2016 Hyundai Santa FE Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 151about this part
- Share
- 64%of 236 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 82,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 151 complaints about the engine of the 2016 Hyundai Santa FE, 64% of the 236 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 82,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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 to perform the same also I replace the spark plug and coil was burn bad and rust sill have same issue look like issue with fuel or idle.”
NHTSA complaint #11196892, filed 2019-04, 55,000 miles“I took my car to the local Hyundai service center 8/4/2020 due to the check engine light being on. No other symptoms. I was told the light came on due to complete engine failure. No other information provided. I'm currently waiting to hear if the repair will be covered by my extended warranty of if I will be faced with the $17k repair. Vehicle is only 4 years old and has required servicing every year since I purchased it (cpo).”
NHTSA complaint #11348442, filed 2020-08, 65,000 miles“Suv stopped completely in the middle of free way. All the lights in the board turn on and had to get it towed. Was told it was the engine which I think it's I'mposible being a four year old car.”
NHTSA complaint #11355086, filed 2020-09, 80,000 miles“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 station. As I entered the parking spot, the car died. (it had burned oil in the past. I have had an engine cam replaced in aug/sept 2019). I checked the oil. No oil! So, I ran and bought 5 quarts of oil and put them in the engine. I started the car and it didn't want to idle, but finally did after a minute. …”
NHTSA complaint #11404814, filed 2021-03, 106,000 miles“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 recall was a system update for improperly working sensors. My motor blew 2 hours into my trip on jan 18th while driving on the highway. I heard a loud popping noise and felt it as well. My vehicle immediately started to smoke. I pulled over to the side of the road, oil was pouring out the vehicle. …”
NHTSA complaint #11300746, filed 2020-01, 77,460 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11038430Oct 8, 2026Certain Palisade (LX2) and Santa Fe (NC) vehicles equipped with Lambda II 6-cylinder engines may exhibit higher-than-expected engine oil consumption. This bulletin outlines the…
- 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…
- 11029907Feb 11, 2026Certain Santa Fe / Santa Fe XL (NC) vehicles equipped with 3.3L Lambda II GDI engines may exhibit abnormal engine noise or damage. Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 26-EM-002H…
- 11028951Feb 11, 2026Certain Santa Fe / Santa Fe XL (NC) vehicles equipped with 3.3L Lambda II GDI engines may exhibit abnormal engine noise or damage. This bulletin describes the procedure to…
- 11028950Feb 11, 2026Certain Santa Fe / Santa Fe XL (NC) vehicles equipped with 3.3L Lambda II GDI engines may exhibit abnormal engine noise or damage. This service procedure describes to inspect the…
- 11022378Aug 15, 2025The warranty coverage of certain engines for repairs and replacement has been extended to 15 years or 150,000 miles (15years or 240,000km) from the date of original retail…
- 11021408Jul 30, 2025Certain Santa Fe / Santa Fe XL (NC) vehicles equipped with 3.3L Lambda II GDI engines may exhibit abnormal engine noise or damage. This bulletin describes the procedure to…
- 11021407Jul 30, 2025Certain Santa Fe / Santa Fe XL (NC) vehicles equipped with 3.3L Lambda II GDI engines may exhibit abnormal engine noise or damage. The vehicle will be repaired based on the…
- 11012335Dec 31, 2024Certain 2013 – 2019 model year Santa Fe/Santa Fe XL vehicles equipped with 3.3L Lambda II GDI engines may experience abnormal engine noise or engine damage. At Hyundai, we are…
- 11006230Aug 5, 2024The warranty coverage for engine repair or replacement related to engine noise or damage has been extended to 15 years or 150,000 miles from the date of original retail delivery…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 5% |
| 2025 | 14 | 10% |
| 2024 | 13 | 8% |
| 2023 | 35 | 16% |
| 2022 | 54 | 27% |
| 2021 | 37 | 22% |
| 2020 | 81 | 37% |
| 2019 | 73 | 36% |
| 2018 | 54 | 49% |
| 2017 | 650 | 67% |
| 2016 | 151 | 64% |
| 2015 | 161 | 63% |
| 2014 | 274 | 56% |
| 2013 | 273 | 45% |
| 2012 | 228 | 64% |
| 2011 | 64 | 35% |
| 2010 | 37 | 14% |
| 2009 | 60 | 17% |
| 2008 | 60 | 11% |
| 2007 | 54 | 8% |
| 2006 | 3 | 3% |
| 2005 | 11 | 5% |
| 2004 | 16 | 5% |
| 2003 | 8 | 3% |
| 2002 | 10 | 6% |
| 2001 | 7 | 3% |
Other parts of the 2016 Hyundai Santa FE
25 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
21 complaintsBrakes
17 complaintsElectrical system
11 complaintsAir bags
9 complaintsFuel system
9 complaintsSeat belts
8 complaintsBody and structure
6 complaintsVehicle speed control
5 complaintsEngine cooling
4 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2016 Hyundai Santa FE
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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