MYRModel Year Report

2016 Hyundai Santa FE

● Typical for this model
2016 Hyundai Santa FE
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year's complaint volume is within 30% of 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
236
Recalls
3

Campaigns on file for 2016

Investigations
3

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Engine

64% of complaints

Complaints per year

2001: 209 complaints 2001 2002: 165 complaints 2003: 308 complaints 2004: 303 complaints 2005: 216 complaints 2005 2006: 106 complaints 2007: 684 complaints 2008: 541 complaints 2009: 358 complaints 2009 2010: 259 complaints 2011: 181 complaints 2012: 353 complaints 2013: 605 complaints 2013 2014: 493 complaints 2015: 254 complaints 2016: 236 complaints 2016 236 2017: 968 complaints 2018: 109 complaints 2019: 202 complaints 2020: 213 complaints 2021: 166 complaints 2021 2022: 199 complaints 2023: 211 complaints 2024: 153 complaints 2025: 135 complaints 2025 2026: 38 complaints
2001: 209 complaints 2001 2002: 165 complaints 2003: 308 complaints 2003 2004: 303 complaints 2005: 216 complaints 2005 2006: 106 complaints 2007: 684 complaints 2007 2008: 541 complaints 2009: 358 complaints 2009 2010: 259 complaints 2011: 181 complaints 2011 2012: 353 complaints 2013: 605 complaints 2013 2014: 493 complaints 2015: 254 complaints 2016: 236 complaints 2016 236 2017: 968 complaints 2018: 109 complaints 2019: 202 complaints 2019 2020: 213 complaints 2021: 166 complaints 2021 2022: 199 complaints 2023: 211 complaints 2023 2024: 153 complaints 2025: 135 complaints 2025 2026: 38 complaints
2001: 209 complaints 2001 2002: 165 complaints 2003: 308 complaints 2003 2004: 303 complaints 2005: 216 complaints 2005 2006: 106 complaints 2007: 684 complaints 2007 2008: 541 complaints 2009: 358 complaints 2009 2010: 259 complaints 2011: 181 complaints 2011 2012: 353 complaints 2013: 605 complaints 2013 2014: 493 complaints 2015: 254 complaints 2015 2016: 236 complaints 2016 236 2017: 968 complaints 2017 2018: 109 complaints 2019: 202 complaints 2019 2020: 213 complaints 2021: 166 complaints 2021 2022: 199 complaints 2023: 211 complaints 2023 2024: 153 complaints 2025: 135 complaints 2025 2026: 38 complaints

2016: 236 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
2001209
2002165
2003308
2004303
2005216
2006106
2007684
2008541
2009358
2010259
2011181
2012353
2013605
2014493
2015254
2016236
2017968
2018109
2019202
2020213
2021166
2022199
2023211
2024153
2025135
202638

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Engine

64% · 151 reports
CRASHFIRE
Show complaint excerpts

We recently had the car to the local dealership for engine problems. It took over 3 months, but they finally determined that the camshaft was "bent" and they had to remove the engine to replace it, costing almost $5000.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-09-06

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-09-04

Also filed under Power train

Power train

9% · 21 reports
INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

The car was at a complete stop in a driveway. The car was still running because I was getting out of the car to get the mail. I put the car in park and went to get out of the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-03-15

Service brakes

7% · 17 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

FIRE

Electrical system

5% · 11 reports

Air bags

4% · 9 reports
CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Someone backed out of a parking lot and I crashed into their rear passenger side. Other party at fault but my air bags for 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport did not deploy.

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-03-15

Had an accident where driver side front of vehicle was hit. The severity of crash resulted in total loss. The driver was hurt and concussed due to her head hitting the side window, driver side.

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-03-13

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 3 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    2016-04-27Seat belts16V145000 Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Santa Fe vehicles manufactured September 1, 2015 to February 12, 2016.

    Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and reroute the wires in the front seat belt buckle harnesses to their proper locations, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on April 27, 2016.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. I
    2021-11-12Defect petitionClosed 2023-06-20 Throttle control system vulnerabilities
  4. R
    2022-05-31Service brakes, hydraulic22V056000 Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Santa Fe, 2017-2018 Santa Fe Sport, 2019 Santa Fe XL, and 2014-2015 Tucson vehicles.

    Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS multi-fuse, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 31, 2022.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  5. I
    2022-09-12Defect petitionClosed 2023-12-12 Loss of Motive Power
  6. I
    2023-11-17Audit queryOpen Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires

Buy-smart checklist

2016 Hyundai Santa FE — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine: 151 reports on file for this year.
  • Power train: 21 reports on file for this year.
  • Service brakes: 17 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 16V145000 · Seat belts
  • Recall 17V358000 · Latches/locks/linkages
  • Recall 22V056000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2016 Hyundai Santa FE reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2016 Hyundai Santa FE is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Hyundai Santa FE?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 64% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2016 Hyundai Santa FE have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.