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2016 Hyundai Santa Fe

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 212.5.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

69 reports with mileage · 167 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine. Review the 151 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 21 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 11 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

6 crash reports2 fire reports5 injury reports

Air Bags complaints

9 reports
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Mileage unknown · Mar 15, 2024
Air BagsCrash

Someone backed out of a parking lot and I crashed into their rear passenger side. Other party at fault but my air bags for 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport did not deploy.

NHTSA ODI #11577547

Mileage unknown · Mar 13, 2024
Air BagsCrashInjury

Had an accident where driver side front of vehicle was hit. The severity of crash resulted in total loss. The driver was hurt and concussed due to her head hitting the side window, driver side. The vehicle was equipped with front side impact and curtain airbags and all failed to deploy. The other vehicle's side curtains we…

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Had an accident where driver side front of vehicle was hit. The severity of crash resulted in total loss. The driver was hurt and concussed due to her head hitting the side window, driver side. The vehicle was equipped with front side impact and curtain airbags and all failed to deploy. The other vehicle's side curtains were deployed.

NHTSA ODI #11577047

Mileage unknown · Feb 8, 2024
Air BagsSeats

I have seen this be reported online, but apparently it only covers the KIA Model, not the hyundai model. But the ODS Mat/Bladder defect in our passenger seat in our Hyundai Santa Fe 2016. Drops Codes B149000 and B1764 - this causes our air bag light to come on. This flipped on around 70k miles but because we are the second ow…

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I have seen this be reported online, but apparently it only covers the KIA Model, not the hyundai model. But the ODS Mat/Bladder defect in our passenger seat in our Hyundai Santa Fe 2016. Drops Codes B149000 and B1764 - this causes our air bag light to come on. This flipped on around 70k miles but because we are the second owner, we have to foot the bill out of pocket. Its asinine to think that we have to replace the entire seat and that Hyundai doesnt see this as a problem for them. Hyundai looked at our car, and again they stated we have to fix it ourselves - or pay them. They confirmed it. The problem is, it shuts our air bags off meaning if we dont foot the $2000-$3000 to replace it, our air bags just wont deploy. Thats a massive security risk. This seems to be a problem with various Hyundai and Kia models, but apparently only SOME models with the same codes get to be replaced. Ridiculous. Attached are various issues by Hyundai, Kia, with the same issue across various models. Here is the link to the same issues in a different model of Kia/Hyundai Cars [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11570923

Mileage unknown · Sep 25, 2023
Air Bags

The seat belt indicator on the console of a vehicle is illuminated the vehicle has not been any accidents or any problems other than that. I took it to the dealership and they stated it will take 2 to 3 weeks just a diagnostic this problem I think it should not be a problem.

NHTSA ODI #11546422

Mileage unknown · Feb 8, 2022
Air BagsUnknown Or Other

The clockspring of hyundai steering wheels does not work and goes bad. This is a known problem within hyundais. A bad clock spring leaves without cruise control, a functioning horn, or most importantly, a functioning airbag. You would be unable to alert an inattentive driver and the airbag may not deploy in the event of a collis…

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The clockspring of hyundai steering wheels does not work and goes bad. This is a known problem within hyundais. A bad clock spring leaves without cruise control, a functioning horn, or most importantly, a functioning airbag. You would be unable to alert an inattentive driver and the airbag may not deploy in the event of a collision Problem is confirmed by dealership. No warning lamps or messages occur from the issue. You only know when your buttons or horns don't work.

NHTSA ODI #11451036

120,000 miles · Oct 28, 2019
Air Bags

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE AIR BAG INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND REMAINED LIT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DANBURY HYUNDAI (203-730-4700, LOCATED AT 102 FEDERAL ROAD, DANBURY, CT 06810) WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE AIR BAG INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND REMAINED LIT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DANBURY HYUNDAI (203-730-4700, LOCATED AT 102 FEDERAL ROAD, DANBURY, CT 06810) WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 120,000.

