2016 Hyundai Santa FE Sport Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 43about this part
- Share
- 61%of 70 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 94,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 43 complaints about the engine of the 2016 Hyundai Santa FE Sport, 61% of the 70 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 94,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 10 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Took car in 1 month ago for service campaign (software update) 2016 Santa Fe Sport 83,000 miles. While driving on freeway yesterday engine light started flashing and car went in to 'safe mode' was able to go about 1/2 mile before it completely stopped.. Had it towed to dealership was informed today the engine failed. Waiting for approval from Hyundai for new engine. I'm completely stuck in this vehicle now. No one will pay what is owed and I will lose trading it in.”
NHTSA complaint #11220673, filed 2019-06, 83,000 miles“Vehicle caught fire spontaneously at a parking lot. Car was just serviced and inspected a month prior at the Hyundai dealer where I purchased it and had no problems reported. Car was parked at the time of the incident. From the initial report from the fire department the cause of the fire was a mechanical issue. The vehicle was a total loss.”
NHTSA complaint #11355609, filed 2020-09, 48,000 miles“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 completely engulfed in flames before the fire department extinguished it.”
NHTSA complaint #11716330, filed 2026-02“As we were driving down the interstate we began to see smoke coming out our vents and after a few seconds saw flames coming from the passenger side of car. We quickly tried to pull over but brakes weren’t working. Safely pulled into grass median. Luckily we were able to quickly exit through the driver door. After about 30 seconds the car was engulfed in flames.”
NHTSA complaint #11670667, filed 2025-07“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 mechanic. They said that there was metal shavings in the oil which I have no clue how that would happen and that there was a code for knocking.”
NHTSA complaint #11735585, filed 2026-05Related service bulletins
- 11038458Oct 8, 2026Some vehicles equipped with internal combustion engines may exhibit higher-than-expected engine oil consumption. This bulletin outlines the combustion chamber cleaning procedure…
- 11038456Oct 7, 2026Certain vehicles equipped with internal combustion engines may exhibit higher-than-expected engine oil consumption. This bulletin provides the inspection and repair procedures…
- 10178174Jul 13, 2020This Dealer Best Practice intends to inform dealers of a proposed settlement (âSettlementâ) for a class action lawsuit filed against Hyundai Motor America (âHMAâ)…
- 10177127Jun 3, 2020Applicable vehicles with 2.0L Turbo and 2.4L GDI engines may experience the Check Engine warning lamp illuminated with DTC P1326. Follow the procedures on TSB #20-01-004H-1…
- 10177126Jun 3, 2020Applicable vehicles with 2.0L Turbo and 2.4L GDI engines may experience the Check Engine warning lamp illuminated with DTC P1326. Follow the procedure to inspect the vehicle and…
- 10177125Jun 3, 2020Applicable vehicles with 2.0L Turbo and 2.4L GDI engines may experience the Check Engine warning lamp illuminated with DTC P1326. Follow the procedure to inspect the vehicle and…
- 10167769Oct 28, 2019The warranty coverage for the engine long block has been extended to 10 years or 120,000 miles from the date of original retail delivery or date of first use, whichever occurs…
- 10167767Oct 28, 2019Hyundai is conducting a product improvement campaign to enhance the knock sensor software to detect abnormal engine bearing noise before potentially severe engine damage occurs…
- 10167765Oct 28, 2019Hyundai has developed a new engine monitoring technology called a Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS). The technology uses software innovations and leverages existing engine…
- 10167764Oct 28, 2019Hyundai has launched a Service Campaign for applicable vehicles with 2.0L Turbo and 2.4L GDI engines that may experience the Check Engine warning lamp illuminated with DTC P132600.
Engine: other model years
Other parts of the 2016 Hyundai Santa FE Sport
14 complaintsElectrical system
7 complaintsBrakes
6 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsAir bags
4 complaintsEngine cooling
3 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
3 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaintsSuspension
2 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsLane departure
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2016 Hyundai Santa FE Sport
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology