Recalls · problems · safety

2016 Hyundai Santa Fe: recalls and problems

3 recalls and 305 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is engine.

3recalls
305complaints
10crashes reported
12fires reported
9injuries reported
1 recall with a “do not drive” or “park outside” warning

Check your VIN with the manufacturer or NHTSA straight away and follow the instructions in the notice.

Recalls

Check recalls for your exact VIN

Most common problems

  • Engine193 · 63%
  • Unknown Or Other39 · 13%
  • Power Train24 · 8%
  • Electrical System17 · 6%
  • Service Brakes (Hydraulic)12 · 4%
  • Fuel/Propulsion System11 · 4%
  • Service Brakes11 · 4%
  • Air Bags10 · 3%
  • Seat Belts9 · 3%
  • Structure8 · 3%

What owners report

Electrical System

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.

Engine

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

Power Train,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 failed engine are currently located at an authorized hyundai dealership service center in [xxx], and

Suspension,Air Bags,WheelsCrash

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.

Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. They are owner reports and have not been verified.

Crash-test ratings

VersionOverallFrontalSideRollover
2016 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV AWDNot ratedNot ratedNot ratedNot rated
2016 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV FWDNot ratedNot ratedNot ratedNot rated

Source: NHTSA recalls, complaints and NCAP APIs, covering SANTA FE SPORT, SANTA FE. Last refreshed 2026-09-29.