2016 HYUNDAI SANTA FE

What owners reported to NHTSA, ranked by how often and how seriously.

This is complaint data, not a random sample.

It only includes owners who chose to file a federal complaint, so it over-represents dramatic and safety-related problems and under-represents minor issues an owner just had fixed without reporting. Read this as what NHTSA complainants report most, not as this vehicle's true failure rate. Full methodology.

Component ranking

  1. #1

    engine internal

    22 stranded, 42 unsafe, 1 broken

    65
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=12, median 113,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "ENGINE FAILED AT 63,000 MILES WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE. HYUNDAI BLAMES IT ON SLUDGE IN OIL PAN. WITH OUT SERVICE RECEIPTS WILL NOT WARRANTY ENGINE. SERVICED ENGINE MYSELF AND DIDN'T SAVE CASH RECEIPTS."~63,000 mi, complaint #1563836
    • "I HAD MY 2016 HYUNDAI SANTA FE SERVICED BY HYUNDAI FOR A TIRE CHANGE AND OIL CHANGE ALONG WITH THE RECALL UPDATE ON JAN 17, PRIOR TO GOING FROM ST LOUIS MO TO WICHITA KS. I AM A TRAVELING NURSE, MY CONTRACT WAS STARTING MONDAY THE 20TH. I WAS ADVISED THE RECA…"~77,460 mi, complaint #1639224
    • "WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE, I NOTICED A TAPPING NOISE THAT SOUNDED LIKE A FLAP HITTING THE CAR. I NEEDED GAS, SO GOT OFF AT THE NEXT EXIT. WHILE EXITING THE INTERSTATE, THE NOISE GOT LOUDER AND THE CAR DIDN'T WANT TO ACCELERATE. I PULLED INTO THE GAS S…"~106,000 mi, complaint #1736356
    • "The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, an abnormal knocking noise had emitted from the engine. As the contact began to pull over, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact was able to pull over and upo…"~120,000 mi, complaint #1795528
    • "The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the low oil pressure warning light was illuminated. The contact’s wife then drove back to the residence, and the contact added oil to the vehi…"~140,000 mi, complaint #1934894
  2. #2

    engine stall or no start

    21 stranded, 29 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    51
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=14, median 79,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "WHEN I STOP AT TRAFFIC LIGHT THE CAR HAS VIBRATION I CAN FELL IT WHILE I STEP ON THE BREAK I TOOK IT 2 HYUNDAI THEY ADVISE ME IS NORMAL."~6,600 mi, complaint #1683160
    • "MY 2016 HYUNDAI SANTA FE SHUT DOWN WHILE DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY AND WOULD NOT RESTART. IT IS IN A GARAGE NOW AND THEY ARE TRYING TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM."~63,000 mi, complaint #1645576
    • "WHILE DRIVING. DASH BOARD LIGHTS FLICKERED, CAR SHUT OFF, (LUCKILY NOT WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY) WHEN TRYING TO START THE CAR, ENGINE WOULD NOT TURN OVER. HAZARD LIGHTS DID WORK.TOWED TO DEALERSHIP. HYUNDAI ASSESSED AND CLAIMED AN ENGINE RECALL. IT'S BEEN A MONTH.…"~78,000 mi, complaint #1677521
    • "WHILE DRIVING ABOUT [REDACTED ADDRESS] ALL OF THE WARNING LIGHTS (ENGINE, OIL, ETC...) CAME ON AT THE SAME TIME AND THE CAR JUST SHUT DOWN AND LOST POWER STEERING. LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER WITHOUT ANY PROBLEMS. THE VEHICLE WOULDNT START. IT JUST MAD A C…"~82,000 mi, complaint #1692119
    • "I WAS DRIVING MY CAR 45 MILES AN HOUR ON SATURDAY APRIL 10TH, AROUND 5:40PM IN THE CURB LANE. THE CAR COMPLETELY DIED UNEXPECTEDLY. I MANAGED TO COAST TO A SMALL PARKING LOT OFF OF A BUSY STREET. I HAD THE CAR TOWED AND ASSESSED BY INDEPENDENT MECHANIC ON THE…"~840,000 mi, complaint #1740688
  3. #3

