2016 Hyundai Santa Fe: recalls and problems
3 recalls and 311 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
This occurred on interstate 75 while driving in the third lane. the car engine completely died without warning. there was zero power when pressing the gas pedal, creating an immediate life-threatening collision hazard. there was no oil pressure or malfunction warning light prior to failure. the vehicle was towed to an authorized hyundai dealer, who denied warranty assistance solely due to a missing prior software upd
On xxxx, my 2016 hyundai santa fe sport awd (vin [xxx], ~89,151 miles) developed a flashing check-engine light while driving — an active misfire condition. an obd-ii scan pulled code p1326, hyundai's knock-sensor detection code for connecting-rod bearing wear in the theta ii engine family, the same defect family covered by hyundai's lifetime bearing-warranty extension under service campaign t6g (tsb 22-01-023h-1). th
Supplement to complaint 11743619. the 3.3l lambda ii gdi engine seized at highway speed on january 16, 2022 (connecting-rod-bearing failure, internal components through the block). the vehicle lost all power and power steering, left the roadway and crashed off-road while the driver tried to bring it to a stop, with four occupants aboard. hyundai's txx8 warranty extension covers engine repair or replacement for 15 yea
I was driving from tampa to wesley chapel fl i was going about 70 and was pushing a bit then slowed down right away then i was speeding a little back up and my car was dropping to speed by itself i pulled over to the shoulder and it was leaking radiator fluid i was trying to crank it to see if i can make it work then it started smelling bad in the car so i turned it off right away and it was smokey
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 2026-11-15.