2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Best The 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport ranks best among the 6 model years with data, with a complaint index of 20 and 69 complaints. It carries 1 recall for a hood latch issue and no do-not-drive recalls, though engine-related fires appear in owner reports.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 20/100
- #5 of 6 Santa Fe Sport years
- Verdict
- Best
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 69
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 1
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 4
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 10
- Injuries
- 3
- Top issue
- Engine
- Best nearby year
- —
- no alternative with data
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 22
- 19 city / 26 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 3 / 0
Top 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine45 (65%)
- Other14 (20%)
- Electrical System8 (12%)
- Brakes6 (9%)
- Airbags4 (6%)
- Fuel System4 (6%)
- Transmission & Powertrain3 (4%)
- Structure & Body2 (3%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires2 (3%)
- Lane Departure1 (1%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report engine compartment fires starting while driving or shortly after parking, sometimes with a rubber-like odor beforehand.
- Some describe smoke pouring from under the hood after the vehicle stalled or failed to restart following service work.
- One owner reported the engine failing to rev past a low RPM and losing power at highway speed after a dealer engine replacement.
- A fuel line issue tied to an engine replacement was linked to a fire that engulfed the exhaust area.
- Owners describe the hood latch failing and the hood flying open while driving, breaking the windshield and causing a loss of vehicle control.
- Airbags reportedly failed to deploy in a severe collision and in a separate axle-related crash.
2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 17V358000Jun 5, 2017Structure & Body437,400 vehicles
Latches/locks/linkages:hood:latch
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.
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.
2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 19 MPG
- Highway
- 26 MPG
- Combined
- 22 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,950
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2016 compared with other Santa Fe Sport years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport reliable?
- Among Santa Fe Sport model years with data, 2016 has the lowest complaint index at 20 and carries the Best verdict, with 69 complaints and 1 recall.
- What problems does the 2016 Santa Fe Sport have?
- Engine issues make up 65% of complaints, including reports of fires, followed by electrical system problems at 12% and brakes at 9%. NHTSA also lists 10 fire reports and 4 crashes tied to this model year.
- Does the 2016 Santa Fe Sport have a recall?
- Yes, one recall (campaign 17V358000) covers a secondary hood latch cable that can corrode, bind, and let the hood open while driving. It is not a do-not-drive recall.
- How does 2016 compare to other Santa Fe Sport years?
- 2016 has the lowest complaint index (20) and best verdict of the years listed, compared to 2017 and 2018, which are rated Avoid with complaint indexes of 100 and 80.
- What is the median mileage for engine complaints on the 2016 Santa Fe Sport?
- NHTSA data shows a median mileage at failure for engine complaints, with the overall median mileage at failure for the 2016 model at 81,500 miles.