO ABOUT 1/2 MILE BEFORE IT COMPLETELY STOPPED.. HAD IT TOWED TO DEALERSHIP WAS INFORMED TODAY THE ENGINE FAILED. WAITING FOR…

Read full complaint

TOOK CAR IN 1 MONTH AGO FOR SERVICE CAMPAIGN (SOFTWARE UPDATE) 2016 SANTA FE SPORT 83,000 MILES. WHILE DRIVING ON FREEWAY YESTERDAY ENGINE LIGHT STARTED FLASHING AND CAR WENT IN TO 'SAFE MODE' WAS ABLE TO GO ABOUT 1/2 MILE BEFORE IT COMPLETELY STOPPED.. HAD IT TOWED TO DEALERSHIP WAS INFORMED TODAY THE ENGINE FAILED. WAITING FOR APPROVAL FROM HYUNDAI FOR NEW ENGINE. I'M COMPLETELY STUCK IN THIS VEHICLE NOW. NO ONE WILL PAY WHAT IS OWED AND I WILL LOSE TRADING IT IN.

NHTSA ODI #11220673

Mileage unknown · Jun 2, 2019
Unknown Or Other

THE VEHICLE LACKS ACCELERATION SUDDENLY AND THE ROM GOES UP REALLY HIGH WHEN ON A HIGHWAY CREATING A DANGEROUS SITUATION AS I AM PRESSING IN THE GAS AND AM NOT NOT GETTING A RESPONSE. THIS SEEMS TO BE A PROBLEMS WITH MANY SANTA FE'S AND THE DEALER SHRUGGED IT OFF AND PROPOSED WE CLEAN THE FUEL SYSTEM AND THROTTLE BODY, WHICH I D…

Read full complaint

THE VEHICLE LACKS ACCELERATION SUDDENLY AND THE ROM GOES UP REALLY HIGH WHEN ON A HIGHWAY CREATING A DANGEROUS SITUATION AS I AM PRESSING IN THE GAS AND AM NOT NOT GETTING A RESPONSE. THIS SEEMS TO BE A PROBLEMS WITH MANY SANTA FE'S AND THE DEALER SHRUGGED IT OFF AND PROPOSED WE CLEAN THE FUEL SYSTEM AND THROTTLE BODY, WHICH I DID WITH NO RESULT. THE VEHICLE IS SO DANGEROUS THAT MY WIFE ALMOST GOT INTO AN ACCIDENT WITH A TRUCK DUE TO TO THE VEHICLE LACKING ACCELERATION AND SUDDENLY SLOWING DOWN ON A 65 MPH HIGHWAY.

NHTSA ODI #11217359

Official recalls

1

17V358000 · Latches/locks/linkages:hood:latch

Jun 5, 2017

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

2

AQ23002 · Hyundai And Kia Abs Module Fires

Opened Nov 17, 2023 · No close date supplied

Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando. The Part 573 Recall Reports contain varying defect descriptions and differing remedy descriptions for the same or similar equipment supplied by Mando. Safety recalls included in this Audit Query (AQ) review include: Hyundai recalls 20V-520, 20V-543, 21V-161, 21V-160, 21V-303, 22V-056, 22V-810, and 23V-651. Kia recalls 16V-815, 20V-518, 20V-519, 21V-137, 21V-331, 22V-051, 22V-800, and 23V-652 The purpose of this AQ is to evaluate the timeliness and scoping of Hyundai and Kia’s defect decision making and adherence with reporting requirements; and understand the varying defect descriptions and remedies between these recalls.

DP22003 · Loss Of Motive Power

Opened Sep 12, 2022 · Closed Dec 12, 2023

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complaints were provided which alleged that the oil drain pans lack sufficient structural integrity and are susceptible to cracking. The petition itself can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI number 11481745. On September 12, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Defect Petition (DP22-003) to evaluate the Petitioners’ request. The Petitioners have provided additional complaints within four supplemental letters dated January 31, 2023, March 21, 2023, May 23, 2023, and August 4, 2023. ODI’s evaluation included the review and analysis of the complaints and supporting information submitted by the Petitioners, as well as additional complaints submitted directly to NHTSA which referenced either the oil drain plug or a crack in the oil pan. After reviewing the available data, ODI has not identified evidence that would support opening a defect investigation into the oil drain pan assemblies of the subject vehicles. Based on a review of the available information, a loss of motive power resulting from an oil drain plug back out has not occurred between the initial sale of a vehicle and the completion of its first oil change. If during an oil change service, a technician fails to remove the existing drain plug gasket before installing a new gasket, it is likely that a proper seal between the drain plug and the oil pan will not be made. An improper seal between the drain plug and oil pan could lead to the backing out on the drain plug, resulting in the sudden loss of oil while driving. Additionally, the provided examples of oil pan cracks were localized to the immediate vicinity of the oil drain plug and/or appeared to be the result of direct-contact with a tool during servicing.  There is no information to support that a vehicle-based defect exists relating to the oil pan assembly, and instead the documented incidents are related to the failure to follow the proper maintenance procedures during oil change service. In October 2023, Hyundai published a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) that provided detailed instructions for oil change service on its gasoline powered vehicles, specifically highlighting the need to remove and replace the existing drain plug gasket prior to reinstalling the drain plug. After a thorough review of the material submitted by the petitioner, the information already in NHTSA's possession, and the potential risks to motor vehicle safety implicated by the petitioners' allegations, NHTSA does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. Therefore, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA’s reasons for denial of the petition will be published. The reference numbers for the complaints to NHTSA cited by the petitioner can be found in the petition submission documents in the public file for DP22-003. To review those complaints and the additional complaints ODI added to its evaluation which are cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.