2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport recalls and problems

The 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport has 1 safety recall and 72 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Hyundai dealer.

Recalls
1
Complaints
72
Crashes / fires
4 / 11
Injuries / deaths
3 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport recalls

Recall 17V-358: Latches/Locks/Linkages

Reported Jun 5, 2017 · 437,400 vehicles affected · Hyundai Motor America

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.

2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Engine45
Unknown or Other15
Electrical System8
Air Bags4
Fuel/Propulsion System4
Service Brakes, Hydraulic3
Engine and Engine Cooling3
Service Brakes3
Power Train3
Suspension2
Structure2
Visibility1

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 2
  • Visibility › Windshield — 1
  • Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery — 1
  • Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel — 1
  • Lane Departure › Blind Spot Detection — 1
  • Electrical System › Instrument Panel › Speedometer/Odometer — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 83,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Engine · reported Nov 1, 2026
I was driving from Tampa to Wesley chapel Fl I was going about 70 and was pushing a bit then slowed down right away then I was speeding a little back up and my car was dropping to speed by itself I pulled over to the shoulder and it was leaking radiator fluid I was trying to crank it to see if I can make it work then it started smelling bad in the car so I turned it off right away and it was Smokey
Engine · reported Oct 11, 2026
While driving I smelled gasoline then it turned to a burnt smell, engine turned off. Got to side of the road and engine caught fire. Firetrucks and police arrived. Car is totaled entire engine bay was up in flames. Car has been towed.
Electrical System · at 170,395 miles · reported Sep 21, 2026
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the Facebook Marketplace advertisement and odometer reading were 114,841 miles. However, approximately one hour later, it was discovered that the title listed the mileage at 170,395.
Engine · at 111,000 miles · reported Sep 8, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that there was coolant in the engine and that the knock sensor detection system needed to be replaced. The dealer made the contact aware of Manufacturer Campaign Number: 953 and stated that the vehicle was not previously serviced under the campaign, so the vehicle could not be repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was…
Suspension · reported Sep 3, 2026
Was traveling along a city street with parked cars on the passenger side of my vehicle. Axle or wheel broke and veered into parked vehicle severing the engine wiring harness not allowing the airbag to deploy.

Other Hyundai Santa Fe Sport years

Compare all Hyundai Santa Fe Sport years · All Hyundai models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport: 17V-358 (latches/locks/linkages). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport?

Owners report engine problems most often (45 reports), followed by unknown or other (15). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 83,000 miles.

Are Hyundai recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Hyundai dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.