HYUNDAI SANTA FE SPORT · model year

2016 HYUNDAI SANTA FE SPORT

72 NHTSA complaints, 3 crash reports, and 1 active recall for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

5 / 5 ★

New Car Assessment Program

The 2016HYUNDAISANTA FE SPORT carries 72 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 3 crashes, 16 fires, 4 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall 5/5 rating, with 5/5 front crash, 5/5 side crash, and 4/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2016 SANTA FE SPORT is engine with 33 filings, followed by unknown or other (11) and electrical system (4). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 1 active recall campaign, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 1 investigation file overlapping the 2016 SANTA FE SPORT. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

72
Complaints
3
Crashes
16
Fires
4
Injuries
0
Deaths
2016 HYUNDAI SANTA FE SPORT — NHTSA crash-test profile NHTSA NCAP crash-test star ratings for the 2016 HYUNDAI SANTA FE SPORT. Overall composite: 5.0 of 5 stars across 3 safety dimensions. Front CrashSide CrashRollover 5.0 NHTSA NCAP of 5 stars
  • Front Crash 5.0 ★
  • Side Crash 5.0 ★
  • Rollover 4.0 ★
NHTSA overall 5.0/5 stars, with front-crash, side-crash and rollover ratings from standardized NCAP barrier and dynamic tests.

Total Complaints

72 filings

Crashes Reported

3 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

NHTSA NCAP overall: 5/5 — Top NCAP rating · Front: 5/5 · Side: 5/5 · Rollover: 4/5

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
ENGINE33
UNKNOWN OR OTHER11
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM4
AIR BAGS3
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC3
SERVICE BRAKES3
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM2
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING2
POWER TRAIN2
STRUCTURE:BODY2
SUSPENSION1
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL1
STEERING1

Recalls (1)

17V35800005/06/2017

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the secondary hood latch actuating cable may corrode and bind, causing the secondary hood latch to remain in the unlatched position when the hood is closed.

Recent Complaints

20260217ENGINE

The engine light started blinking and my car would not accelerate anymore. I took it to the mechanic immediately, who said that there was an engine recall. I contacted the dealership, but they cannot do an initial inspection for more than 2 months. It would likely take another 2-3 months after the inspection before the engine can be replaced. I called Hyundai and they confirmed that my vehicle should be covered under an extended warranty based on the service history and error code from my car (TXXI for the Theta 2 engine - knock sensor detection, code p1326). However, Hyundai will not provide any help until the vehicle is inspected by a dealership. The dealership completely refuses to look at my car as they are busy. I live on an island, so the only other Hyundai dealership is two hours away. They will not answer any of my calls. I'm expected to figure out how to commute to work alone for the next two months, but since I live in a rural area, there are no alternative transportation op

20260206FireENGINE

I turned off the car and went inside the house. I was outside and could smell smoke. I walked to the front of the house and saw my neighbor who was calling 911 due to flames from my engine. The flames reached the yard and my garage where minor damage occurred. The vehicle was completely engulfed in flames before the fire department extinguished it.

20260206FireELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I turned off the car and went inside the house. I was outside and could smell smoke. I walked to the front of the house and saw my neighbor who was calling 911 due to flames from my engine. The flames reached the yard and my garage where minor damage occurred. The vehicle was completely engulfed in flames before the fire department extinguished it.

20260206FireSTRUCTURE:BODY

I turned off the car and went inside the house. I was outside and could smell smoke. I walked to the front of the house and saw my neighbor who was calling 911 due to flames from my engine. The flames reached the yard and my garage where minor damage occurred. The vehicle was completely engulfed in flames before the fire department extinguished it.

20260130ENGINE

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. While driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal odor coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, no cause for the failure was found. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road; and the check engine warning light illuminated. A handheld scanner was used to retrieve DTC: P1326 (KSDS – Connecting rod bearings failure). The vehicle was towed to the residence, and then towed to the dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and informed the contact that the rod bearings had failed, causing engine failure. The dealer notified the manufacturer of the failure; however, the manufacturer declined to repair the vehicle. The manufacturer informed the contact that the prior owner had

Mileage: 132,000

20260126UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The sunroof glass suddenly shattered while driving slowly into a parking lot.

