2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Engine4459.5%
- Electrical68.1%
- Brakes68.1%
- Fuel system45.4%
- Airbags34.1%
- Powertrain (other)34.1%
- Body & structure22.7%
- Exterior lighting11.4%
- Visibility11.4%
- Seat belts11.4%
- Steering11.4%
- Suspension11.4%
- Driver assistance11.4%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
Me and my [XXX] was leaving on a road trip and my vehicles brakes lock up while I was driving. I did not have my brakes applied. The brakes locked up randomly with out applying them. I was only going 35mph. Thankfully we were not at freeway or highway speeds were it could have cause an accident. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40-50 MPH, the ABS warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the contact was informed about a Technical Service Bulletin. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed there was no warranty coverage for the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
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 again. It is a terrifying thought that I could have died due to a car malfunction.
FOR ABOUT A MONTH NOW THE AIRBAG LIGHT HAS STAYED ON WAS NOT IN ANY ACCIDENT AT THE TIME. IT WILL GO OFF OCCASIONALLY BUT ONCE I HIT HIGHWAY SPEEDS IT TURNS BACK ON.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HYUNDAI SANTA FE SPORT. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO KILL A BUG ON THE FRONT WINDSHIELD WITH HIS HAND AND THE ENTIRE WINDSHIELD SHATTERED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BEMIS HYUNDAI IN SYCAMORE, ILLINOIS AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,500.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
My engine seized at approximately 80mph on the interstate [XXX] ). The engine light came on only after I lost power. I only avoided a multiple car accident due to quick reaction and taking an exit ramp. Police came to my stalled vehicle and helped my push it off a major road to a nearby parking lot. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE SUSPENSION IN MY CAR IS SO ROUGH RIDING THAT NO ONE WANTS TO RIDE IN THE CAR ANY MORE. WHEN I BRAKE, ESPECIALLY IF IT IS SUDDENLY, EVERYONE SLAMS OR JERKS FORWARD; WHEN I GO OVER SPEED BUMPS, EVEN GENTLY, EVERYONE JERKS AROUND. IT'S AWFUL.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .