2016 Hyundai Santa Fe: recalls and problems
3 recalls and 305 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is engine.
Check your VIN with the manufacturer or NHTSA straight away and follow the instructions in the notice.
Most common problems
What owners report
Odometer fraud. the contact purchased a 2016 hyundai santa fe sport. the contact stated that it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. the vehicle was a private sale. at the time of purchase, the facebook marketplace advertisement and odometer reading were 114,841 miles. however, approximately one hour later, it was discovered that the title listed the mileage at 170,395.
The contact owns a 2016 hyundai santa fe sport. the contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. the vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that there was coolant in the engine and that the knock sensor detection system needed to be replaced. the dealer made the contact aware of manufacturer campaign number: 953 and stated tha
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 failed engine are currently located at an authorized hyundai dealership service center in [xxx], and
Was traveling along a city street with parked cars on the passenger side of my vehicle. axle or wheel broke and veered into parked vehicle severing the engine wiring harness not allowing the airbag to deploy.
Crash-test ratings
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV AWD | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated |
| 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV FWD | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated |
Source: NHTSA recalls, complaints and NCAP APIs, covering SANTA FE SPORT, SANTA FE. Last refreshed 2026-09-29.