Before you buy
This 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport has 61 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Engine Problems.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
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2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 5 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 5 trims analysed.
2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport SUV AWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
14.3% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
14.3% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
HYUNDAI SANTA FE SPORT 2016 has 61 NHTSA complaints, with engine problems accounting for 40 of them. There is 1 recall and 3 crash-related complaints. Buyers should prioritize engine inspection before purchase. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
- Make
- Hyundai
- Model
- Santa Fe Sport
- Model year
- 2016
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 61
- Crash-related complaints
- 3
- Safety recall campaigns
- 1
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 22
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 19 / 26
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Common problems
Most common 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Uncategorized Issues
Brake System
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Uncategorized Issues, Brake System. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport?
The 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport is a high-risk choice due to the prevalence of engine complaints. Buyers should proceed with extreme caution and insist on a thorough mechanical inspection and service history review.
Engine problems are the most common and costly repairs, and with 40 complaints, they represent a clear pattern that could lead to unexpected expenses or safety issues.
May Suit
This year may suit a buyer willing to accept higher risk for a lower purchase price, provided they budget for potential engine repairs.
May Want to Avoid
Buyers seeking reliable daily transportation or those unable to absorb major repair costs should avoid the 2016 Santa Fe Sport.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport
Inspection Focus
- Inspect engine for unusual noises, stalling, or oil leaks.
- Check brake system for pulsation, noise, or reduced performance.
- Verify electrical system operation, including dashboard warning lights.
Before You Close the Deal
- Obtain a pre-purchase inspection focusing on engine condition.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine, brake, and electrical repairs.
- Have a mechanic test-drive to assess engine and transmission behavior.
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport shows a high volume of engine-related complaints (40 out of 61 total), which is a significant concern for potential buyers. The single recall and 3 crash-related complaints add to the cautionary profile. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
Year context: Compared to other model years, 2016 has a notably high complaint count, but without data on other years, a full comparison is not possible.
Recall context: The single recall indicates a known issue, but the low recall count does not offset the high complaint volume; pre-purchase recall checks are still essential.
- Engine Problems account for 40 of 61 total complaints, the most frequent issue.
- Brake System complaints total 6, indicating a secondary area of concern.
- 3 crash-related complaints were reported, suggesting potential safety implications.
- Engine Problems (40 complaints)
- Brake System (6 complaints)
- Electrical Faults (5 complaints)
Full breakdown
All 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 40 | 1 | 7 | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 12 | — | 2 | — | |
| Brake System | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 5 | — | 3 | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 3 | — | 1 | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 2 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Fuel System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 1 | — | 1 | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 1 | — | 1 | — | |
| Steering Defects | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
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 …
The engine powertrain system, specifically the internal engine lubrication, timing chain, and camshaft sensors. The vehicle's Theta II engine suffers from systemic, excessive oil consumption, which starved the engine of lubrication. This caused the timing chain to stretch and mec…
The engine seized up and hyundai refused to approve my claim al though i had the extended warranty. Reason for the denial because a recall in 2019 was not performed. I had purchased the vehicle in 2023 used from Rick case honda.
My car only has 93,000 miles on it. I was driving home from work and all of a sudden the check engine light came on while I’m on the freeway. I made it home and went to research then all of a suddenly the check engine light would just start flashing. I got it checked by a mechani…
Connecting rod bearing failure, stated a recall was active but it hadn't been assigned to my vehicle. Vehicle went into engine failiure and does not have appropriate measures to prevent engine failiure. No warning messages prior to engine failiure.
While driving the vehicle at approximately at 55 MPH on a the 826, the engine suffered a sudden and catastrophic mechanical failure without warning. The vehicle lost all motive power in active traffic, creating an immediate safety hazard and nearly resulting in a rear-end collisi…
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and running, there was an abnormal fuel odor inside the vehicle. The contact exited the vehicle and inspected it. The hood was opened, and the engine cover was removed, and there …
The engine light started blinking and my car would not accelerate anymore. I took it to the mechanic immediately, who said that there was an engine recall. I contacted the dealership, but they cannot do an initial inspection for more than 2 months. It would likely take another 2-…
I turned off the car and went inside the house. I was outside and could smell smoke. I walked to the front of the house and saw my neighbor who was calling 911 due to flames from my engine. The flames reached the yard and my garage where minor damage occurred. The vehicle was com…
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. While driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal odor coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, no cause fo…
The sunroof glass suddenly shattered while driving slowly into a parking lot.
September 3rd, 2025, my engine failed, for the second time and left me stuck at a busy intersection, in the middle lane and can't move. The first time my engine failed (2022/same vehicle), I was about the get on the highway and it just stopped in the middle of the road right befo…
Six weeks ago the alternator and battery had also been replaced. My Hyundai Santa Fe Sport turbo engine, exhibited a persistent rubber-like odor for approximately three weeks after the latest maintenance. During this period, the push-start button intermittently failed, requiring …
There was no low oil indicator light, no smoke, and no oil on the garage floor. My wife was driving the vehicle on I-285 in Atlanta, returning from the ATL airport, when the vehicle began to lose power and started jerking and surging; the check engine light began flashing. She ha…
The engine seized up on the highway with no warning signs or alerts and lost all power to the vehicle putting family at risk on the highway speed. Mechanic confirmed engine seized and metal debris after draining oil. Oil changes are done on timely basis within 5000 miles. Most re…
2916 Hyundai Santa Fe sport has an open recall of 953 for engine bearings knocking. It has been inspected. Yes, safety was put at risk, motor could lock up while driving causing a wreck. Yes, Tim Shorts Hyundai did confirm the engine was knocking. No lights were on in the vehicle…
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 recal…
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 ge…
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while driving uphill, the vehicle failed to accelerate above 10 MPH. There was a burning odor coming from the vehicle with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the engine had pr…
As I was driving the hood opened breaking the windshield which obstructed my view and caused me to veer off-road and crash.I acquired the vehicle less than a year ago and only learned of a recall for hood latches from the tow truck driver. afterwards. I had no prior problems with…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport.
Safety recalls
2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport recalls
1 campaignNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The single recall indicates a known issue, but the low recall count does not offset the high complaint volume; pre-purchase recall checks are still essential. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 61 owner complaints, 3 crash-related complaints, and 1 recall campaign for this model year. The 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport is a high-risk choice due to the prevalence of engine complaints. Buyers should proceed with extreme caution and insist on a thorough mechanical inspection and service history review. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport?▾
#1: Engine Problems (40 complaints). #2: Uncategorized Issues (12 complaints). #3: Brake System (6 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, NHTSA complaints include 3 crash-related reports and 7 fire reports out of 61 total complaints. 2 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport have any recalls?▾
Yes. 1 NHTSA recall campaign affect the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. A major recall area is LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH. The single recall indicates a known issue, but the low recall count does not offset the high complaint volume; pre-purchase recall checks are still essential. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport?▾
The 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport is a high-risk choice due to the prevalence of engine complaints. Buyers should proceed with extreme caution and insist on a thorough mechanical inspection and service history review. Engine problems are the most common and costly repairs, and with 40 complaints, they represent a clear pattern that could lead to unexpected expenses or safety issues. Pay extra attention to Engine Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpectorAI.
Wider context: See the full Hyundai Santa Fe Sport reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.