NHTSA (USA)CriticalPark Outside
At a glance
What can fail
The Anti-Lock Brake System module can malfunction and cause an electrical short in the engine compartment, potentially leading to a fire.
What the fix does
This page covers 3 recalls, 232 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe.
20–21 mpg combined
11.2–11.8 L/100km
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 2 tested variants for this model year.
Engine complaints dominate the 2016 Santa Fe's complaint record by a wide margin, with the vast majority of reports describing sudden and often catastrophic engine failure. Owners frequently report a knocking or clanking noise that develops with little or no prior warning, sometimes preceded by a brief rattling sound at startup that owners initially dismiss. From there, many describe the engine losing power abruptly or shutting off entirely while driving, in some cases accompanied by smoke. Connecting rod bearing failure and rod or piston damage to the oil pan appear repeatedly in these accounts. Oil consumption is a related thread, several owners note the engine was running low on oil despite no warning light triggering. Powertrain complaints are a distant second, with some overlap around the engine-loss-of-power symptom. The knocking onset at highway speeds with no dashboard warning beforehand is a pattern that shows up consistently across these reports.
232
Total Complaints
5
Crash-Related
2
Fire-Related
5
With Injuries
By System
The 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe has 3 recalls, the most serious being an ABS module that can develop an electrical short and start an engine compartment fire, whether the vehicle is parked or in motion.
The hood latch presents another safety concern: a corroding and binding secondary latch cable can leave the secondary latch disengaged when the hood appears closed. If the primary latch is then accidentally tripped, the hood can fly open while driving and block the driver's view. The third recall involves the front seatbelt warning system, where wiring in the buckle harness can be damaged by the seat height adjuster mechanism. When that wiring fails, the audible reminder that alerts front occupants to an unfastened belt stops working, removing a cue that many drivers and passengers rely on before pulling away.
At a glance
What can fail
The Anti-Lock Brake System module can malfunction and cause an electrical short in the engine compartment, potentially leading to a fire.
What the fix does
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Dealers will replace the ABS multi-fuse as needed at no cost to restore proper brake system function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The secondary hood latch cable can corrode and stick, leaving the secondary hood latch unlatched even when the hood is closed.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the secondary latch cable at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The wires in the front seat belt buckle may be damaged by the seat height adjuster, preventing the audible warning from sounding when front seat occupants don't fasten their seat belts.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and reroute the wires in the front seat belt buckle harnesses to their proper locations as needed, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.