VehicleVerdict

2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

The 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport carries two red flags at once: 84 consumer complaints filed with NHTSA and an open NHTSA defect investigation (subject: Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires). It is one of the Santa Fe Sport years to avoid.

The trouble concentrates in one system: engine issues account for 50% of all reports (42 of 84), far ahead of other at 13. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

84

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

2

Investigations · 1 open

3

Crash-involved

19

Fires reported

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2016 compare to other Santa Fe Sport years?

Santa Fe Sport NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted456 complaints2013: 239 complaints2014: 216 complaints2015: 104 complaints2016: 84 complaints2017: 456 complaints2018: 406 complaints
Santa Fe Sport NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Santa Fe Sport years to avoid →

What are the most common 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine4250%
Other1315%
Brakes67%
Electrical System67%
Fuel System45%
Airbags34%
Transmission34%
Body & Structure22%
Seat Belts11%
Steering11%
Suspension11%
Visibility & Wipers11%
Lighting11%

Does the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

17V358000Latches & LocksJune 5, 2017 · 437,400 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

If the hood is not securely closed or the primary latch is inadvertently released and the secondary latch is not engaged, the hood could unexpectedly open while driving, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

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.

Open NHTSA investigations

AQ23002

Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando. The Part 573 Recall Reports contain varying defect descriptions and differing remedy descriptions for the same or similar equipment supplied by Mando. Safety recalls included in this Audit Query (AQ) review include: Hyundai recalls 20V-520, 20V-543, 21V-161, 21V-160, 21V-303, 22V-056, 22V-810, and 23V-651. Kia recalls 16V-815, 20V-518, 20V-519, 21V-137, 21V-331, 22V-051, 22V-800, and 23V-652 The purpose of this AQ is to evaluate the timeliness and scoping of Hyundai and Kia’s defect decision making and adherence with reporting requirements; and understand the varying defect descriptions and remedies between these recalls.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · February 6, 2026 · fire

“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. FROM THE INITIAL REPORT FROM THE FIRE DEPARTMENT THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE WAS A…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · September 7, 2020 · fire

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · February 6, 2026 · fire

“As we were driving down the interstate we began to see smoke coming out our vents and after a few seconds saw flames coming from the passenger side of car. We quickly tried to pull over but brakes weren’t working. Safely pulled into grass median. Luckily we were able to quickly exit through the…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · June 22, 2025

“This Hyundai had the motor replaced with a Hyundai recall... they did not replace the one-time use fuel line that HAS to be replaced when removed. Started leaking fuel out of that line. while I was driving the fuel from the line caught the exhaust on fire and within seconds had flames engulf the…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · February 28, 2023 · fire

2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport — common questions

Is the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 84 complaints put the 2016 model at #6 of 6 Santa Fe Sport years, and a defect investigation remains open. It is one of the Santa Fe Sport years to avoid.

What are the most common 2016 Santa Fe Sport problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (42 complaints), other (13 complaints), brakes (6 complaints).

Does the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport under NHTSA investigation?

Yes — an investigation remains open (Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires). An open ODI action means NHTSA is actively assessing a possible defect.

Which Hyundai Santa Fe Sport years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Santa Fe Sport years to avoid are 2017, 2018, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016.

How safe is the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.