2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport Owner Complaints

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH and attempting to overtake another vehicle, the vehicle lost automotive power and decelerated with the check engine, battery, and oil warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was parked on the shoulder of the highway, and smoke was coming from under the hood of the vehicle. The contact stated that after parking on the shoulder, the brakes erroneously activated, and the vehicle failed to move forward. The contact stated that moments later there were flames and smoke was coming from under the hood. The contact exited the vehicle. The Fire Department was called to the scene, and the flames were extinguished by the firemen. The vehicle was destroyed in the fire. The vehicle was later towed to the residence. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not contacted. The failure mileage was 105,225.

NHTSA ID

11755852

Incident

Aug 8, 2026

Mileage

105,225 mi

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. When I removed the glove compartment to see the wire connecting to the fan is "melted". When i called bob king hyundai, I was informed there was no recall. So, I attempted to fix the issue myself only to find the fuses (under the hood) are almost all bad. The tips of the fuses will not pull out. only the body of the fuse. With all this happening over the last several days and by the way, the vehicle passed inspection. I wanted to reach out as this is definitely a fire hazard and a huge concern.

NHTSA ID

11753163

Incident

Jul 27, 2026

The engine (2016 Hyundai Santa Fe 2.0L/2.4L Theta II GDI engine) suffered a catastrophic internal mechanical failure, specifically related to the known connecting rod bearing defect. The vehicle is currently un-driveable and is located at Serra Hyundai in Trussville, AL. The vehicle and its failed engine are available for inspection upon request. The engine suddenly failed and lost all power while driving at highway speeds in active traffic. I was forced to coast a dead vehicle across multiple lanes of traffic to the shoulder without any acceleration capability. Yes. The vehicle experienced a complete failure, cannot be restarted, and is currently parked at an authorized Hyundai dealership The vehicle is currently at an authorized Hyundai dealership awaiting a formal corporate inspection and evaluation for engine replacement approval. It has not been inspected by police or insurance. There were no long-term warning lamps, messages, or symptoms prior to the incident. The vehicle was operating normally until the exact moment of the failure, when the engine suddenly began knocking loudly, lost power, and stalled within seconds.

NHTSA ID

11747757

Incident

May 13, 2026

The vehicle is a 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. It had previously been included in an engine-fire-related recall/service campaign, and Hyundai replaced the engine between approximately October 2024 and January 2025 at about 113,000 miles. About 10,000 miles and 14 months later, the vehicle developed engine/performance problems. A Hyundai dealership service center performed about $6,500 in repairs, including installation of a new transmission, and represented that the engine and transmission had a lifetime guarantee. One day after the vehicle was returned from the dealership, the engine compartment caught fire while the vehicle was being driven. The fire rapidly escalated, the vehicle exploded/burned, and the vehicle was destroyed down to the frame. The occupants escaped, but the incident created an immediate risk of serious injury or death. The failed component appears to involve the engine, engine compartment, fuel/oil/electrical systems, transmission-related repair area, or another drivetrain component. The vehicle remains may be available for inspection depending on insurance/tow/storage status. The vehicle had recently been repaired and inspected by a Hyundai dealership service center. This incident raises concern that the recall-related engine-fire risk, replacement engine, recent dealership repairs, transmission installation, or related components may have failed and created a serious fire hazard.

NHTSA ID

11745727

Incident

May 22, 2026

After driving the vehicle around all day, I parked it and turned it off and then it set on fire.

NHTSA ID

11745648

Incident

Jun 15, 2026

The vehicle stooped running while driving and will not start, available for inspection upon request. The vehicle or component has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure.

NHTSA ID

11743935

Incident

May 23, 2026

The engine powertrain system, specifically the internal engine lubrication, timing chain, and camshaft sensors. The vehicle's Theta II engine suffers from systemic, excessive oil consumption, which starved the engine of lubrication. This caused the timing chain to stretch and mechanically fail, and compromised the camshaft sensors. The vehicle is currently un-repaired and is available for inspection upon request at Hyundai of Downtown LA. While driving, the engine suddenly stalled and completely shut off mid-drive without warning. This caused an immediate loss of motive power and a dangerous reduction in steering and braking control while surrounded by active traffic. Operating a vehicle that randomly shuts down on public roads presents an extreme, life-threatening safety hazard to myself, my passengers, and other drivers. Furthermore, the dealership is attempting to force me to drive the vehicle for an additional 1,000 miles in this stalling, un-repaired condition to complete a corporate oil test, compounding the safety risk. The failure and safety hazard have been physically confirmed and diagnosed by an authorized dealership: Hyundai of Downtown LA (3850 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90037). Their service department mechanically diagnosed the physical failure of the camshaft sensors, a stretched timing chain, and severe engine oil starvation. There were absolutely no dashboard warning lights, check engine lights, low oil pressure lamps, or messages prior to the engine stalling and shutting off. The vehicle computer failed to trigger any diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) or dashboard warnings to alert me to the low oil level or the impending mechanical timing failure before the vehicle completely shut down mid-drive.

