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Hyundai · NHTSA safety record

2016 Hyundai Santa FE

Every safety complaint, recall and defect investigation the US government holds on this vehicle.

Owners have filed 236 safety complaints about the 2016 Hyundai Santa FE with the US government. Of those, 6 describe a crash, 2 mention a fire, 6 people were injured and no death is recorded. 3 recall campaigns are open against it.

The most complained-about system is the engine, named in 151 complaints, 64% of the total. The typical failure was reported at 62,300 miles, the median across the 69 complaints that gave an odometer reading.

Compiled from NHTSA's complaint, recall and investigation files · Covers October 2015 to September 2026 · How this is counted

What is on file

236 complaints on file

236

Complaints

6

Describe a crash

2

Mention fire

6

People injured

0

Deaths

A complaint is an unverified account by the person who filed it, not a finding of fault. One complaint is one ODI number, which is how NHTSA counts them.

Complaints halved year on year: 9 in the twelve months to 2026-Q2, against 22 in the twelve before.

A recall is the manufacturer conceding a defect, and the repair is free. Whether one covers your particular car is a question only its VIN can answer, because a campaign covers a production range rather than a model year. A further 1 defect investigation is open and unresolved.

Which system owners named

Complaints naming each system
ENGINE 151 · 64%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 25 · 11%
POWER TRAIN 21 · 9%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 11 · 5%
AIR BAGS 9 · 4%
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 9 · 4%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 8 · 3%
SEAT BELTS 8 · 3%
SERVICE BRAKES 8 · 3%
STRUCTURE 6 · 3%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 5 · 2%
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 4 · 2%
0 62 123

Red marks a system with a recall campaign against it. One complaint can name several systems, so these add up to more than 236.

When the complaints arrived

By the year NHTSA received them

By the year NHTSA received them, which is not the year the failures happened. They peaked in 2023 at 57.

60 45 30 15
15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

This is the year the complaint was filed, not the year the failure happened. The range runs from 2015 to 2026, the last of them a part year, which is why its column is drawn faint.

Crash test ratings

NHTSA New Car Assessment Program

NHTSA has not crash tested the 2016 Hyundai Santa FE. Its New Car Assessment Program tests a selection of each year's vehicles and does not reach motorcycles, heavy trucks, motorhomes or most low-volume models, so an absence here says nothing about how the vehicle would perform. It is not a low score.

What owners have reported about this vehicle is below, and it is a different question: a crash test measures what happens to the people inside in a controlled impact, while a complaint records what broke during ordinary use.

Recall campaigns

3 on file

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

22V056000 · February 3, 2022

Park outside until repaired

The defect
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.
The risk
An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
The remedy
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.

Hyundai Motor America · up to 357,348 vehicles across all model years covered

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH

17V358000 · June 5, 2017

The defect
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.
The 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.
The remedy
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.

Hyundai Motor America · up to 437,400 vehicles across all model years covered

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WARNING LIGHT/DEVICES

16V145000 · March 10, 2016

The defect
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."
The 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.
The remedy
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.

Hyundai Motor America · up to 34,200 vehicles across all model years covered

Defect investigations

3 on file

An investigation means NHTSA has decided a pattern is worth examining. A preliminary evaluation is often closed with no action; an engineering analysis is the stage that usually precedes a recall.

Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires

AQ23002

Still open audit query · opened November 17, 2023

the hydraulic brakes

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando. The Part 573 Recall Reports contain varying defect descriptions and differing remedy descriptions for the same or similar equipment supplied by Mando. Safety recalls included in this Audit Query (AQ) review include: Hyundai recalls 20V-520, 20V-543, 21V-161, 21V-160, 21V-303, 22V-056, 22V-810, and 23V-651. Kia recalls 16V-815, 20V-518, 20V-519, 21V-137, 21V-331, 22V-051, 22V-800, and 23V-652 The purpose of this AQ is to evaluate the timeliness and scoping of Hyundai and Kia’s defect decision making and adherence with reporting requirements; and understand the varying defect descriptions and remedies between these recalls.

