2016 Hyundai Santa FE Sport
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.
- Complaints
- 68
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 2
- Top problem
- Engine
Campaigns on file for 2016
Opened by NHTSA
62% of complaints
Complaints per year
2016: 68 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2013 | 200 |
| 2014 | 163 |
| 2015 | 84 |
| 2016 | 68 |
| 2017 | 356 |
| 2018 | 324 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Engine
62% · 42 reportsShow complaint excerpts
While driving I smelled gasoline then it turned to a burnt smell, engine turned off. Got to side of the road and engine caught fire. Firetrucks and police arrived. Car is totaled entire engine bay was up in flames. Car has been towed.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-10-11
Also filed under Fuel/propulsion system
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, 2023-10-27
Also filed under Electrical system
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, 2020-09-17
Also filed under Electrical system
Electrical system
10% · 7 reportsMost commonly citing 12v/24v/48v battery and instrument cluster/panel.
Show complaint excerpts
my BSD sensor would go on and off for the last several months when no one was around me. I work early and even when I was alone on the road the BSD would flash for 2-3 mins and go off.. then my fan for my air conditioner stopped.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-27
Also filed under Lane departure
Service brakes
9% · 6 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic.
Fuel/propulsion system
6% · 4 reportsAir bags
6% · 4 reportsSafety timeline
1 recall · 2 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
R
2017-08-04Latches/locks/linkages17V358000 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.
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I
2022-09-12Defect petitionClosed 2023-12-12 Loss of Motive Power
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I
2023-11-17Audit queryOpen Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires
Buy-smart checklist
2016 Hyundai Santa FE Sport — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine: 42 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 7 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 6 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 17V358000 · Latches/locks/linkages
Other years of this model
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 62% 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 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.