2016 Hyundai Santa FE Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 21about this part
- Share
- 9%of 236 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 50,109miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 21 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2016 Hyundai Santa FE, 9% of the 236 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 50,109 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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 the car and the vehicle ran over me. I'm not sure if the transmission slipped out of park to reverse on its own or if the shifter wasn't actually placed in park. I thought the vehicle could sense if no one was in the drivers seat and automatically put the car into park or neutral. …”
NHTSA complaint #11186984, filed 2019-03, 50,109 miles“While driving about 65 MPH on the highway 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 click when turning the key. All of the lights work in the vehicle. The vehicle has about 82,000 miles”
NHTSA complaint #11354811, filed 2020-09, 82,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11244040, filed 2019-08, 60,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10838069, filed 2016-02, 2,500 miles“6 months ago my rod bearing broke in my engine, and I needed a new engine. From the engine recall. With a broken rod bearing you get an oil consumption problem. Oil consumption ruing your cat converter. But they aren’t telling anyone that. 6,000 miles after my new engine, my catalac converter broke. These cars are dangerous. They’re not telling anyone that this is the next problem. They just put you back on the road. Not to mention bad for the environment!”
NHTSA complaint #11585354, filed 2024-04Related service bulletins
- 10241874Aug 17, 2023Hyundai has launched an anti-theft software upgrade and window decal campaign (Campaign 993), combined with an anti-theft steering wheel lock campaign (Campaign P32), in response…
- 10176194May 21, 2020If you are servicing an applicable vehicle with the following symptoms and DTC, follow the Service Procedure on Page 4. ï· Check Engine light on ï· DTC P0880/P088000 - TCM…
- 10174807Apr 17, 2020The automatic transmission warranty repair policy authorizes in-dealership repairs of the following components for both OEM (new) and remanufactured automatic transmissions:
- 10174799Apr 9, 2020If you are servicing an applicable vehicle with a âCheck Engineâ light on and one or more of the DTC listed below, follow the repair procedure and replace the related…
- 10172227Feb 20, 2020If you are servicing an applicable vehicle with a âCheck Engineâ light on and one or more of the DTC listed below, follow the repair procedure and replace the related…
- 10170899Jan 2, 2020This TSB provides a procedure to diagnose and repair a transaxle for the following Incorrect Ratio DTC (transaxle clutch slipping more than 200 rpm in gear).
- 10167235Oct 7, 2019This bulletin provides information regarding the changes in the timing chain and the crankshaft sprockets on certain Azera (HG), Santa Fe/Santa Fe XL (NC), Genesis (BH/DH)…
- 10165455Aug 12, 2019If you are servicing an applicable vehicle with a ?Check Engine? light on and one or more of the DTC listed below, follow the repair procedure and replace the related solenoid…
- 10163279Jun 4, 2019This TSB provides a procedure to diagnose and repair a transaxle for the following Incorrect Ratio DTC (transaxle clutch slipping more than 200 rpm in gear).
- 10160103Apr 19, 2019This bulletin provides a procedure to improve the 1-2 shift quality when the transmission fluid is cold.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 8% |
| 2025 | 22 | 16% |
| 2024 | 45 | 29% |
| 2023 | 45 | 21% |
| 2022 | 57 | 28% |
| 2021 | 51 | 30% |
| 2020 | 26 | 12% |
| 2019 | 37 | 18% |
| 2018 | 10 | 9% |
| 2017 | 166 | 17% |
| 2016 | 21 | 9% |
| 2015 | 22 | 9% |
| 2014 | 36 | 7% |
| 2013 | 52 | 9% |
| 2012 | 24 | 7% |
| 2011 | 21 | 12% |
| 2010 | 109 | 42% |
| 2009 | 24 | 7% |
| 2008 | 24 | 4% |
| 2007 | 31 | 5% |
| 2006 | 5 | 5% |
| 2005 | 11 | 5% |
| 2004 | 21 | 7% |
| 2003 | 35 | 11% |
| 2002 | 13 | 8% |
| 2001 | 23 | 11% |
Other parts of the 2016 Hyundai Santa FE
151 complaintsOther or unknown
25 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 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