general problems of the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe

33 problems related to equipment have been reported for the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe based on all problems reported for the 2016 Santa Fe.

1 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 02/16/2026

The motor began to making a knocking noise and started smoking like a fire was starting. We immediately turned off the vehicle preventing from a full fledge fire. We had children in the car as well which posed a safety concern for them. We had no prior warning lights or issues. It has yet to be inspected by anyone.

2 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 01/26/2026

The sunroof glass suddenly shattered while driving slowly into a parking lot.

3 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 09/28/2025

My 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe sport (156,880 miles) suddenly shut down and went into limp mode due to code p1326, which is part of the ksds safety recall. Hyundai and the dealership refused to perform the recall-required engine inspection because of mileage. This violates safety recall rules. The sudden loss of power creates a dangerous driving situation. I am requesting NHTSA assistance in enforcing the safety recall remedy.

4 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 08/08/2025

Dear NHTSA, I'm reporting a recurring safety issue with my vehicle's door latches. All four doors have, at different times, become completely stuck—unable to open from inside or outside. This creates a serious risk, especially in emergencies where quick exit is critical.

5 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 06/11/2025

Subject: engine failure due to bearing defect – no ksds recall notification vehicle: 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe sport VIN: [xxx] date of purchase: April 2016 complaint summary: I am filing this complaint regarding my 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe sport, which experienced catastrophic engine failure due to the known theta ii gdi engine bearing defect. Hyundai has an active class action settlement covering this defect, which requires owners to install the knock sensor detection system (ksds) update to be eligible for free repairs or the lifetime warranty. Despite owning my vehicle since April 2016 and holding clear title in my name for over 6 years, I never received any notice or communication about this required software update. Hyundai’s records still list the prior owner, hertz, even though I have maintained valid registration and insurance in my name since the purchase. This lack of notice prevented me from having the ksds update installed before the engine failed. I understand this defect does not show as an open safety recall on the NHTSA database because Hyundai classified it as a product improvement campaign under the class action settlement. This does not change the fact that it is a known safety hazard and Hyundai failed to properly notify me, which denied me the chance to protect myself and my vehicle. I believe this is a major safety concern because the engine can stall or catch fire without warning. I am requesting that NHTSA hold Hyundai accountable for failing to properly notify current owners and ensure compliance with the class action settlement. Desired resolution: require Hyundai to honor the warranty and cover my engine replacement in full. Investigate whether Hyundai is failing to properly notify owners about this critical software update. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

6 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 08/03/2024

The door on the drivers side does not lock. It appears that something came out of place causing the door to remain unlocked even with the use of the fab. The car is not drivable because the door swings open. It has happened in a few occasions where the lock appears to get stuck but was always fixable. On this occasion it was not. Thankfully, I was parked when this occurred.

7 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 06/30/2024

Vehicle was driven on a highway approximately 45-50 mph when a loud knocking sound occured. The vehicle began to shake erratically and a bunch of lights displayed. I pulled over at a safety point and turned the vehicle off to inspect it. A large amount of smoke poured from under the hood. The vehicle sat for about 45 minutes to cool down before I attempted to start it again. The engine continued to make a loud knocking sound and kept stalling. At the given time of engine failure, I was driving on a fairly busy highway with my two toddlers where we were forced in a dangerous situation to be struck by a vehicle. Hours later, I went back to start the vehicle where I was able to get it started and drive approximately 15 mph to a safer area for the vehicle to be parked. The vehicle has been at the Hyundai bowser chippewa location in beaver falls, PA. I was denied for any assistance through Hyundai and the bbb-Hyundai due to 3 open recalls, mainly the engine knock system not being updated. All issues and diagnostics were conducted at the dealership where the vehicle is being stored. No police report has been filed, nor was an insurance claim conducted. No lights or warnings came about until the engine started to noticably fail. I didn't receive any notifications from Hyundai regarding recalls, and nothing is displayed on the NHTSA site.

8 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 02/09/2024

In may 2023, I booked an appointment to get the software update for the immobilizer issue on my Hyundai Santa Fe sport 2016. Issue resolved. In February 2024, the vehicle was vandalized in a driveway but was not stolen. However the alarm did not trigger unless it was 'tripped. ' why???? today it is March 15, 2024 and vehicle is still at collision shop getting everything repaired.

9 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 11/15/2023

The company has stopped supporting their bluelink function that is causing the screen to do a continuous search for a connection and remaining blank so the controls and cameras are not visible. The company has sent out patches for some models as the old service was on 2g and 3g which are discontinued but they are not sending an update for my vehicle. I have engaged the dealer and they say they've had numerous complaints on this matter with no fix available. This is an absolute safety hazard and needs to be addressed. Please help me; I am an 83 year old veteran and should not have to buy a new car to be safe!.