NHTSA ID

11740491

Incident

May 27, 2026

The engine seized up and hyundai refused to approve my claim al though i had the extended warranty. Reason for the denial because a recall in 2019 was not performed. I had purchased the vehicle in 2023 used from Rick case honda.

NHTSA ID

11737803

Incident

Apr 20, 2026

My car only has 93,000 miles on it. I was driving home from work and all of a sudden the check engine light came on while I’m on the freeway. I made it home and went to research then all of a suddenly the check engine light would just start flashing. I got it checked by a mechanic. They said that there was metal shavings in the oil which I have no clue how that would happen and that there was a code for knocking.

NHTSA ID

11735585

Incident

Apr 27, 2026

Connecting rod bearing failure, stated a recall was active but it hadn't been assigned to my vehicle. Vehicle went into engine failiure and does not have appropriate measures to prevent engine failiure. No warning messages prior to engine failiure.

NHTSA ID

11730270

Incident

Feb 19, 2026

While driving the vehicle at approximately at 55 MPH on a the 826, the engine suffered a sudden and catastrophic mechanical failure without warning. The vehicle lost all motive power in active traffic, creating an immediate safety hazard and nearly resulting in a rear-end collision. Upon inspection, it was determined that the engine assembly, which is a replacement unit provided by Hyundai under the Theta II Settlement, with less than 12,000 miles, suffered an internal breach. This breach allowed coolant to contaminate the lubrication system sort of a milky oil, which led to a connecting rod bearing seizure. Despite this being a repeat failure of a safety-recall component and the vehicle being covered under the Theta II Settlement Lifetime Warranty, Hyundai Motor America has denied the repair claim. I am reporting this as a safety defect because the sudden engine stall resulted in a loss of power-assisted steering and braking while the vehicle was in motion.

NHTSA ID

11726371

Incident

Jan 30, 2026

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and running, there was an abnormal fuel odor inside the vehicle. The contact exited the vehicle and inspected it. The hood was opened, and the engine cover was removed, and there was condensation dripping from the fuel pump. The contact’s brother inspected the vehicle and became aware of the strong fuel odor and the condensation dripping from the high-pressure fuel pump. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the high-pressure fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID

11723852

Incident

Mar 9, 2026

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 options. An independent mechanic confirmed and reproduced the issue. The car is unsafe to drive. The dealer will not inspect my component in a reasonable time frame, much less repair it despite the fact that it is covered under extended warranty. The car was driving normally prior to the issue, and I did not notice any problems until the engine light started blinking. I have the car available for inspection.

NHTSA ID

11718660

Incident

Feb 15, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID

11716330

Incident

Feb 6, 2026

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 submitted a complaint regarding the failure in January of 2024. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The failure mileage was approximately 132,000.

NHTSA ID

11714583

Incident

Jan 14, 2026

Mileage

132,000 mi

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

NHTSA ID

11713385

Incident

Jan 26, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID

11702863

Incident

Nov 26, 2025

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 extended warranty on the engines. They make it so that it's not that easy to just search and see there is a recall, but there is. My car has been at the Hyundai dealership since 9/4/25. So, yes it has been inspected by the manufacturer, and they confirmed that the diagnostic came back as positive for the recall. Yes, my check engine light would come on and off starting the end of 2024. Starting in April of 2025 I started having smoke come out of my exhaust and oil burning in days. All the while I have no puddle of oil underneath my car. I took it into Hyundai at that point, and they told me until my engine light was flashing and my car had stopped, they wouldn't be able to do anything in regard to the engine. Now my car has been there, I've provided service receipts that show proof of regular maintenance, I have the KSDS system installed, and they are denying my claim to replace my engine.

NHTSA ID

11702862

Incident

Sep 3, 2025

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 miles, and I have never had an issue with it until now.

NHTSA ID

11701572

Incident

Nov 22, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID

11700734

Incident

Nov 19, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID

11699995

Incident

Sep 27, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID

11699044

Incident

Sep 28, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID

11689581

Incident

Jan 18, 2022

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.

NHTSA ID

11685988

Incident

Sep 7, 2025

Mileage

130,000 mi

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.

NHTSA ID

11685395

Incident

Sep 1, 2025