2016 Hyundai Santa FE Sport other reported problems
14 of the
89 complaints about the 2016 Hyundai Santa FE Sport are about the
other systems — 16% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
42,000 miles.
F
14
Complaints
0
Crashes
3
Fires
1
Injuries
Exactly what failed
Unknown OR Other
14100.0%
Other & Unspecified across every Hyundai Santa FE Sport year
my BSD sensor would go on and off for the last several months when no one was around me. I work early and even when I was alone on the road the BSD would flash for 2-3 mins and go off.. then my fan for my air conditioner stopped. When I removed the glove compartment to see the wire connecting to the fan is "melted". When i called bob king hyundai, I was informed there was no recall. So, I attempted to fix the issue myself only to find the fuses (under the hood) are almost all bad. The tips of the fuses will not pull out. only the body of the fuse. With all this happening over the last several days and by the way, the vehicle passed inspection. I wanted to reach out as this is definitely a fire hazard and a huge concern.
NHTSA complaint #11753163 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Colorado Springs, COFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The vehicle is a 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. It had previously been included in an engine-fire-related recall/service campaign, and Hyundai replaced the engine between approximately October 2024 and January 2025 at about 113,000 miles. About 10,000 miles and 14 months later, the vehicle developed engine/performance problems. A Hyundai dealership service center performed about $6,500 in repairs, including installation of a new transmission, and represented that the engine and transmission had a lifetime guarantee. One day after the vehicle was returned from the dealership, the engine compartment caught fire while the vehicle was being driven. The fire rapidly escalated, the vehicle exploded/burned, and the vehicle was destroyed down to the frame. The occupants escaped, but the incident created an immediate risk of serious injury or death. The failed component appears to involve the engine, engine compartment, fuel/oil/electrical systems, transmission-related repair area, or another drivetrain component. The vehicle remains may be available for inspection depending on insurance/tow/storage status. The vehicle had recently been repaired and inspected by a Hyundai dealership service center. This incident raises concern that the recall-related engine-fire risk, replacement engine, recent dealership repairs, transmission installation, or related components may have failed and created a serious fire hazard.
NHTSA complaint #11745727 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ithaca, NY
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The vehicle stooped running while driving and will not start, available for inspection upon request. The vehicle or component has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure.
NHTSA complaint #11743935 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Corpus Christi, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The sunroof glass suddenly shattered while driving slowly into a parking lot.
NHTSA complaint #11713385 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cleburne, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
NHTSA complaint #11699044 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Marietta, GA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
NHTSA complaint #11689581 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Elkhart, IN
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
NHTSA complaint #11679299 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tonganoxie, KS
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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)
NHTSA complaint #11671438 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Blairsville, GAFire1 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
NHTSA complaint #11552214 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 48,000 milesLOS Angeles, CAFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
NHTSA complaint #11355609 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Garfield, NJ
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
NHTSA complaint #11217359 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bakersfield, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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 .
NHTSA complaint #11183745 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 42,000 milesEast Yaphank, NY
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
NHTSA complaint #11119372 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 38,000 milesIrvine, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
NHTSA complaint #11013096 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.