    engine oil consumption

    1 stranded, 16 unsafe, 2 annoyance

    19
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE OIL SENSOR LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT TWO MONTHS LATER, THAT THE ENGINE LEAKE…"~94,000 mi, complaint #1692265
    • "I GOT MY ENGINE REPAIRED, BUT THE TEST DRIVE SHOWED A SENSOR FOR THE OIL VALVE? THING. HYUNDAI WAS SUPPOSED TO OVERNIGHT IT AS OF FRIDAY 4/23. MY CAR IS STILL NOT DONE. I AM NOT COMPLAINNG ABOUT THE DEALERSHIP, BUT THE PART AND HOW THEY TAKE SO LONG. MY CA…"~106,000 mi, complaint #1744292
  4. #4

    airbag system

    8 unsafe

    8
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "ON JULY 27, [REDACTED ADDRESS] AT 50 MPH IN DRY AND SUNNY CONDITIONS, THE AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED AS WELL AS THE PASSENGER SEATBELT LIGHT. THE NEXT MORNING I SCHEDULED SERVICE RIGHT AWAY. I STARTED MY CAR TO GO TO SCHWARTZ MAZDA IN SHREWSBURY NJ ON 7/27/19 FO…"~62,300 mi, complaint #1596828
    • "WE WERE HIT HEAD ON BY A LARGE PICKUP TRUCK. WE SUSTAINED A LOT OF DAMAGE FROM THIS HEAD-ON COLLISION. WE WERE TRAVELING AROUND 10 MILES AN HOUR BUT THE OTHER CAR WAS GOING AT LEAST 20 MILES AN HOUR. THE AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED DESPITE BEING HIT HEAD ON AND SUF…"~73,000 mi, complaint #1602866
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE AIR BAG INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND REMAINED LIT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DANBURY HYUNDAI ([REDACTED PHONE], LOCATED AT [REDACTED ADDRESS], DANBURY, CT 06810) WHERE THE CONTACT WAS…"~120,000 mi, complaint #1616106
  5. #5

    seatbelt and pretensioner

    3 unsafe, 1 broken, 2 annoyance

    6
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=5)

    • "NO SEAT BELT AUDIBLE ALARM NOTIFICATION WHEN THE BELT IS NOT BUCKLED WITH PASSENGER IN THE SEAT. SEE VIDEO WEB SITE HTTP://WWW.RECALLMASTERS.COM/NO-SEAT-BELT-WARNING-FOR-SOME-HYUNDAI-SANTA-FE-VEHICLES-VIDEO/"~6,000 mi, complaint #1403957
    • "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 D…"~20,000 mi, complaint #1477867
    • "TAKATA RECALL, THE SEAT BELT IS GETTING STOCKED AND TIGHT DURING DRIVING ALSO DOESN'T RECLINE WHEN TAKING IT OFF STILL HANGING, THE FUEL EVAPORATES FROM THE FUEL TANK AND DOESN'T GIVE ANY MILEAGE AS DESCRIBED WHEN DRIVING FEEL EVERY LITTLE THING ON THE ROAD IN…"~30,000 mi, complaint #1563992
  6. #6

    acceleration loss or hesitation

    5 unsafe

    5
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=7)

    • "AS I COME OUT OF SLOW TURNS OR SLOW DOWN THEN ACCELERATE ON THE HIGHWAY, MY VEHICLE DOES A 1 TO 2 SECOND HESITATION. DURING THIS HESITATION, THE ENGINE IS REVVING BUT THE THE VEHICLE WON'T ACCELERATE. WHEN I COME OFF THE GAS THEN REPRESS IT COMES BACK TO NORMA…"~40,000 mi, complaint #1504012
    • "THIS VEHICLE HAS A SURGING ISSUE. WHEN I COME TO A TRAFFIC LIGHT STOP IT ACTS LIKE IT'S GOING TO DIE I CAN FELL MY FOOT ON THE PEDAL ALSO THE RPM IS DROP . TOOK IT TO DEALER AND ADVISE ME THEY CAN'T TEST IT WITH OUT NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON AND IT CONTINUES T…"~55,000 mi, complaint #1558668
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE HESITATED AND JERKED. ALSO, WHILE ACCELERATING FROM A STOP SIGN, THE VEHICLE FELT AS IF IT DOWNSHIFTED. THERE WAS NO WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TA…"~70,000 mi, complaint #1563489
  7. #7

    sunroof

    5 unsafe

    5
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=5)