Loss of Motive Power

DP22003

Closed defect petition · opened September 12, 2022 · closed December 12, 2023

the engine

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complaints were provided which alleged that the oil drain pans lack sufficient structural integrity and are susceptible to cracking. The petition itself can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI number 11481745. On September 12, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Defect Petition (DP22-003) to evaluate the Petitioners’ request. The Petitioners have provided additional complaints within four supplemental letters dated January 31, 2023, March 21, 2023, May 23, 2023, and August 4, 2023. ODI’s evaluation included the review and analysis of the complaints and supporting information submitted by the Petitioners, as well as additional complaints submitted directly to NHTSA which referenced either the oil drain plug or a crack in the oil pan. After reviewing the available data, ODI has not identified evidence that would support opening a defect investigation into the oil drain pan assemblies of the subject vehicles. Based on a review of the available information, a loss of motive power resulting from an oil drain plug back out has not occurred between the initial sale of a vehicle and the completion of its first oil change. If during an oil change service, a technician fails to remove the existing drain plug gasket before installing a new gasket, it is likely that a proper seal between the drain plug and the oil pan will not be made. An improper seal between the drain plug and oil pan could lead to the backing out on the drain plug, resulting in the sudden loss of oil while driving. Additionally, the provided examples of oil pan cracks were localized to the immediate vicinity of the oil drain plug and/or appeared to be the result of direct-contact with a tool during servicing.  There is no information to support that a vehicle-based defect exists relating to the oil pan assembly, and instead the documented incidents are related to the failure to follow the proper maintenance procedures during oil change service. In October 2023, Hyundai published a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) that provided detailed instructions for oil change service on its gasoline powered vehicles, specifically highlighting the need to remove and replace the existing drain plug gasket prior to reinstalling the drain plug. After a thorough review of the material submitted by the petitioner, the information already in NHTSA's possession, and the potential risks to motor vehicle safety implicated by the petitioners' allegations, NHTSA does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. Therefore, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA’s reasons for denial of the petition will be published. The reference numbers for the complaints to NHTSA cited by the petitioner can be found in the petition submission documents in the public file for DP22-003. To review those complaints and the additional complaints ODI added to its evaluation which are cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

Throttle control system vulnerabilities

DP21003

Closed defect petition · opened November 12, 2021 · closed June 20, 2023

vehicle speed control

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a petition letter dated October 10, 2021, requesting an investigation of possible defects in the electronic throttle control (ETC) system on certain Kia vehicles resulting in the opening of DP21-003. Accordingly, Model Year (MY) 2005-2016 Kia Optima/K5, MY 2006-2015 Kia Sorento, MY 2007-2016 Hyundai Elantra, MY 2007-2016 Hyundai Santa Fe, MY 2006-2015 Hyundai Sonatas are all part of the subject population. The petition was originally filed as a Vehicle Owner Questionnaire that can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under reference (ODI) number 11439675.On November 12, 2021, ODI opened Defect Petition DP21-003 to evaluate the petitioner?s request. ODI performed trend analyses of the VOQs related to vehicle speed control issues for all the subject vehicles and found that none of the 52 Model/Model Year Hyundai/Kia vehicles demonstrated any actionable trend that warranted an investigation.Petitioners submitted 1119 VOQs and non-VOQ cases in which sudden uncommanded acceleration (SUA) or loss of motive power (LOMP) incidents were alleged.For the 1119 reports, 220 were incidents involving crashes, from which 69 subject Hyundai-Kia vehicles were inspected by Hyundai/Kia dealer technicians, Hyundai/Kia engineers, and/or third-party representatives.ODI found the inspections identified no vehicle defects related to the ETC system.Of the 220 crash-involved reports, 13 Event Data Recorder (EDR) records were downloaded successfully and 11 of those indicated driver error: (i.e.) pedal misapplication.A condition where the accelerator pedal is mistakenly applied instead of the brake pedal when the driver wants to stop the vehicle.In addition, ODI reviewed a scientific journal paper published in Forensic Science International in 2016 by Mr. Park et al ., as well as related test videos. ODI does not believe there is any evidence of uncontrollable SUA occurrences in any of the tests reviewed. NHTSA's Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance (OVSC) reviewed the allegations regarding the potential noncompliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 124.Based on the information provided, the Agency concludes there is insufficient information for us to determine if a possible non-compliance exists.Finally, both Hyundai and Kia informed ODI that all their vehicles manufactured after 2012 were equipped with an ETC management system, in which the engine speed will go to idle when the system sees signals from both the brake pedal and accelerator pedal at the same time; this is commonly known as the brake-throttle override system.After thoroughly assessing the material submitted by the petitioner, information already in NHTSA's possession, information submitted by Hyundai and Kia in response to an Information Request letter, and the potential risks to safety implicated by the petitioner's allegation, NHTSA does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. After full consideration of appropriate factors, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA?s reasons for denial of the petition will be published.

In owners’ own words

Quoted from the complaint file

Quoted from NHTSA's complaint file. These are unverified accounts by the people who filed them, not findings of fault.

EQUIPMENT

2 injured · crash

2016 HYUNDAI SANTE FE INVOLVED IN A NEAR HEAD ON COLLISION. COMBINED TOTAL SPEED OF IMPACT APPROXIMATELY 80 MPH. TWO OCCUPANTS BOTH WEARING SEATBELTS AT TIME OF CRASH. DRIVER SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED DURING CRASH. PASSENGER SHOULDER HARNESS FAILED (LOCKING MECHANISM DID NOT LOCK) RESULTING IN PASSENGER HEAD IMPACT WITH WIND SHIELD CAUSING SIGNIFICANT DEFORMATION OF WIND SHIELD AND HEAD INJURY TO THE PASSENGER. LAP BELT RESTRAINT PREVENTED PASSENGER FROM SIGNIFICANTLY WORSE INJURY. PHOTOS ARE AVAILABLE. *TR

NHTSA complaint 10904763. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

AIR BAGS

1 injured · crash · towed

Had an accident where driver side front of vehicle was hit. The severity of crash resulted in total loss. The driver was hurt and concussed due to her head hitting the side window, driver side. The vehicle was equipped with front side impact and curtain airbags and all failed to deploy. The other vehicle's side curtains were deployed.