20251203ENGINE

September 3rd, 2025, my engine failed, for the second time and left me stuck at a busy intersection, in the middle lane and can't move. The first time my engine failed (2022/same vehicle), I was about the get on the highway and it just stopped in the middle of the road right before getting onto the highway. Both times I've had to get out in traffic in order to move my vehicle. I'm causing a stop to traffic or a stop in the flow of traffic. In September when this happened, I had cops, mechanics and pedestrians stopping to help (thank goodness), but that caused a stop in the flow of traffic. Any of us could have been struck by a vehicle. It was also around 10/11pm at night There is an open recall on my vehicle and more specifically, the Theta II engine in my vehicle. It does not show when my VIN number is put in, but it's nationally known that there is an open recall and also a class action suit that was just settled in 2021 granting all customers with "Class vehicles" a lifetime extend

20251203FireENGINE

Six weeks ago the alternator and battery had also been replaced. My Hyundai Santa Fe Sport turbo engine, exhibited a persistent rubber-like odor for approximately three weeks after the latest maintenance. During this period, the push-start button intermittently failed, requiring multiple attempts to engage, and the vehicle experienced noticeable shaking. After being parked, smoke began to emerge from under the hood, followed by visible flames. Within roughly 3-5mins minutes, the vehicle was completely engulfed in fire and blew up 6 times. Notably, the car had undergone significant repairs in the past year, including an engine replacement, starter, OEM parts, O2 sensors, brakes, valve cover gasket, new tires, and routine oil changes.

20251203FireEXTERIOR LIGHTING

Six weeks ago the alternator and battery had also been replaced. My Hyundai Santa Fe Sport turbo engine, exhibited a persistent rubber-like odor for approximately three weeks after the latest maintenance. During this period, the push-start button intermittently failed, requiring multiple attempts to engage, and the vehicle experienced noticeable shaking. After being parked, smoke began to emerge from under the hood, followed by visible flames. Within roughly 3-5mins minutes, the vehicle was completely engulfed in fire and blew up 6 times. Notably, the car had undergone significant repairs in the past year, including an engine replacement, starter, OEM parts, O2 sensors, brakes, valve cover gasket, new tires, and routine oil changes.

20251203FireSEAT BELTS

Six weeks ago the alternator and battery had also been replaced. My Hyundai Santa Fe Sport turbo engine, exhibited a persistent rubber-like odor for approximately three weeks after the latest maintenance. During this period, the push-start button intermittently failed, requiring multiple attempts to engage, and the vehicle experienced noticeable shaking. After being parked, smoke began to emerge from under the hood, followed by visible flames. Within roughly 3-5mins minutes, the vehicle was completely engulfed in fire and blew up 6 times. Notably, the car had undergone significant repairs in the past year, including an engine replacement, starter, OEM parts, O2 sensors, brakes, valve cover gasket, new tires, and routine oil changes.

20251125ENGINE

There was no low oil indicator light, no smoke, and no oil on the garage floor. My wife was driving the vehicle on I-285 in Atlanta, returning from the ATL airport, when the vehicle began to lose power and started jerking and surging; the check engine light began flashing. She had to take surface streets to get home because the loss of power made the vehicle unsafe to drive on the freeway. When she arrived home, I checked the engine oil dipstick and it was completely dry. I took the vehicle to the garage that performs my oil changes, and they mentioned this is an ongoing issue with Hyundai—the vehicle is burning oil. The low oil level caused the knock sensor to trigger, which in turn caused the check engine light to flash and reduced power in an attempt to protect the engine. I never received any notification regarding a recall for this issue, and now my motor is more than likely damaged since I can still hear knocking when the engine runs at higher RPMs. My vehicle has over 100K mil

20251121POWER TRAIN

The engine seized up on the highway with no warning signs or alerts and lost all power to the vehicle putting family at risk on the highway speed. Mechanic confirmed engine seized and metal debris after draining oil. Oil changes are done on timely basis within 5000 miles. Most recent where synthetic oil used and was just at 5000 mark. There was no oil warning at all and regular oil change was scheduled for next day prior to event. Car purchased in 2017 used and this happened before shortly after purchase and engine replaced by Hyundai at that time.

20251117ENGINE

2916 Hyundai Santa Fe sport has an open recall of 953 for engine bearings knocking. It has been inspected. Yes, safety was put at risk, motor could lock up while driving causing a wreck. Yes, Tim Shorts Hyundai did confirm the engine was knocking. No lights were on in the vehicle. Was started sitting in the drive way, when the engine started knocking.

