2016 Hyundai Santa FE Sport

▲ Better than typical
2016 Hyundai Santa FE Sport
RENDERED 2026-08-02T09:42:47.142Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Hyundai Santa FE Sport Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2016 highlighted. 2013: 189 complaints 2013 2014: 155 complaints 2014 2015: 78 complaints 2015 2016: 64 complaints 2016 2017: 338 complaints 2017 2018: 316 complaints 2018
2016: 64 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
2013189
2014155
201578
201664
2017338
2018316

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

ENGINE 64%

64% of complaints: engine — 41 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Engine caught fire while driving. Vehicle is a total loss as fire department did not arrive for 20 min. Currently at a Copart yard in Gainesville, ga. Lucky I was on a rural road and my dog and I were able to get out of car.

NHTSA ODI report, 20231027

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 20200917

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 6%

6% of complaints: electrical system — 4 distinct reports on file.

FIRE INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Engine caught fire while driving. Vehicle is a total loss as fire department did not arrive for 20 min. Currently at a Copart yard in Gainesville, ga. Lucky I was on a rural road and my dog and I were able to get out of car.

NHTSA ODI report, 20231027

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 20200917

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 5%

5% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 3 distinct reports on file.

SERVICE BRAKES 5%

5% of complaints: service brakes — 3 distinct reports on file.

POWER TRAIN 5%

5% of complaints: power train — 3 distinct reports on file.

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20170804 — latches/locks/linkages

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport vehicles.

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.

Campaign 17V358000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20220912 — DP (closed 20231212)

Loss of Motive Power

I 20231117 — AQ (open)

Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2016 Hyundai Santa FE Sport — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for engine issues (41 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (4 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (3 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 17V358000 (latches/locks/linkages) has been completed.

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2015 ● 2014 ● 2013

WORST YEARS

■ 2017 ■ 2018 ● 2013

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2016 Hyundai Santa FE Sport reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2016 Hyundai Santa FE Sport is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2016 Hyundai Santa FE Sport?

The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 64% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2016 Hyundai Santa FE Sport have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.