    • "THE PANORAMIC SUNROOF SPONTANEOUSLY SHATTERED WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT ON THE HIGHWAY AT ABOUT 70MPH - THE SOUND WAS LIKE A GUNSHOT INSIDE THE CAR - THIS IS A SANTA FE SPORT 2016 MODEL THAT I BOUGHT ON JULY 5 2015"~4,995 mi, complaint #1244583
    • "THE FRONT SUNROOF ON MY 2016 SANTA FE I BOUGHT IN JAN 2016 THAT HAS APPROX. 8000 MILES, EXPLODED ON THE WAY TO WORK WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE. IT SOUNDED LIKE A GUN SHOT IN MY RIGHT EAR, THEN GLASS BEGAN TO FALL ON MY HEAD AND THROUGHOUT THE CAR - I'M SU…"~8,100 mi, complaint #1273109
    • "THE ENTIRE PANARAMA SUNROOF EXPLODED ON MY 2016 SANTA FE WHILE TRAVELING ON INTERSTATE 81 @ 70 MPH IN PENNSYLVANIA YESTERDAY COVERING MY WIFE AND I WITH SHARDES OF GLASS. I UNDERSTAND THERE HAS BEEN OTHER INCIDENTS OF THIS NATURE POSTED ON GOOGLE. I CALLED TH…"~13,640 mi, complaint #1338350
    • "DRIVING ALONE ON HIGHWAY, SUNROOF SPONTANEOUSLY EXPLODED. I WAS DRIVING ROUGHLY 100 KM / HE. THERE WAS NOTHING OVERHEAD OR VEHICLES AHEAD THAT WOULD CAUSE SOMETHING TO BREAK IT. THE INCIDENT WAS EXTREMELY LOUD, ALL THE GLASS FEEL OVER ME CAUSING A HUGE SAFETY…"~15,000 mi, complaint #1434909
    • "THE SUNROOF EXPLODED. I WAS DRIVING AND HEARD A LOUD NOISE THAT SEEMED TO COME FROM ABOVE. MY KIDS WERE BUCKLED IN THE BACK SEATS AND MY SON ASKED ME "WHAT WAS THAT DADDY"? HE THEN LOOKED UP AND NOTICED PIERCINGS IN THE UNDERNEATH SHEATH THAT LEADS TO THE SUNR…"~16,200 mi, complaint #1445298
  8. #8

    abs module

    4 unsafe

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact stated that the brake pedal was inoperable. The contact stated that the vehicle vibrated while depressing the brake pedal. There was no warning ligh…"~119,000 mi, complaint #2076575
  9. #9

    engine head gasket

    4 unsafe

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while his granddaughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated, and there was white smoke emanating from the exhaust pipe, after which the vehicle inadvertently lost motive p…"~87,000 mi, complaint #1976139
    • "The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that upon his wife starting the vehicle, she observed heavy smoke coming from the exhaust. The contact stated that his wife heard an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment. The check engin…"~95,000 mi, complaint #1961142
  10. #10

    throttle and pedal

    4 unsafe

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "WIFE STOPPED AT STOP SIGN , CAR WOULD NOT RESPOND TO ACCELERATOR PEDAL , 1 BLOCK FROM HOME WAS ABLE TO IDLE CAR INTO DRIVE WAY. I GOT INTO CAR TO SEE WHAT WAS GOING ON FOUND SAME PROBLEM. I SHUT CAR OFF AND RESTARTED AND ACCELERATOR STARTED WORKING , PULLED IN…"~16,000 mi, complaint #1347105
    • "WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE, I PRESSED THE GAS PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. THE MOTOR WAS RUNNING AND THE VEHICLE SEEMED TO HAVE SOME PULL ON IT'S OWN BUT CLEARLY ANYTIME THE GAS PEDAL WAS PRESSED THERE WAS NO ACCELERATION. IT WAS DIAGNOSED…"~69,000 mi, complaint #1579688
    • "VEHICLE WAS PARKED WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING TO BE WARMED UP. THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SHAKE AND ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. THIS WAS NOT THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED. THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED I WAS STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, WHEN I TRIED TO MOVE THE VEHICLE IT WONT…"~133,429 mi, complaint #1712916
  11. #11

