2016 HYUNDAI Santa Fe Sport Problems

Complaints Reported

Complaints by Component

ENGINE

21 complaints

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.

Dec 03, 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.

Nov 25, 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.

Nov 17, 2025

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.

Sep 09, 2025

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 I did not complete the recall that was activated on the 10th of January 2019, they denied the warranty and now my car is worthless. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Aug 22, 2025

+ 16 more complaints for this component

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

6 complaints

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.

Nov 12, 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.

Sep 24, 2025

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.

Aug 08, 2025

THE VEHICLE LACKS ACCELERATION SUDDENLY AND THE ROM GOES UP REALLY HIGH WHEN ON A HIGHWAY CREATING A DANGEROUS SITUATION AS I AM PRESSING IN THE GAS AND AM NOT NOT GETTING A RESPONSE. THIS SEEMS TO BE A PROBLEMS WITH MANY SANTA FE'S AND THE DEALER SHRUGGED IT OFF AND PROPOSED WE CLEAN THE FUEL SYSTEM AND THROTTLE BODY, WHICH I DID WITH NO RESULT. THE VEHICLE IS SO DANGEROUS THAT MY WIFE ALMOST GOT INTO AN ACCIDENT WITH A TRUCK DUE TO TO THE VEHICLE LACKING ACCELERATION AND SUDDENLY SLOWING DOWN ON A 65 MPH HIGHWAY.

Jun 02, 2019

THIS VEHICLE HAS A SURGING ISSUE. WHEN I COME TO A COMPLETE STOP IT ACTS LIKE IT'S GOING TO DIE. TOOK IT TO DEALER AND IT CONTINUES TO PERFORM THE SAME. NOT PLEASED .

Mar 03, 2019

+ 1 more complaint for this component

AIR BAGS

3 complaints

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.

Sep 01, 2025

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

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.

Apr 14, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2016 HYUNDAI SANTA FE SPORT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND ALL THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING OR IMPACT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE CONTACT CALLED WORLD HYUNDAI MATTESON AT 866-486-2915 (5337 MILLER CIR DRIVE, MATTESON, IL 60443) AND WAS ADVISED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FROM WHERE IT WAS PURCHASED. INSTEAD, THE CONTACT CALLED THE INSURANCE COMPANY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A BODY SHOP WHERE IT WAS DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CALLED, BUT DID NOT RETURN THE CONTACT'S PHONE CALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 52,000.

Apr 25, 2018

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

3 complaints

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.

Jul 07, 2025

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V056000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that he had noticed a slight burning odor while driving the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 93,500. Parts distribution disconnect.

Feb 01, 2023

The contact's daughter owns a 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated while she was driving at approximately 4 MPH, the ABS, Stabili-trak, battery, and TPMS warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was driving normally. The contact stated that the warning lights remained illuminated every time the vehicle was started. The contact stated that after the tire pressure fell below 23 PSI, the warning lights would turn off. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V056000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 63,000.

Oct 21, 2022

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

2 complaints

See attached document for complaint.

May 06, 2025

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The driver was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who advised that the vehicle be taken to the dealer. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, who determined that premature bearing wear had resulted in damage to the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V226000 (Engine and Engine Cooling), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 141,000.

Apr 15, 2024

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE

2 complaints

Engine caught fire while driving. Vehicle is a total loss as fire department did not arrive for 20 min. Currently at a Copart yard in Gainesville, ga. Lucky I was on a rural road and my dog and I were able to get out of car. Only injury is cough that has not gone away after 4 weeks. No warning lights, but did smell what seemed like burning brake fluid prior to fire. Both Hyundai and Farmers insurance have inspected the car. Of note is that Hyundai replaced the engine at around 60k miles due to engine oiling issues.

Oct 27, 2023

Fire: 1

Injuries: 1

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 MECHANICAL ISSUE. THE VEHICLE WAS A TOTAL LOSS.

Sep 17, 2020

Fire: 1

EXTERIOR LIGHTING,SEAT BELTS,ENGINE

1 complaint

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.

Dec 03, 2025

Fire: 1

POWER TRAIN

1 complaint

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.

Nov 21, 2025

STRUCTURE

1 complaint

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.

Sep 05, 2025

Crash: 1

STEERING,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

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)

Jul 24, 2025

SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

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)

Jul 23, 2025

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE

1 complaint

Subject: Engine Failure Due to Bearing Defect – No KSDS Recall Notification Vehicle: 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport VIN: [XXX] Date of Purchase: April 2016 Complaint Summary: I am filing this complaint regarding my 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, which experienced catastrophic engine failure due to the known Theta II GDI engine bearing defect. Hyundai has an active class action settlement covering this defect, which requires owners to install the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) update to be eligible for free repairs or the lifetime warranty. Despite owning my vehicle since April 2016 and holding clear title in my name for over 6 years, I never received any notice or communication about this required software update. Hyundai’s records still list the prior owner, Hertz, even though I have maintained valid registration and insurance in my name since the purchase. This lack of notice prevented me from having the KSDS update installed before the engine failed. I understand this defect does not show as an open safety recall on the NHTSA database because Hyundai classified it as a Product Improvement Campaign under the class action settlement. This does not change the fact that it is a known safety hazard and Hyundai failed to properly notify me, which denied me the chance to protect myself and my vehicle. I believe this is a major safety concern because the engine can stall or catch fire without warning. I am requesting that NHTSA hold Hyundai accountable for failing to properly notify current owners and ensure compliance with the class action settlement. Desired Resolution: Require Hyundai to honor the warranty and cover my engine replacement in full. Investigate whether Hyundai is failing to properly notify owners about this critical software update. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Jul 06, 2025

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE

1 complaint

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 driver door. After about 30 seconds the car was engulfed in flames.

Jul 01, 2025

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE

1 complaint

I need to replace engine block assembly and the following codes P1326 C1207 C1210 C1211 C1206 C1208

Jun 16, 2025

SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE

1 complaint

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that the engine and oil lights illuminated whenever the brake pedal was depressed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the cause of the failure was due to the engine. The dealer informed the contact that the pistons were not covered, and the engine was consuming an excessive amount of oil. The dealer instructed the contact to continue to drive for 1,000 miles and come back to the dealer for an evaluation. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000.

Apr 23, 2025

ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

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 car.

Mar 21, 2023

Fire: 1

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 complaint

The contact's son owns a 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that the vehicle occasionally failed to start. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was jump-started and taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the battery; however, the failure recurred several times. The contact stated that she was able to jump-start the vehicle. The contact also stated that the audio system of the vehicle had failed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the battery and the instrument panel needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 57,698.

Jan 26, 2022

VISIBILITY

1 complaint

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.

Sep 05, 2017

SUSPENSION,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

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.

Aug 06, 2017

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4.7/5.0

26 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

How many problems does the 2016 HYUNDAI Santa Fe Sport have?

The 2016 HYUNDAI Santa Fe Sport currently has 50 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.

What are the most common problems with 2016 HYUNDAI Santa Fe Sport?

The most common problems reported for the 2016 HYUNDAI Santa Fe Sport are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.

Where does this 2016 HYUNDAI Santa Fe Sport problem data come from?

All problem and complaint data for the 2016 HYUNDAI Santa Fe Sport comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.