2016 Hyundai Santa Fe problems
What owners report to NHTSA, grouped by component, with the recalls that cover them.
NHTSA has 236 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe, filed between 2015-10-05 and 2026-09-04. The most common problem areas are the engine (151, 64%), power train (21, 9%) and electrical system (11, 5%). Owners reported 6 crashes, 2 fires and 6 injuries in these complaints. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for this model year.
Last updated: · Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases
2016 Hyundai Santa Fe complaints by component
| Component | Complaints | Share | Crashes | Fires | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 151 | 64% | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| Unknown or other | 25 | 11% | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Power train | 21 | 9% | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Electrical system | 11 | 5% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Air bags | 9 | 4% | 3 | 0 | 1 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 9 | 4% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 8 | 3% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Seat belts | 8 | 3% | 2 | 0 | 4 |
| Service brakes | 8 | 3% | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Structure | 6 | 3% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 5 | 2% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 4 | 2% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Back over prevention | 3 | 1% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Seats | 3 | 1% | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Steering | 3 | 1% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint can name several components, so shares can add up to more than 100%. Crashes, fires and injuries are as reported by owners.
The top problem areas, in plain English
Each summary is built from the complaint counts and NHTSA recall notices, not from individual owner stories.
Engine: 151 complaints
- 151 complaints of 236 (64%) name the engine.
- 11 of them also name the power train; owners reported 1 crash and 2 fires in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe covers this system.
Power train: 21 complaints
- 21 complaints of 236 (9%) name the power train — the transmission, transfer case, driveshafts and axles.
- 11 of them also name the engine; owners reported 1 injury in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe covers this system.
Electrical system: 11 complaints
- 11 complaints of 236 (5%) name the electrical system — wiring, battery and charging, fuses, control modules and in-car electronics.
- 4 of them also name the engine; none of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe covers this system.
Air bags: 9 complaints
- 9 complaints of 236 (4%) name the air bags — frontal, side and curtain air bags, their crash sensors and control module.
- 2 of them also name the unknown or other; owners reported 3 crashes and 1 injury in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe covers this system.
Service brakes, hydraulic: 9 complaints
- 9 complaints of 236 (4%) name the service brakes, hydraulic — the hydraulic foot-brake system: pads, rotors, calipers, lines and ABS.
- None of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe; the recall, campaign 22V056000, says: “The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module could malfunction and cause an electrical short, which could result in an engine compartment fire.”
Fuel/propulsion system: 8 complaints
- 8 complaints of 236 (3%) name the fuel/propulsion system — the fuel tank, pump, lines, injectors and fuel-system controls.
- 3 of them also name the engine; none of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe covers this system.
When the complaints were filed
| Year filed | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2015 | 3 |
| 2016 | 10 |
| 2017 | 6 |
| 2018 | 8 |
| 2019 | 13 |
| 2020 | 13 |
| 2021 | 28 |
| 2022 | 36 |
| 2023 | 57 |
| 2024 | 47 |
| 2025 | 8 |
| 2026 | 7 |
What is counted
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the model names SANTA FE, model year 2016. Complaints are unverified owner reports; a recall is NHTSA's confirmed safety defect. See the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe recalls.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe's most common problem areas are the engine (151 of 236 complaints), power train (21 of 236 complaints) and electrical system (11 of 236 complaints).
How many complaints does the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe have?
NHTSA has 236 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe, including 6 reported crashes and 2 reported fires.
Is there a recall for the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe's problems?
NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe; 1 of the top 6 complaint areas have a matching recall. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN for open recalls.