20251112UNKNOWN OR OTHER

My 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport (156,880 miles) suddenly shut down and went into limp mode due to code P1326, which is part of the KSDS safety recall. Hyundai and the dealership refused to perform the recall-required engine inspection because of mileage. This violates safety recall rules. The sudden loss of power creates a dangerous driving situation. I am requesting NHTSA assistance in enforcing the safety recall remedy.

20250924UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Hyundai replaced engine at 69280 miles because of metal particles left in engine during manufacturing.Hyundai did not replace the turbo,that had the same oil running thru it as the engine.The tubro failed 15,080 miles later,lost all power .Car would not go over 40mph.,lucky to get car off the road.

20250909ENGINE

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while driving uphill, the vehicle failed to accelerate above 10 MPH. There was a burning odor coming from the vehicle with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the engine had previously been replaced, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who determined that the knock sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

Mileage: 130,000

20250905CrashSTRUCTURE:BODY

As I was driving the hood opened breaking the windshield which obstructed my view and caused me to veer off-road and crash.I acquired the vehicle less than a year ago and only learned of a recall for hood latches from the tow truck driver. afterwards. I had no prior problems with the latch opening and I was not physically injured but my vehicle is a total loss.

20250901CrashAIR BAGS

During a severe accident in which the cars collided from both the back and front at most likely over 50mph, the air bags did not deploy. In such a case, I feel as though they should have gone off as there was severe whiplash and the cars hit at such a fast and hard speed. My safety was impacted severely as if the cars around did not hit the way they did, I believe I could have died. It is extremely concerning that they did not go off when such large amounts of damage were done. In addition, there have been over 50,000 recalls done for air bags not working in this exact vehicle. In addition, the vehicle is being checked in the next day for additional damages and they will confirm the air bag issues. Police as well as insurance providers were shocked that the air bags did not deploy in such a severe case. No warning messages or lamps were on when the accident occurred or before. This is extremely concerning and I now fear for my safety even further if I were to purchase this vehicle agai

20250822ENGINE

Engine siezed, causing me to have to tow my vehicle. I was moved in the military to Germany in 2019, I had to have no open recalls on the car before I shipped it overseas. I completed a recall on the 5th of January 2019. On the 10th of January, Hyundai activated another recall on the vehicle. I was unaware of this recall and shipped my vehicle to Germany on the 16th of January 2016. The car returned from Germany in September of 2023. I had zero issues with this vehicle while I was over there, no check engine lights, no warning lights, nothing. I always changed the oil when told to do so, and when I returned from Germany it was the same thing, no issues and always completed oil changes when it was needed. I had no idea of the recall, Hyundai was sending it to an address I no longer lived at. I had no reason to take my vehicle to Hyundai to check for recalls. On [XXX], my vehicle engine stopped working at 84622 miles, and Hyundai said that it would be covered under warranty, but because

20250808UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Dear NHTSA, I'm reporting a recurring safety issue with my vehicle's door latches. All four doors have, at different times, become completely stuck—unable to open from inside or outside. This creates a serious risk, especially in emergencies where quick exit is critical.

Compare 2016HYUNDAISANTA FE SPORT to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2016 HYUNDAI SANTA FE SPORT have?
The 2016 HYUNDAI SANTA FE SPORT has 72 NHTSA complaints, 3 crashes, 16 fires, 4 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2016 HYUNDAI SANTA FE SPORT?
The 2016 HYUNDAI SANTA FE SPORT received an overall NHTSA safety rating of 5/5, front crash rating of 5/5, side crash rating of 5/5, and rollover rating of 4/5.
Are there any recalls for the 2016 HYUNDAI SANTA FE SPORT?
Yes, the 2016 HYUNDAI SANTA FE SPORT has 1 recall(s). The most common affected component is LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 HYUNDAI SANTA FE SPORT?
The most-complained component for the 2016 HYUNDAI SANTA FE SPORT is ENGINE with 33 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include UNKNOWN OR OTHER and ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
Is the 2016 HYUNDAI SANTA FE SPORT safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. The 2016 HYUNDAI SANTA FE SPORT has an NHTSA safety rating of 5/5. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.