    transmission automatic

    4 unsafe

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED,WHEN SHIFTING INTO REVERSE, THE TRANSMISSION WENT INTO DRIVE. IT WOULD NOT GO INTO REVERSE. THE ONLY WAY TO RESET IT WAS TO TURN OFF ENGINE AND RESTART THE ENGINE."~2,500 mi, complaint #1263516
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, A LOUD SNAPPING NOISE WAS HEARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO UNIVERSAL HYUNDAI ([REDACTED PHONE], LOCATED AT 12801 S ORANGE BLOSSOM TRL, ORLANDO, FL 32837) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED TH…"~46,000 mi, complaint #1613052
  12. #12

    glass and windshield

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WATER LEAKED THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD ONTO THE DASHBOARD OF THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, IN COLD TEMPERATURES, ICE ACCUMULATED INSIDE THE WINDSHIELD. ON HOT AND HUMID DAYS, CONDENSATION WAS VISIB…"~900 mi, complaint #1253198
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE SUN ROOF EXPLODED. THE CONTACT HAD TWO MINORS SEATED IN THE REAR AND GLASS PARTICLES FELL ON THEM; HOWEVER, THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE…"~4,500 mi, complaint #1225514
    • "WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT THERE IS A BLACK SHADOW ON THE WINDSHIELD MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE. IT IS NOT FIXED BY REAIMING LIGHTS. IT IS WORSE AS YOU HIT BUMPS IN THE RODE. IT MAKES IT IMPOSSIBLE TO DRIVE AT NIGHT! I WAS DRIVING IN MY SUBDIVISION AND COULD NOT S…"~18,900 mi, complaint #1629975
  13. #13

    other

    1 unsafe, 2 annoyance

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "I BOUGHT THE CAR NEW IN PUERTO RICO. AFTER HURRICANE MARIA I MOVED TO FLORIDA. I TRIED TO GET MY CAR SERVICE FOR TWO RECALLS HERE IN FLORIDA. THEY TRIED TO GET IN CONTACT WITH PUERTO RICO IN ORDER TO GET PAID FOR THE REPAIRS. I ALSO CALLED THEM AND THEY TO…"complaint #1490345
    • "The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact received notification NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V056000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reason…"complaint #1848974
    • "I wish to file a complaint against Hyundai for the untimely manner in which they’ve handled recall 218. This recall has been in place for several months with many notifications that the recall exists. Yet, the company has failed to provide a solution to this h…"complaint #1849512
  14. #14

    timing belt or chain

    2 unsafe, 1 broken

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Have had car for 8 months, just hit 70,000 miles and now need to replace my timing chain kit. Will cost 1,500 to 2,000 estimated."complaint #1955305
    • "Around three weeks ago, we start listening to a knocking noise in the engine. As soon as we heard this noise, we took it to a mechanic near our home and the mechanic told us that there was an internal problem with the engine and we needed to take it to an offi…"complaint #1990741
    • "My engine failed at 113,000 miles. It just sounded like a diesel truck when I started it one day. There were no warning messages at all. It did not have any power above 45 mph. I took it to a Hyundai dealer and showed him the extended warranty letter I receive…"complaint #2127808
  15. #15

    unintended acceleration

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "WHEN COMING TO A STOP WITH THE BRAKES APPLIED, THE RPMS JUMP TO 4,000 AND THE VEHICLE SURGES FORWARD. THE VEHICLE STOPPED AFTER PUTTING IT IN NEUTRAL. THIS HAPPENED ON 8/23/20 AND OTHER TIMES. DEALER COULD NOT REPLICATE AND DENIED ANY KNOWLEDGE OF THE PROBL…"~51,000 mi, complaint #1691663
  16. #16

    catalytic converter

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "The contact owned a 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, he heard an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who determined that there was a…"~94,000 mi, complaint #1998569
  17. #17

    door latch and hinge

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Rear driver-side passenger door will not open from inside or outside of vehicle. Automatic locks on door clicks from lock/unlock but it will not open. I have two small children in car seats in the back and is a major safety risk since the door will not open.…"complaint #1760769
    • "The door on the drivers side does not lock. It appears that something came out of place causing the door to remain unlocked even with the use of the fab. The car is not drivable because the door swings open. It has happened in a few occasions where the lock…"complaint #2013099
  18. #18

