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#BS-2016-HYUSAN-26DD2016 Hyundai Santa Fe SportProblems, Recalls & Reliability
Based on reports from 96 owners and 1 recall for this exact model.
Data updated ·NHTSA complaints through October 19, 2026
Preliminary Verdict
Think Twice
Based on 96 complaints, 6 crashes, 22 fires, and 1 recalls.
Top reported problems
engine locked
5 complaints • Severity 9.2/10
engine failed
2 complaints • Severity 8/10
excessive oil consumption
2 complaints • Severity 7/10
easy to steal
1 complaints • Severity 10/10
knock sensor detection system
1 complaints • Severity 8/10
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Mechanic Inspection Checklist
46 owners reported engine issues — failures commonly reported around 77K miles.
Failure Timeline by Mileage
Peak failure range: 30–60K miles (11 reports) • Median: 77K miles
30,000-Mile Cost Projection
Best Case
Most Likely
Worst Case
Top cost driver: Engine (46 reports).
Also in your report
Owner Intelligence
AI-synthesized themes from real complaints
Buyer Lot Checklist
Questions, test drive checks, walk-away triggers
Negotiation Talking Points
Data-backed dollar deductions
Buy / Skip Verdict
Final recommendation with conditions
Where the complaints fall
2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport: Known Issues & Problem Areas
Engine Issues
Engine complaints account for 48% of all reports filed for the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, with 46 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. The median mileage at time of complaint is 77,000 miles, suggesting issues tend to surface around the 77K-mile mark.
Brakes Issues
Brakes complaints account for 6% of all reports filed for the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, with 6 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to brakes-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Electrical Issues
Electrical complaints account for 5% of all reports filed for the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, with 5 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to electrical-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Fuel System Issues
Fuel System complaints account for 5% of all reports filed for the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, with 5 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to fuel system-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Data sourced from NHTSA owner complaints and community reports. The full report analyzes severity, repair costs, and failure patterns for each category.
Complaint trend by year
Complaints filed with NHTSA by year for the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. Recent trend: stable.



Don't negotiate blind — know what this car costs to own
Repair costs • Negotiation scripts • Mechanic checklist • Buy/skip verdict
Recall History (1 recall)
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.
Recall severity analysis & seller scripts
The full report rates each recall's severity and gives you scripts for asking the seller about recall completion.
2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall
★★★★★5 of 5 stars
Frontal crash
★★★★★5 of 5 stars
Side crash
★★★★★5 of 5 stars
Rollover
★★★★★4 of 5 stars
From NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings). Where NHTSA tested more than one version of this vehicle, the lowest rating is shown.
NHTSA Defect Investigations (2)
1 investigation still open: NHTSA is examining whether a defect warrants a recall.
Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
Loss of Motive Power
ENGINE
The worst model year for the Hyundai Santa Fe Sport is the 2013 — worth knowing if you're cross-shopping years. The biggest problem area is engine.
About this data
NHTSA Complaints
Federal database of owner-filed safety complaints. 96 records for this vehicle.
NHTSA Recalls
Manufacturer-issued safety recalls. 1 recall found for this vehicle.
Repair Cost Data
Real-world repair costs from owner reports and independent databases.
Last updated . NHTSA complaints received through October 19, 2026; safety ratings from NHTSA's 5-Star program.
Other Hyundai Santa Fe Sport Model Years
View all Hyundai Santa Fe Sport years →2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common problem with the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport?
Is the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport reliable?
How safe is the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport?
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Does the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport have any recalls?
What mileage do Hyundai Santa Fe Sport problems start?
When was the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport data last updated?
What’s in the full report?
How is this different from free NHTSA data?
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Get the Full 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport Report
10 sections of AI analysis based on 96 owner reports. Know before you buy.