10 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 10/01/2023

Engine caught fire while driving. Vehicle is a total loss as fire department did not arrive for 20 min. Currently at a copart yard in gainesville, GA. Lucky I was on a rural road and my dog and I were able to get out of car. Only injury is cough that has not gone away after 4 weeks. No warning lights, but did smell what seemed like burning brake fluid prior to fire. Both Hyundai and farmers insurance have inspected the car. Of note is that Hyundai replaced the engine at around 60k miles due to engine oiling issues.

11 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 09/25/2023

Oil burns through engine oil light doesn’t work when I need an oil change. So I’m having to put 4 quarts of oil in myself every week need towing as I’m unable to drive because I don’t want to take a risk of engine blowing up.

12 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 02/18/2023

In three separate occasions this month, my car has cut off on me on a major highway. Also one of those times when this happened I almost got into a car accident.

13 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 10/18/2022

I was driving and all of a sudden my car quit sounded like a belt broke so I coasted to thackers repair and he told me a rod went right through the side of the engine so I would need a new engine. I had my oil changed every 3000 miles there was no reason for this, and I did not receive any recalls.

14 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 01/18/2022

Hyundai replaced engine at 69280 miles because of metal particles left in engine during manufacturing. Hyundai did not replace the turbo,that had the same oil running thru it as the engine. The tubro failed 15,080 miles later,lost all power . Car would not go over 40mph. ,lucky to get car off the road.

15 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 11/01/2021

After crossing 90,000 miles the vehicle started to consume too much oil too quickly. After a professional analysis the mechanics found no problem. Going on 112,000 miles now and the vehicle is going through and/or burning oil much more rapidly than what one would expect.

16 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 10/18/2021

I was driving and all of a sudden heard a rough rattling sound coming from the engine. Hyundai didn’t have time for me, so I had it towed to a local mechanic. Diagnostic: timing chain done but also knocking of the engine. Oil consumption causing this and new engine required. Had it towed to Hyundai a couple weeks later. Same diagnoses- new engine required for engine knocking and failure of internal timing components. Hyundai confirmed the engine oil consumption is bad.

17 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 10/01/2021

The clockspring of Hyundai steering wheels does not work and goes bad. This is a known problem within Hyundais. A bad clock spring leaves without cruise control, a functioning horn, or most importantly, a functioning airbag. You would be unable to alert an inattentive driver and the airbag may not deploy in the event of a collision problem is confirmed by dealership. No warning lamps or messages occur from the issue. You only know when your buttons or horns don't work.

18 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 08/07/2021

Recently I viewed a low oil light on the dash board, turned motor off waited 30 min checked oil the level it was correct, called the local Hyundai dealer (miami lakes Hyundai) they told me since I was the 2nd owner my vehicle has 60 months factory warranty and my car has 70 months since purchased, I asked if there was an engine recall they said no for that model year, sorry. I took my vehicle to an independent auto shop they concluded that at 180 degrees fahrenheit engine running temperature I had between 8 to 9 lbs. Of oil pressure at idle and that it should be a least 25 lbs. The auto shop informed me that the cause was excessive bearing wear that was causing my low oil pressure light. I found that to be very implausible because of the low mileage 42000 miles with oil services done every (3000) miles not 4000 or 5000 miles as recommended by the factory specs, the shop also told me that 2. 4 ltr. Had that defect so did a little searching and found Hyundai 2. 4 ltr. Theta engine with a massive recall except my model year. Hoping someone in NHTSA can point me in the right direction.

19 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 05/18/2021

The abs, traction control, and another light are illuminated. Upon investigating online this is a known issue with these cars. No recall has been issued. My car is available for inspection.

20 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 09/19/2020

The problem with my purchased Hyundai is that it's not giving a warning message for the oil or over heating. The engine continues to gather a lot of gunk. Also, there is a recall on these specific models and I was notified by a class action law suit. Hyundaithetaenginesettlement. Com. The car has a chance of exploding. I did not agree with the terms of the class action suit. It was only offering compensation if I was already injured, or having to commit conspiracy with a crime of lemon law and consumer rights, and possible murder. These SUV's were built in 2016 and had enough time to be taken off the market. I purchased my vehicle last year 2020.

21 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 09/07/2020

Vehicle caught fire spontaneously at a parking lot. Car was just serviced and inspected a month prior at the Hyundai dealer where I purchased it and had no problems reported. Car was parked at the time of the incident. From the initial report from the fire department the cause of the fire was a mechanical issue. The vehicle was a total loss.