NHTSA complaint 11577047. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

SEATS

1 injured · crash · towed

I was rear-ended and the driver's seat did not maintain it's position and fell into the seat behind it.

NHTSA complaint 11613053. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

SEAT BELTS

1 injured · 20,000 miles

RECENTLY WE COULD NOT UNDO THE SEATBELT THAT OUR 6 YEAR OLD GRANDSON WAS STRAPPED IN. THE MORE TRIED TO EXTEND IT TO RELEASE THE TENSION THE TIGHTER IT BECAME. MY GRANDSON WAS BEING CRUSHED AND WAS SCREAMING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT RUNNING AND WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY. I HAD TO RUN INTO THE GARAGE AND GET A PAIR OF SCISSORS AND CUT THE SEATBELT TO GET HIM OUT. TO REPLACE THE SEATBELT IS GOING TO COST OVER $400 AND THE DEALER WILL NOT PAY FOR IT AS THEY SAID IT WAS OUR FAULT.

NHTSA complaint 11103563. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE
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 dealership service center in [XXX], and remain fully available for immediate physical inspection by federal investigators upon request. 2. Safety Risk: An internal engine bolt unthreading and puncturing through the valve cover creates an extreme safety hazard. A high-velocity metal bolt piercing the engine casing

NHTSA complaint 11762257, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE

crash · towed

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 at Niagara Hyundai in New York. WHAT HAPPENED / SAFETY RISK: On [XXX], I was driving at approximately 65 miles per hour on [XXX] southbound near Bath, New York, with four occupants aboard, when the engine failed suddenly and without warning — no warning lamps, messages, or symptoms preceded it. The vehicle

NHTSA complaint 11743619, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE
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 thing happened again. This time, the engine had been knocking for a few months. When it started knocking, I took it to the dealership because the new extended warranty by Hyundai was in effect and I assumed it would be covered. Immediately, Autonation Hyundai in Savannah, GA said it would not be covered because it

NHTSA complaint 11742460, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE
Purchased a used Santa Fe in January 2026 with 129k mile and at 131k my vehicle's CEL came on and did not function properly while operating. While driving the vehicle failed to accelerate above 25 mph when I pushed the gas. I pulled over to get out of the way of traffic and avoid any accidents. I shut the car off and sat for several minutes before restarting my vehicle. It successfully restarted and I drove home and parked it. I ran CEL diagnostic and received the code P0021. I had the vehicle towed to the local Hyundai dealer and they also pulled the same code and indicated I have an oil consumption issue explained as follows "Timing over advanced. Timing components driven by oil pressure.

NHTSA complaint 11739964, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE
Rod bearing failure while driving, engine made a clanking noise. Engine made a loud bang and shut off. It was difficult for the driver to get control of the vehicle and get it to the side of the road. Engine threw the rod and piston through the oil pan causing catastrophic internal damage. The oil had been changed the day prior. The company that changed the oil sent an inspector to evaluate car at the scene. He stated this is a known problem with this engine. He pulled up pictures of other cars that had the same problem, also took pictures of the car oil pan and compared the pictures, they were exactly the same. Car was towed to Hyundai dealership that is refusing to replace the engine.

NHTSA complaint 11732856. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE
Beginning about a month ago, I noticed a rattle upon the engine start up that lasted for a 1-2 seconds then stopped and everything sounded normal. I thought it could be b/c of the cold weather. I went in to get a routine oil change on 03/11/2026 and they said the oil looked fine, but it was about a quart low, indicating it was burning some oil somehere. They said to check in in a few months and they would top it up if needed. I asked them about the rattle and they thought is might be from a bad (timing chain tensioner) but said I should get it checked out. I called on Friday 03/13/26 to schedule an appt at my local Hyundai Dealership on 03/17 . The night before(03/16), I was driving my

NHTSA complaint 11725475, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

Compare

Other years of the Hyundai Santa FE

Model year Complaints Recalls Deaths
2026 36 4 —
2025 134 5 —
2024 151 7 —
2023 210 1 —
2022 199 5 —
2021 166 6 —
2020 213 1 —
2019 200 2 —
2018 109 2 —
2017 968 6 —
2015 254 2 —
2014 493 3 —
2013 605 3 —
2012 353 1 —
2011 181 2 1
2010 259 2 1

Other 2016 Hyundai models

Every Hyundai on this site — 205 vehicles.

If this is your car and a dealer keeps failing to fix it, your state's lemon law may require the manufacturer to replace it or buy it back. How many repair attempts it takes, and how long you have to file, is set by the state you bought in and by nothing on this page.

Where these numbers come from

A complaint is one owner's account and has not been verified by NHTSA or by us. A vehicle with more complaints is not necessarily worse: models that sold in larger numbers collect more of them. How this is counted.

Compiled and maintained by
Independent developer and analyst