    infotainment head unit

    1 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "NAVIGATION SYSTEM WON'T LOAD- WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STARTED, THE NAVIGATION SYSTEM (SCREEN SAYS BLUELINK)- STARTS THE PROCESS OF LOADING- WITH A LOADING BAR BELOW THE WORDS "BLUELINK'. , AT ENGINE START- WHEN LOADING, THAT BAR MOVES FROM LEFT TO RIGHT. ONCE THE…"~60,000 mi, complaint #1726058
  19. #19

    seat mechanism

    1 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO STATED THAT ALL THE SCREWS IN THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE SEAT NEED…"complaint #1231655
    • "I was rear-ended and the driver's seat did not maintain it's position and fell into the seat behind it."complaint #2022698
  20. #20

    wiper and washer

    1 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH IN THE SNOW, THE CONTACT ACTIVATED THE FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPERS. SNOW BEGAN TO ACCUMULATE AT THE BASE OF THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS, WHICH PREVENTED THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS FROM GOING DOW…"~1,000 mi, complaint #1279588
    • "A. WIPER HEATERS, AS LISTED ON THE WINDOW INVOICE ARE NON-EXISTANT. I HAD SEVERAL FREEZE-UPS LAST WINTER CAUSING ME TO STOP THE CAR AND CLEAR THE BLADES MANUALLY, EVEN THOUGH THE FRONT DEFROST BUTTON WAS DEPRESSED. DEALER SAID IT WAS OPERATING AS IT SHOULD. (?…"~14,000 mi, complaint #1336872
  21. #21

    ac compressor and refrigerant

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "THE AIR CONDITIONING CONDENSOR ON MY HYUNDAI 2016 SANTA FE WAS DAMAGED BY ROAD DEBRIS THAT APPARENTLY CAME THROUGH THE FRONT GRILL OF MY CAR AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. HOW CAN ROAD DEBRIS DAMAGED MY AIR CONDENSOR? SHOULDN'T ALL INTERNAL ENGINE COMPONENTS OF A CAR…"~35,000 mi, complaint #1499448
  22. #22

    alignment and pull

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "VEHICLE'S STEERING REQUIRES CONSTANT CORRECTION. VEHICLE WILL NOT TRACK STRAIGHT. VERY DIFFICULT TO KEEP VEHICLE IN A LANE, SOMETIMES ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE. NOT A PROBLEM FOR IN-TOWN DRIVING, BUT A MAJOR PROBLEM ON HIGHWAYS. PROBLEM GETS EXPONENTIALLY WORSE AS SPE…"~565 mi, complaint #1269081
  23. #23

    backup camera

    1 annoyance

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that there was a delay response in the Back Over Prevention camera at lower temperatures during winter the months. The contact stated that the camera would operate as designed in warmer temperatures…"~60,000 mi, complaint #1801904
  24. #24

    battery and charging

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Ever since I bought This 2016 hyundai Santa Fe Sport 2.0 Turbo from Advantage Hyundai, in Hicksville New York in December 2017, I have been having Battery problems, especially when the temperature falls below 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The alarm goes off by itself…"complaint #1932822
  25. #25

    control module

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "WHEN DRIVING THE PARKING LIGHT COMES ON, DOWNHILL ASSIST COMES ON AND THE TRACTION CONTROL GOES OFF, THEN THE SPEEDOMETER GOES FROM THE CURRANT SPEED TO ZERO THEN FLUTTERS BACK TO THE CORRECT SPEED, THEN REPEATS. THIS HAS HAPPENED AT SPEEDS FROM 25 MPH TO 70 M…"~30,000 mi, complaint #1377533
  26. #26

    engine cooling

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • " The problem with my purchased Hyundai is that it's not giving a warning message for the oil or over heating. The engine continues to gather a lot of gunk. Also, there is a recall on these specific models and I was notified by a class action law suit. Hyundai…"complaint #1769261
  27. #27

    evap system

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Check engine light went on in 4/2021. Brought to local mechanic and states that it is an evaporator issue. Claims I didn't close gas cap tight enough. He reset code, closes gas cap and no check engine light. I bring it back after filling up my tank again tells…"complaint #1775266
  28. #28

    fuel injector

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • " The engine control module (CPU) failed and at first the car experienced random warning lights thatwhen placed on diagnostic computer, no codes were noted. the next issue was a strong gasoline smell in the cabin. the cpu read this as a faulty fuel pressure reg…"complaint #1842903
  29. #29

