2016 Hyundai Santa FE
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 236 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 12th highest complaint count among 25 Santa FE model years with reports.
Of the 2016 reports, 6 involved a crash and 2 involved a fire. 6 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Service brakes, hydraulic, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, control unit/modulePark outsideFeb 3, 2022
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.
An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
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.
Campaign 22V056000 on NHTSA.gov
Latches/locks/linkages, hood, latchJun 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.
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.
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.
Campaign 17V358000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat belts, front, warning light/devicesMar 10, 2016
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."
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.
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.
Campaign 16V145000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: other or unspecified
25 reports, newest first. Show all
Other or unspecified, Feb 21, 2026
The motor began to making a knocking noise and started smoking like a fire was starting. We immediately turned off the vehicle preventing from a full fledge fire. We had children in the car as well which posed a safety concern for them. We had no prior warning lights or issues. It has yet to be inspected by anyone.
Other or unspecified, Aug 3, 2024
The door on the drivers side does not lock. It appears that something came out of place causing the door to remain unlocked even with the use of the fab. The car is not drivable because the door swings open. It has happened in a few occasions where the lock appears to get stuck but was always fixable. On this occasion it was not. Thankfully, I was parked when this occurred.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Back over prevention, Jul 26, 2024
Vehicle was driven on a highway approximately 45-50 mph when a loud knocking sound occured. The vehicle began to shake erratically and a bunch of lights displayed. I pulled over at a safety point and turned the vehicle off to inspect it. A large amount of smoke poured from under the hood. The vehicle sat for about 45 minutes to cool down before I attempted to start it again. The engine continued to make a loud knocking sound and kept stalling. At the given time of engine failure, I was driving on a fairly busy highway with my two toddlers where we were forced in a dangerous situation to be struck by a vehicle. Hours later, I went back to start the vehicle where I was able to get it started and drive approximately 15 mph to a safer area for the vehicle to be parked. The vehicle has been at the Hyundai Bowser Chippewa location in Beaver Falls, PA. I was denied for any assistance through Hyundai and the BBB-Hyundai due to 3 open recalls, mainly the engine knock system not being updated. All issues and diagnostics were conducted at the dealership where the vehicle is being stored. No police report has been filed, nor was an insurance claim conducted. No lights or warnings came about until the engine started to noticably fail. I didn't receive any notifications from Hyundai regarding recalls, and nothing is displayed on the NHTSA site.
Other or unspecified, Mar 15, 2024
In May 2023, I booked an appointment to get the software update for the immobilizer issue on my Hyundai Santa Fe Sport 2016. Issue resolved. In February 2024, the vehicle was vandalized in a driveway but was NOT stolen. However the alarm did not trigger unless it was 'tripped.' Why???? Today it is March 15, 2024 and vehicle is still at collision shop getting everything repaired.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jan 17, 2024
The company has stopped supporting their Bluelink function that is causing the screen to do a continuous search for a connection and remaining blank so the controls and cameras are not visible. The company has sent out patches for some models as the old service was on 2g and 3g which are discontinued but they are not sending an update for my vehicle. I have engaged the dealer and they say they've had numerous complaints on this matter with no fix available. This is an absolute safety hazard and needs to be addressed. Please help me; I am an [XXX] Veteran and should not have to buy a new car to be safe! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) Please help me; I am an 83 year old Veteran and should not have to buy a new car to be safe!
Other or unspecified, Engine, Oct 17, 2023
After crossing 90,000 miles the vehicle started to consume too much oil too quickly. After a professional analysis the mechanics found no problem. Going on 112,000 miles now and the vehicle is going through and/or burning oil much more rapidly than what one would expect
Other or unspecified, Sep 30, 2023
Oil burns through engine Oil light doesn’t work when I need an oil change. So I’m having to put 4 quarts of oil in myself every week Need towing as I’m unable to drive because I don’t want to take a risk of engine blowing up
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jun 16, 2023
I was driving and all of a sudden my car quit sounded like a belt broke so I coasted to Thackers Repair and he told me a rod went right through the side of the engine so I would need a new engine. I had my oil changed every 3000 miles there was no reason for this, and I did not receive any recalls.
Other or unspecified, Feb 18, 2023
In three separate occasions this month, my car has cut off on me on a major highway. Also one of those times when this happened I almost got into a car accident.
