2016 Hyundai Santa Fe problems and complaints
Owners have filed 236 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe. The most-reported areas: Engine (151), Unknown Or Other (25), Power Train (21).
Key takeaways
- 236 owner complaints on file with NHTSA.
- 6 involve a crash, 2 a fire, 6 reported injuries.
- Complaints are unverified owner reports; recalls are confirmed defects.
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 151 | 64% |
| Unknown Or Other | 25 | 11% |
| Power Train | 21 | 9% |
| Service Brakes | 17 | 7% |
| Electrical System | 11 | 5% |
| Hydraulic | 9 | 4% |
| Air Bags | 9 | 4% |
| Seat Belts | 8 | 3% |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 8 | 3% |
| Structure | 6 | 3% |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 5 | 2% |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 4 | 2% |
One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV AWD | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated |
| 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV FWD | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated |
Latest complaints, as filed
Owner-written and unverified by NHTSA.
Power Train,engine - filed 2026-09-04
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 f...
Engine - filed 2026-06-11
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 t...
Engine - filed 2026-06-06
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 ...
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More for the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe
Complaints are reports filed by owners with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. NHTSA publishes them without verifying them, and counts rise with how many cars were sold, so compare years of the same model rather than different models. Crash ratings are NHTSA's own 5-Star Safety Ratings results.