    fuel tank and lines

    1 annoyance

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "I BOUGHT A 2016 SANTA FE SPORT AT CARMAX 8000 MILES AND WHEN I FILLED THE TANK THE FIRST TIME I COULD ONLY FILL ABOUT 13 GAL, I DROVE IN TOWN ABOUT 280 MILES. FILLED NOW A FEW TIMES AND ONLY CAN FILL ABOUT 13 GAL EACH TIME. IT SHOWS AS FULL, HOWEVER THE TANK I…"~8,000 mi, complaint #1293481
  30. #30

    instrument cluster

    1 annoyance

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "I BOUGHT THIS CAR 16 MONTHS AGO, THE GAS GAUGE STOPPED WORKING, I TOOK THE CAR TO LESTER GLENN HYUNDAI IN TOMS RIVER, NJ WHERE I BOUGHT IT. I USE THIS CAR AND COVER 5 STATES AS A TERRITORY MANAGER, THE WARRANTY EXPIRED 10,000 MILES AGO, THEY SAID THEY WILL TAL…"~64,000 mi, complaint #1368245
  31. #31

    key fob and immobilizer

    1 annoyance

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "In May 2023, I booked an appointment to get the software update for the immobilizer issue on my Hyundai Santa Fe Sport 2016. Issue resolved. In February 2024, the vehicle was vandalized in a driveway but was NOT stolen. However the alarm did not trigger unle…"complaint #1975542
  32. #32

    noise or vibration unspecified

    1 annoyance

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "UPON START UP ENGINE IS VERY LOUD, CONTINUES TO BE LOUD AND DEALER SAYS IT IS JUST ENGINE NORMAL ENGINE NOISE "complaint #1761546
  33. #33

    paint and clearcoat

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "THE PAINT IS PEELING OFF IN SOME AREAS AND THE CAR IS GETTING RUST SPOTS."~55,000 mi, complaint #1517114
  34. #34

    steering rack mechanical

    1 broken

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "The vehicle had 67000 Aprox miles. The rack and pinion and the intermediate steering colum needed to be replaced. This was done before any accident."complaint #1926774
  35. #35

    suspension arms and bushings

    1 annoyance

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "RECALL:(#141),(#163),PLUS REAR & FRONT END SUSPENSION OUT OF LINE. BROUGHT BRAND NEW TIRES AND STILL VIBRATION FRONT AND REAR."~31,400 mi, complaint #1480195
  36. #36

    tire failure

    1 stranded

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "THE SUV 2016 COME EQUIPPED WITH CONTINENTAL 235/55 R19 TIERS, THE SUV HAS ONLY 3400 MILES ON IT SINCE PURCHASE, I LOST TWO TIERS ON A BLOW OUT AT LOW SPEED 35 TO 40 MPH, SIDE WALLS FAILED, (IT WAS ON A STREET) I VISUALLY INSPECTED THE TIRES MYSELF AND AGREED W…"~3,400 mi, complaint #1271415
  37. #37

    transfer case awd

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "TRANSFER CASE IS FAILING AT 61,000 MILE, A LOT OF NOSE AND VIBRATION. TRANSFER CASE CAN COME LOOSE OR CAUSE FAILURE TO THE DRIVE SHAFT AND MAYBE EVEN POSSIBLE COMPONENTS TO COME OFF WHILE DRIVING."~60,000 mi, complaint #1594291
  38. #38

    transmission manual clutch

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "THE CAR WAS AT A COMPLETE STOP IN A DRIVEWAY. THE CAR WAS STILL RUNNING BECAUSE I WAS GETTING OUT OF THE CAR TO GET THE MAIL. I PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND WENT TO GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE. AS I GOT OUT THE VEHICLE STARTED GOING IN REVERSE AND PULLED ME UNDERNEATH…"~50,109 mi, complaint #1548740
  39. #39

    wiring harness

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "2016 Santa Fe - While driving on interstate all warning lights came on - antilock brake, check engine, electronic power steering, vehicle grade, outside temp blinking blank. Took to reliable shop and they said it was right front speed sensor, had that replaced…"complaint #1793420

NHTSA investigations

Search NHTSA's own recall and complaint database for HYUNDAI SANTA FE directly.