2016 Hyundai Santa Fe recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe and 236 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are engine (151), unknown or other (25), power train (21). EPA-rated fuel economy is 20–21 mpg combined, depending on engine. 1 recall carries a Park It or Park Outside warning.
The 2016 ranks #9 of 14 Santa Fe model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (308). It has 3 recalls vs. an average of 3.5 per model year.
Recalls 3
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Service brakes, hydraulic · antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · control unit/module
Problem: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Santa Fe, 2017-2018 Santa Fe Sport, 2019 Santa Fe XL, and 2014-2015 Tucson vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module could malfunction and cause an electrical short, which could result in an engine compartment fire.
Risk: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS multi-fuse, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 31, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 218.
Latches/locks/linkages · hood · latch
Problem: 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Seat belts · front · warning light/devices
Problem: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Santa Fe vehicles manufactured September 1, 2015 to February 12, 2016. In the affected vehicles, the wires in the front seat belt buckle harnesses may be damaged by the seat's height adjuster mechanism, resulting in a failure to provide an audible warning when front seat occupants do not fasten their seat belts. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Risk: Without a warning to remind the front seat occupants that their seat belts are not buckled, they may forget to buckle their seat belt, increasing their risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and reroute the wires in the front seat belt buckle harnesses to their proper locations, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on April 27, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 141.
Common problems
From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.
Most-reported problem areas
By the numbers
Recent owner reports
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…
WHAT FAILED: The engine — the 3.3L Lambda II GDI V6 (engine family GHYXV03.31XE per the federal emissions label) — 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…
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…
Safety ratings
2016 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV AWD
2016 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV FWD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe.
Santa Fe AWD
Auto (S6) · 6 cyl · 3.3 L
Regular
Santa Fe FWD
Auto (S6) · 6 cyl · 3.3 L
Regular
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe have?
NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe, most recently for service brakes, hydraulic · antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · control unit/module (02/03/2022). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe?
Based on 236 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are engine (151), unknown or other (25), power train (21).
Is the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe safe?
NHTSA hasn't published an overall 5-star rating for the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe. It has 1 recall with a Park It or Park Outside warning, so check your VIN.
Is the 2016 a good year for the Hyundai Santa Fe?
The 2016 ranks #9 of 14 Santa Fe model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (308). It has 3 recalls vs. an average of 3.5 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe get?
EPA ratings for the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe range from 20 to 21 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.
Own a 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe in South Carolina?
Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.
Related vehicles
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved October 21, 2026. NHTSA model names used: SANTA FE, Santa Fe.