Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/12/2026
High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Engine — runs 5.1× the fleet median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.
235Complaints
3Recalls
6Crashes
2Fires
6Injured
0Deaths
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
Is this problem acknowledged?
The most-reported problem — Engine (63.8% of complaints) — recall and investigation status for this vehicle is currently unavailable.
Engine complaints here are 5.1× the median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.
Complaint category
Reports
Official status
Reference
Engine
150 · 63.8%
not available
—
Power Train
20 · 8.5%
not available
—
Electrical System
11 · 4.7%
not available
—
Air Bags
9 · 3.8%
not available
—
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
9 · 3.8%
Recalled
Recall 22V056000
Fuel/propulsion System
8 · 3.4%
not available
—
Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Percentages are the share of the 235 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.
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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module
An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · Park outside · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
What owners report
“Engine oil consumption is outrageous. I am having to add oil every 200-300 miles. Just had an oil change in march and have had to…”NHTSA complaint 11527254 — filed 06/15/2023 · ENGINE
“I left my house and vehicle was perfectly fine. NEVER any warning lights since I owned the vehicle. It was not due for an oil…”NHTSA complaint 11526707 — filed 06/12/2023 · ENGINE
“Car lost power/pressure will not accelerate and has an engine knock”NHTSA complaint 11523513 — filed 05/23/2023 · ENGINE
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Complaint trend by year filed
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Hyundai Santa FE?
Engine issues are the most-reported category, cited in 150 of 235 NHTSA complaints (63.8%), followed by unspecified/other issues (25), power train (20), electrical system (11). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
How many complaints does the 2016 Hyundai Santa FE have?
235 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Of those, 6 involved a crash, 2 involved a fire, and 6 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.
Does the 2016 Hyundai Santa FE have any recalls?
Yes — 3 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 17V358000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Has NHTSA acted on the 2016 Hyundai Santa FE's reported problems?
Recall or investigation data is partly unavailable for this vehicle right now — check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the authoritative answer.
Is a complaint proof of a defect?
No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.
About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/12/2026.
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