Air bags, Other or unspecified, Feb 8, 2022
The clockspring of hyundai steering wheels does not work and goes bad. This is a known problem within hyundais. A bad clock spring leaves without cruise control, a functioning horn, or most importantly, a functioning airbag. You would be unable to alert an inattentive driver and the airbag may not deploy in the event of a collision Problem is confirmed by dealership. No warning lamps or messages occur from the issue. You only know when your buttons or horns don't work.
Other or unspecified, Feb 8, 2022
2016 Santa Fe - While driving on interstate all warning lights came on - antilock brake, check engine, electronic power steering, vehicle grade, outside temp blinking blank. Took to reliable shop and they said it was right front speed sensor, had that replaced still all warning lights on. Engine code that caused the lights was P2159 (Vehicle Speed Sensor B range performance) I took the car to Jim Click dealership in Green Valley they had the car for 7 days said they finally figured out that it had wires that were shorted that fed back to modules and they would have to do an overlay of these wires, so they would run new wires in the area that was bad, we got the car back after repairs and it is all working now, the car only has 86 k miles and has never been in an accident all wiring in the vehicle look still brand new. I read online of this same year of car has problems due to engine fires and suggest to park car away from anything in case it does catch fire, the article also talks about it starts with the antilock brake control module that can cause an electrical short. I am wandering if this is going to happen again because they repaired shorted wiring but did nothing to replace any bad control modules that may be causing fires in these vehicles. These repairs cost me over 700 dollars in which I think should be under warranty, But the real scary thing is I don't want to be driving down the road and have this car go up in flames. The article on the internet I read was written by Tom Krisher AP Auto Writer he also states that Kia is also also included with this problem.
Other or unspecified, Nov 16, 2021
I was driving and all of a sudden heard a rough rattling sound coming from the engine. Hyundai didn’t have time for me, so I had it towed to a local mechanic. Diagnostic: timing chain done but also knocking of the engine. Oil consumption causing this and new engine required. Had it towed to Hyundai a couple weeks later. Same diagnoses- new engine required for engine knocking and failure of internal timing components. Hyundai confirmed the engine oil consumption is bad.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Sep 20, 2021
The problem with my purchased Hyundai is that it's not giving a warning message for the oil or over heating. The engine continues to gather a lot of gunk. Also, there is a recall on these specific models and I was notified by a class action law suit. HyundaiThetaEngineSettlement.com. The car has a chance of exploding. I did not agree with the terms of the class action suit. It was only offering compensation if I was already injured, or having to commit conspiracy with a crime of lemon law and consumer rights, and possible murder. These SUV's were built in 2016 and had enough time to be taken off the market. I purchased my vehicle last year 2020.
Other or unspecified, Aug 29, 2021
Recently I Viewed a low oil light on the dash board, turned motor off waited 30 min checked oil the level it was correct, called the local Hyundai dealer (Miami lakes Hyundai) they told me since I was the 2nd owner my vehicle has 60 months factory warranty and my car has 70 months since purchased, I asked if there was an engine recall they said no for that model year, SORRY. I took my vehicle to an independent auto shop they concluded that at 180 degrees Fahrenheit engine running temperature I had between 8 to 9 Lbs. of oil pressure at idle and that it should be a least 25 Lbs. The Auto shop informed me that the cause was excessive bearing wear that was causing my low oil pressure light. I found that to be very implausible because of the low mileage 42000 miles with oil services done every (3000) miles not 4000 or 5000 miles as recommended by the factory specs, The shop also told me that 2.4 Ltr. had that defect so did a little searching and found Hyundai 2.4 ltr. Theta engine with a massive recall except my model year. hoping someone in NHTSA can point me in the right direction.
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, May 26, 2021
The ABS, traction control, and another light are illuminated. Upon investigating online this is a known issue with these cars. No recall has been issued. My car is available for inspection.
Other or unspecified, Sep 11, 2020
WHEN COMING TO A STOP WITH THE BRAKES APPLIED, THE RPMS JUMP TO 4,000 AND THE VEHICLE SURGES FORWARD. THE VEHICLE STOPPED AFTER PUTTING IT IN NEUTRAL. THIS HAPPENED ON 8/23/20 AND OTHER TIMES. DEALER COULD NOT REPLICATE AND DENIED ANY KNOWLEDGE OF THE PROBLEM.