NHTSA ODI #11271554

73,000 miles · Sep 13, 2019
Air BagsCrash

WE WERE HIT HEAD ON BY A LARGE PICKUP TRUCK. WE SUSTAINED A LOT OF DAMAGE FROM THIS HEAD-ON COLLISION. WE WERE TRAVELING AROUND 10 MILES AN HOUR BUT THE OTHER CAR WAS GOING AT LEAST 20 MILES AN HOUR. THE AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED DESPITE BEING HIT HEAD ON AND SUFFERING A LOT OF DAMAGE UPON IMPACT. WE WERE SLOWING DOWN FOR A STOP SI…

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WE WERE HIT HEAD ON BY A LARGE PICKUP TRUCK. WE SUSTAINED A LOT OF DAMAGE FROM THIS HEAD-ON COLLISION. WE WERE TRAVELING AROUND 10 MILES AN HOUR BUT THE OTHER CAR WAS GOING AT LEAST 20 MILES AN HOUR. THE AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED DESPITE BEING HIT HEAD ON AND SUFFERING A LOT OF DAMAGE UPON IMPACT. WE WERE SLOWING DOWN FOR A STOP SIGN. THE OTHER CAR TURNED INTO OUR LANE AND WAS ACCELERATING TOWARDS US.

NHTSA ODI #11255432

62,300 miles · Aug 22, 2019
Air BagsExterior Lighting

ON JULY 27, 2019 DRIVING ON A COUNTY ROAD AT 50 MPH IN DRY AND SUNNY CONDITIONS, THE AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED AS WELL AS THE PASSENGER SEATBELT LIGHT. THE NEXT MORNING I SCHEDULED SERVICE RIGHT AWAY. I STARTED MY CAR TO GO TO SCHWARTZ MAZDA IN SHREWSBURY NJ ON 7/27/19 FOR SERVICE THRU MY PURCHASED EXTENDED WARRANTY. AT THAT TIME…

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ON JULY 27, 2019 DRIVING ON A COUNTY ROAD AT 50 MPH IN DRY AND SUNNY CONDITIONS, THE AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED AS WELL AS THE PASSENGER SEATBELT LIGHT. THE NEXT MORNING I SCHEDULED SERVICE RIGHT AWAY. I STARTED MY CAR TO GO TO SCHWARTZ MAZDA IN SHREWSBURY NJ ON 7/27/19 FOR SERVICE THRU MY PURCHASED EXTENDED WARRANTY. AT THAT TIME, NEITHER THE AIRBAG OR SEATBELT LIGHTS WERE ON, BUT NERVOUS FOR MINE AND MY FAMILY'S SAFETY, I BROUGHT THE CAR ANYWAY. I WAS INFORMED BY JARROD IN THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT THAT THEY RESET MY COMPUTER AND TO LET HIM KNOW IF THE LIGHT(S) CAME BACK ON. THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON BRIEFLY ON AUGUST 11TH WHILE DRIVING ON A RESIDENTIAL ROAD GOING 35 MPH ON A DRY AND SUNNY DAY. I TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE TO PARK AND THEN RESTARTED MY CAR TO RETURN HOME. THE LIGHT WAS NOT ON. MONDAY AUGUST 19TH WHILE TRAVELING ON A COUNTY ROAD AT 45 MPH IN RAINY WET DRIVING CONDITIONS AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON ACCOMPANIED BY THE FLASHING PASSENGER SEAT BELT LIGHT AGAIN. MADE AN APPT FOR SERVICE ON TUESDAY, AUGUST 20TH WITH ONCE AGAIN, SCHWARTZ MAZDA IN SHREWSBURY NJ WHERE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IN MAY OF 2018. BOTH LIGHTS WERE ON UPON MY ARRIVAL IN SUNNY AND DRY DRIVING CONDITIONS. THEIR CODE READER PRODUCED THE CODE "PASSENGER MAT SENSOR" AND I WAS INFORMED THEY WOULD HAVE TO SEND IT TO CIRCLE HYUNDAI IN SHREWSBURY FOR FURTHER DIAGNOSIS. I RECEIVED A CALL FROM JARROD AT SCHWARTZ MAZDA AT 11 AM ON THURSDAY AUGUST 22 WITH NEWS THAT MY REPAIR WAS NOT COVERED UNDER MY PURCHASED EXTENDED WARRANTY AND THAT THE REPAIRS WOULD COST ALMOST $600. I AM FEARFUL FOR MY FAMILY'S SAFETY AND THE RESOURCES I HAVE REACHED OUT TO HAVE BEEN USELESS AND UNACCOMODATING. WHY IS NO ONE CONCERNED FOR THE SAFETY OF AIRBAGS THAT WILL NOT INFLATE IN THE EVENT OF EMERGENCY? PLEASE CONTACT ME WITH A COURSE OF ACTION I CAN TAKE TO REPAIR THIS VEHICLE AND KEEP MY FAMILY SAFE.