22 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 08/23/2020

When coming to a stop with the brakes applied, the rpms jump to 4,000 and the vehicle surges forward. The vehicle stopped after putting it in neutral. This happened on 8/23/20 and other times. Dealer could not replicate and denied any knowledge of the problem.

23 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 10/25/2019

Engine gone bad and needs replaced. While driving lost power, later to find from dealership that engine was no longer good. This though vehicle is 3 years old. Was later told that engine had recall which I was never made aware.

24 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 05/25/2019

The vehicle lacks acceleration suddenly and the rom goes up really high when on a highway creating a dangerous situation as I am pressing in the gas and am not not getting a response. This seems to be a problems with many Santa Fe's and the dealer shrugged it off and proposed we clean the fuel system and throttle body, which I did with no result. The vehicle is so dangerous that my wife almost got into an accident with a truck due to to the vehicle lacking acceleration and suddenly slowing down on a 65 mph highway.

25 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 03/11/2019

The car was at a complete stop in a driveway. The car was still running because I was getting out of the car to get the mail. I put the car in park and went to get out of the vehicle. As I got out the vehicle started going in reverse and pulled me underneath the car and the vehicle ran over me. I'm not sure if the transmission slipped out of park to reverse on its own or if the shifter wasn't actually placed in park. I thought the vehicle could sense if no one was in the drivers seat and automatically put the car into park or neutral. The heated seats and airbag won't turn on unless it sense weight in the seat.

26 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 11/12/2018

This vehicle has a surging issue. When I come to a complete stop it acts like it's going to die. Took it to dealer and it continues to perform the same. Not pleased .

27 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 08/11/2018

While driving on a smooth highway, the sunroof exploded out of the car. If the sunscreen had been open, my wife and I would have been cut to pieces by the flying glass.

28 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 07/23/2018

Takata recall airbag light on and my SUV has been in 0 aciddents, the ac air states it's on but doesn't blow any air at all! it only has 69640k miles, knocking sound when I am on park or have the brake on while at red light or stop sign!.

29 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 02/04/2018

The sunroof exploded. I was driving and heard a loud noise that seemed to come from above. My kids were buckled in the back seats and my son asked me "what was that daddy"? he then looked up and noticed piercings in the underneath sheath that leads to the sunroof view. It could not roll back fully. There was also moisture appearing thru the sheath of the roof. When I got home and got my wife and kids out. I looked and noticed a gaping hole in the roof. I then realized the back panel was completely shattered with glass wedged on the sheath. Which is a good thing because the glass could have dropped on my kids. My wife and I had to cover it up with cardboard and black bags while in the rain. I am going back to star Hyundai dealers to report the problem as it's Sunday 2/4 and they are closed.

30 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 09/26/2017

I have a 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe sport. � over the last 3 months I've had 2 occasions (both on highways) when the engine shut off while driving. The latest occurred this morning (9/26/2017) during rush hour. � I was fortunate in that I had enough momentum to navigate the dead car across a lane of traffic to the side. � on both occasion, I was able to turn the key to the start position, put the car in park and start it up, like nothing had occurred. ��� since the last occurance I have submitted a case with Hyundai and have taken the car into a local dealership to look into the issue. The dealership could not reproduce the issue. That was on 9/28. Outside of an email stating they would be reaching back ojt to me, I haven't heard anything. The car has less than 32k miles, so this is an issue.

31 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 02/28/2017

The suspension in my car is so rough riding that no one wants to ride in the car any more. When I brake, especially if it is suddenly, everyone slams or jerks forward; when I go over speed bumps, even gently, everyone jerks around. It's awful.

32 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 01/23/2017

Driving alone on highway, sunroof spontaneously exploded. I was driving roughly 100 km / he. There was nothing overhead or vehicles ahead that would cause something to break it. The incident was extremely loud, all the glass feel over me causing a huge safety concern as it was at highway speeds. The sunroof is a panoramic so it was a huge amount of glass. Hyundai was notified numerous times. They would not acknowledge this had happened before, insisted something hit it. Hyundai also would not cover the cost of replacement.

33 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 12/09/2015

The panoramic sunroof spontaneously shattered while driving at night on the highway at about 70mph - the sound was like a gunshot inside the car - this is a Santa Fe sport 2016 model that I bought on July 5 2015.


Other Equipment related problems of the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe


Santa Fe Service Bulletins
Santa Fe Safety Recalls
Santa Fe Defect Investigations