Other or unspecified, Nov 13, 2019
ENGINE GONE BAD AND NEEDS REPLACED. WHILE DRIVING LOST POWER, LATER TO FIND FROM DEALERSHIP THAT ENGINE WAS NO LONGER GOOD. THIS THOUGH VEHICLE IS 3 YEARS OLD. WAS LATER TOLD THAT ENGINE HAD RECALL WHICH I WAS NEVER MADE AWARE.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Mar 15, 2019
THE CAR WAS AT A COMPLETE STOP IN A DRIVEWAY. THE CAR WAS STILL RUNNING BECAUSE I WAS GETTING OUT OF THE CAR TO GET THE MAIL. I PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND WENT TO GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE. AS I GOT OUT THE VEHICLE STARTED GOING IN REVERSE AND PULLED ME UNDERNEATH THE CAR AND THE VEHICLE RAN OVER ME. I'M NOT SURE IF THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPED OUT OF PARK TO REVERSE ON ITS OWN OR IF THE SHIFTER WASN'T ACTUALLY PLACED IN PARK. I THOUGHT THE VEHICLE COULD SENSE IF NO ONE WAS IN THE DRIVERS SEAT AND AUTOMATICALLY PUT THE CAR INTO PARK OR NEUTRAL. THE HEATED SEATS AND AIRBAG WON'T TURN ON UNLESS IT SENSE WEIGHT IN THE SEAT.
Other or unspecified, Sep 14, 2018
THE AIR CONDITIONING CONDENSOR ON MY HYUNDAI 2016 SANTA FE WAS DAMAGED BY ROAD DEBRIS THAT APPARENTLY CAME THROUGH THE FRONT GRILL OF MY CAR AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. HOW CAN ROAD DEBRIS DAMAGED MY AIR CONDENSOR? SHOULDN'T ALL INTERNAL ENGINE COMPONENTS OF A CAR BE PROTECTED FROM THIS TYPE OF DAMAGE? THIS CONCERNS ME BECAUSE WHAT OTHER ENGINE COMPONENTS COULD BE DAMAGED BY THE GRILL NOT PROPERLY COVERING THE OTHER VITAL ENGINE PARTS. I HAVE HEARD THAT THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW WITH MY VEHICLE.
Electrical system, Air bags, Other or unspecified, Aug 8, 2018
TAKATA RECALL AIRBAG LIGHT ON AND MY SUV HAS BEEN IN 0 ACIDDENTS, THE AC AIR STATES IT'S ON BUT DOESN'T BLOW ANY AIR AT ALL! IT ONLY HAS 69640K MILES, KNOCKING SOUND WHEN I AM ON PARK OR HAVE THE BRAKE ON WHILE AT RED LIGHT OR STOP SIGN!
Other or unspecified, Feb 4, 2018
THE SUNROOF EXPLODED. I WAS DRIVING AND HEARD A LOUD NOISE THAT SEEMED TO COME FROM ABOVE. MY KIDS WERE BUCKLED IN THE BACK SEATS AND MY SON ASKED ME "WHAT WAS THAT DADDY"? HE THEN LOOKED UP AND NOTICED PIERCINGS IN THE UNDERNEATH SHEATH THAT LEADS TO THE SUNROOF VIEW. IT COULD NOT ROLL BACK FULLY. THERE WAS ALSO MOISTURE APPEARING THRU THE SHEATH OF THE ROOF. WHEN I GOT HOME AND GOT MY WIFE AND KIDS OUT. I LOOKED AND NOTICED A GAPING HOLE IN THE ROOF. I THEN REALIZED THE BACK PANEL WAS COMPLETELY SHATTERED WITH GLASS WEDGED ON THE SHEATH. WHICH IS A GOOD THING BECAUSE THE GLASS COULD HAVE DROPPED ON MY KIDS. MY WIFE AND I HAD TO COVER IT UP WITH CARDBOARD AND BLACK BAGS WHILE IN THE RAIN. I AM GOING BACK TO STAR HYUNDAI DEALERS TO REPORT THE PROBLEM AS IT'S SUNDAY 2/4 AND THEY ARE CLOSED.
Other or unspecified, Dec 23, 2017
DRIVING ALONE ON HIGHWAY, SUNROOF SPONTANEOUSLY EXPLODED. I WAS DRIVING ROUGHLY 100 KM / HE. THERE WAS NOTHING OVERHEAD OR VEHICLES AHEAD THAT WOULD CAUSE SOMETHING TO BREAK IT. THE INCIDENT WAS EXTREMELY LOUD, ALL THE GLASS FEEL OVER ME CAUSING A HUGE SAFETY CONCERN AS IT WAS AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THE SUNROOF IS A PANORAMIC SO IT WAS A HUGE AMOUNT OF GLASS. HYUNDAI WAS NOTIFIED NUMEROUS TIMES. THEY WOULD NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THIS HAD HAPPENED BEFORE, INSISTED SOMETHING HIT IT. HYUNDAI ALSO WOULD NOT COVER THE COST OF REPLACEMENT.
