2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-20. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Latches / locks
What's wrong, in plain English: Doors, hood or trunk may open unexpectedly. 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.
What could happen: 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.
The fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the secondary latch cable, free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2017. Owner's may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for the recall is 163.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2016 SANTA FE SPORT.
- Book a repair at any authorized Hyundai dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 17V358000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-855-671-3059.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
Summary: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the secondary latch cable, free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2017. Owner's may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for the recall is 163.
Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Engine (46), Unknown Or Other (14), Electrical system (7), Brakes (6), Fuel system (5).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
10/11/2026 · Engine · fire
While driving I smelled gasoline then it turned to a burnt smell, engine turned off. Got to side of the road and engine caught fire. Firetrucks and police arrived. Car is totaled entire engine bay was up in flames. Car has been towed.
09/21/2026 · Electrical system
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the Facebook Marketplace advertisement and odometer reading were 114,841 miles. However, approximately one hour later, it was discovered that the title l…
09/08/2026 · Engine
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that there was coolant in the engine and that the knock sensor detection system needed to be replaced. The dealer made the cont…
09/03/2026 · Suspension · crash
Was traveling along a city street with parked cars on the passenger side of my vehicle. Axle or wheel broke and veered into parked vehicle severing the engine wiring harness not allowing the airbag to deploy.
08/10/2026 · Engine · fire
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH and attempting to overtake another vehicle, the vehicle lost automotive power and decelerated with the check engine, battery, and oil warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was parked on the shoulder of the highway, and smoke was coming from under the…
07/27/2026 · Electrical system
my BSD sensor would go on and off for the last several months when no one was around me. I work early and even when I was alone on the road the BSD would flash for 2-3 mins and go off.. then my fan for my air conditioner stopped. When I removed the glove compartment to see the wire connecting to the fan is "melted". When i called bob king hyundai, I was inf…
07/01/2026 · Engine
The engine (2016 Hyundai Santa Fe 2.0L/2.4L Theta II GDI engine) suffered a catastrophic internal mechanical failure, specifically related to the known connecting rod bearing defect. The vehicle is currently un-driveable and is located at Serra Hyundai in Trussville, AL. The vehicle and its failed engine are available for inspection upon request. The engin…
06/22/2026 · Engine · fire
After driving the vehicle around all day, I parked it and turned it off and then it set on fire.