CarRecallWatchThe 2016 Hyundai Santa FE has 3 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 236 complaints with NHTSA, including 6 crashes, 2 fires, 6 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Engine (151 reports).
2016 Hyundai Santa FE recalls
ABS Module Short Can Cause Engine Compartment Fire
The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module in certain Hyundai Tucson and Santa Fe vehicles can malfunction and cause an electrical short.
Hood May Pop Open While Driving, Risking a Crash
The secondary hood latch cable can corrode and bind, so the secondary latch may stay unlatched even when the hood looks closed.
Unbuckled-Seat-Belt Warning May Not Sound
Some front seat belt buckle wires can be damaged by the seat height adjuster mechanism.
Most common 2016 Hyundai Santa FE problems
Problem areas named in the 236 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Engine | 151 |
| Unknown Or Other | 25 |
| Power Train | 21 |
| Electrical System | 11 |
| Air Bags | 9 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 9 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 8 |
| Seat Belts | 8 |
| Service Brakes | 8 |
| Structure | 6 |
What owners report
1. Component/System Failure & Availability: The failed component is the engine's internal Camshaft Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) phaser backing bolt within the 3.3L V6 engine assembly. An internal factory bolt unthreaded, backed out, and physically pierced directly through the upper valve cover. The vehicle and intact failed engine are currently located at an authorized Hyundai dealership service center in [XXX], and remain fully available for immediate physical inspection by federal investigators upon request. 2. Safety Risk: An internal engine bolt unthreading and puncturing through the valve cover creates an extreme safety hazard. A high-velocity metal bolt piercing the engine casing cause
WHAT FAILED: The engine â the 3.3L Lambda II GDI V6 (engine family GHYXV03.31XE per the federal emissions label) â failed catastrophically: a connecting rod penetrated the engine block. The failed engine IS available for inspection on request. It has been preserved unrepaired since the failure, the rod penetration of the block is externally visible, and the vehicle is currently at Niagara Hyundai in New York. WHAT HAPPENED / SAFETY RISK: On [XXX], I was driving at approximately 65 miles per hour on [XXX] southbound near Bath, New York, with four occupants aboard, when the engine failed suddenly and without warning â no warning lamps, messages, or symptoms preceded it. The vehicle immed
I filed a complaint when the first engine seized. It's a miracle we got off the road safely that day. While it was at the dealership, the engine was replaced with a used engine and covered by my extended warranty from Vroom. I believe the cost was approximately $14,000. I was told the engine had around 30,000 miles on it. I've put around 20,000 miles on this engine and the same thing happened again. This time, the engine had been knocking for a few months. When it started knocking, I took it to the dealership because the new extended warranty by Hyundai was in effect and I assumed it would be covered. Immediately, Autonation Hyundai in Savannah, GA said it would not be covered because it was
Purchased a used Santa Fe in January 2026 with 129k mile and at 131k my vehicle's CEL came on and did not function properly while operating. While driving the vehicle failed to accelerate above 25 mph when I pushed the gas. I pulled over to get out of the way of traffic and avoid any accidents. I shut the car off and sat for several minutes before restarting my vehicle. It successfully restarted and I drove home and parked it. I ran CEL diagnostic and received the code P0021. I had the vehicle towed to the local Hyundai dealer and they also pulled the same code and indicated I have an oil consumption issue explained as follows "Timing over advanced. Timing components driven by oil pre
Rod bearing failure while driving, engine made a clanking noise. Engine made a loud bang and shut off. It was difficult for the driver to get control of the vehicle and get it to the side of the road. Engine threw the rod and piston through the oil pan causing catastrophic internal damage. The oil had been changed the day prior. The company that changed the oil sent an inspector to evaluate car at the scene. He stated this is a known problem with this engine. He pulled up pictures of other cars that had the same problem, also took pictures of the car oil pan and compared the pictures, they were exactly the same. Car was towed to Hyundai dealership that is refusing to replace the engine
2016 Hyundai Santa FE questions
Does the 2016 Hyundai Santa FE have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls for the 2016 Hyundai Santa FE: ABS Module Short Can Cause Engine Compartment Fire; Hood May Pop Open While Driving, Risking a Crash; Unbuckled-Seat-Belt Warning May Not Sound. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Hyundai Santa FE?
Based on 236 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Engine (151), Unknown Or Other (25), Power Train (21).
How do I check if a recall on my 2016 Hyundai Santa FE has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.