Other or unspecified, Oct 13, 2017
I HAVE A 2016 HYUNDAI SANTA FE SPORT. OVER THE LAST 3 MONTHS I'VE HAD 2 OCCASIONS (BOTH ON HIGHWAYS) WHEN THE ENGINE SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING. THE LATEST OCCURRED THIS MORNING (9/26/2017) DURING RUSH HOUR. I WAS FORTUNATE IN THAT I HAD ENOUGH MOMENTUM TO NAVIGATE THE DEAD CAR ACROSS A LANE OF TRAFFIC TO THE SIDE. ON BOTH OCCASION, I WAS ABLE TO TURN THE KEY TO THE START POSITION, PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND START IT UP, LIKE NOTHING HAD OCCURRED. SINCE THE LAST OCCURANCE I HAVE SUBMITTED A CASE WITH HYUNDAI AND HAVE TAKEN THE CAR INTO A LOCAL DEALERSHIP TO LOOK INTO THE ISSUE. THE DEALERSHIP COULD NOT REPRODUCE THE ISSUE. THAT WAS ON 9/28. OUTSIDE OF AN EMAIL STATING THEY WOULD BE REACHING BACK OJT TO ME, I HAVEN'T HEARD ANYTHING. THE CAR HAS LESS THAN 32K MILES, SO THIS IS AN ISSUE.
Other or unspecified, Apr 5, 2016
THE FRONT SUNROOF ON MY 2016 SANTA FE I BOUGHT IN JAN 2016 THAT HAS APPROX. 8000 MILES, EXPLODED ON THE WAY TO WORK WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE. IT SOUNDED LIKE A GUN SHOT IN MY RIGHT EAR, THEN GLASS BEGAN TO FALL ON MY HEAD AND THROUGHOUT THE CAR - I'M SURE THE MAJORITY OF IT WAS SUCKED OUT AND ONTO THE INTERSTATE. (I HAD THE SUN SHADE INSIDE OPENED SO MY CHILD COULD WATCH THE RAIN ON THE RIDE TO THE BABYSITTERS.)I FOUND OTHERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM WHEN I GOOGLED IT. CAR WAS TOWED TO DEALERSHIP AND ISSUE WOULD BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY I WAS TOLD, I WAS GIVEN A LOANER WHILE IT WAS FIXED. NO OTHER VEHICLES IN FRONT OF OR BEHIND ME WITHIN 4 CAR LENGTHS AT LEAST. I DID NOT PASS UNDER AN OVERPASS. IT WAS RAINING THAT DAY (OF COURSE - THAT'S MY LUCK) WHEN I GOT TO WORK I CLOSED THE SUN SHADE ON THE INSIDE AS BEST AS I COULD WITH ALL THE GLASS THAT WAS IN THE TRACK, AND TAPED GARBAGE BAGS OVER IT TO PRESERVE THE INSIDE. I WENT TO DEALERSHIP LATER TO TAKE ADDITIONAL PICTURES AND YOU CAN TELL THE GLASS WAS BLOW OUTWARDS. THERE WAS EVEN CHIPS IN THE PAINT THROUGH THE CLEAR COAT FROM WHEN GLASS FLEW. I'M THANKFUL I WAS THE ONLY ONE IN THE CAR AT THE TIME, BUT MY CHILD'S CAR SEAT IS FULL OF GLASS REMAINS. I WASN'T HURT - ONLY A FEW CUTS FROM GLASS THAT WAS IN MY JACKET POCKET AND IN MY CLOTHES. I AM STILL AT A LOSS AS TO WHAT HAPPENED, HOW AND WHY - UNKNOWN. AND SO FAR THE DEALERSHIP HAS NOT COMMUNICATED ANYTHING TO ME, BUT I HOPE THEY MAKE IT RIGHT.
Other or unspecified, Dec 11, 2015
THE PANORAMIC SUNROOF SPONTANEOUSLY SHATTERED WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT ON THE HIGHWAY AT ABOUT 70MPH - THE SOUND WAS LIKE A GUNSHOT INSIDE THE CAR - THIS IS A SANTA FE SPORT 2016 MODEL THAT I BOUGHT ON JULY 5 2015