NHTSA ODI #11245918

Mileage unknown · Aug 8, 2018
Air BagsElectrical SystemUnknown Or Other

TAKATA RECALL AIRBAG LIGHT ON AND MY SUV HAS BEEN IN 0 ACIDDENTS, THE AC AIR STATES IT'S ON BUT DOESN'T BLOW ANY AIR AT ALL! IT ONLY HAS 69640K MILES, KNOCKING SOUND WHEN I AM ON PARK OR HAVE THE BRAKE ON WHILE AT RED LIGHT OR STOP SIGN!

NHTSA ODI #11118629

Official recalls

3

22V056000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module

Feb 3, 2022

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Santa Fe, 2017-2018 Santa Fe Sport, 2019 Santa Fe XL, and 2014-2015 Tucson vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module could malfunction and cause an electrical short, which could result in an engine compartment fire.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS multi-fuse, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 31, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 218.

17V358000 · Latches/locks/linkages:hood:latch

Jun 5, 2017

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 & remedy

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.

16V145000 · Seat Belts:front:warning Light/devices

Mar 10, 2016

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Santa Fe vehicles manufactured September 1, 2015 to February 12, 2016. In the affected vehicles, the wires in the front seat belt buckle harnesses may be damaged by the seat's height adjuster mechanism, resulting in a failure to provide an audible warning when front seat occupants do not fasten their seat belts. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Without a warning to remind the front seat occupants that their seat belts are not buckled, they may forget to buckle their seat belt, increasing their risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and reroute the wires in the front seat belt buckle harnesses to their proper locations, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on April 27, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 141.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

3

AQ23002 · Hyundai And Kia Abs Module Fires

Opened Nov 17, 2023 · No close date supplied

Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando. The Part 573 Recall Reports contain varying defect descriptions and differing remedy descriptions for the same or similar equipment supplied by Mando. Safety recalls included in this Audit Query (AQ) review include: Hyundai recalls 20V-520, 20V-543, 21V-161, 21V-160, 21V-303, 22V-056, 22V-810, and 23V-651. Kia recalls 16V-815, 20V-518, 20V-519, 21V-137, 21V-331, 22V-051, 22V-800, and 23V-652 The purpose of this AQ is to evaluate the timeliness and scoping of Hyundai and Kia’s defect decision making and adherence with reporting requirements; and understand the varying defect descriptions and remedies between these recalls.

DP22003 · Loss Of Motive Power

Opened Sep 12, 2022 · Closed Dec 12, 2023

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complaints were provided which alleged that the oil drain pans lack sufficient structural integrity and are susceptible to cracking. The petition itself can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI number 11481745. On September 12, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Defect Petition (DP22-003) to evaluate the Petitioners’ request. The Petitioners have provided additional complaints within four supplemental letters dated January 31, 2023, March 21, 2023, May 23, 2023, and August 4, 2023. ODI’s evaluation included the review and analysis of the complaints and supporting information submitted by the Petitioners, as well as additional complaints submitted directly to NHTSA which referenced either the oil drain plug or a crack in the oil pan. After reviewing the available data, ODI has not identified evidence that would support opening a defect investigation into the oil drain pan assemblies of the subject vehicles. Based on a review of the available information, a loss of motive power resulting from an oil drain plug back out has not occurred between the initial sale of a vehicle and the completion of its first oil change. If during an oil change service, a technician fails to remove the existing drain plug gasket before installing a new gasket, it is likely that a proper seal between the drain plug and the oil pan will not be made. An improper seal between the drain plug and oil pan could lead to the backing out on the drain plug, resulting in the sudden loss of oil while driving. Additionally, the provided examples of oil pan cracks were localized to the immediate vicinity of the oil drain plug and/or appeared to be the result of direct-contact with a tool during servicing.  There is no information to support that a vehicle-based defect exists relating to the oil pan assembly, and instead the documented incidents are related to the failure to follow the proper maintenance procedures during oil change service. In October 2023, Hyundai published a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) that provided detailed instructions for oil change service on its gasoline powered vehicles, specifically highlighting the need to remove and replace the existing drain plug gasket prior to reinstalling the drain plug. After a thorough review of the material submitted by the petitioner, the information already in NHTSA's possession, and the potential risks to motor vehicle safety implicated by the petitioners' allegations, NHTSA does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. Therefore, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA’s reasons for denial of the petition will be published. The reference numbers for the complaints to NHTSA cited by the petitioner can be found in the petition submission documents in the public file for DP22-003. To review those complaints and the additional complaints ODI added to its evaluation which are cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

DP21003 · Throttle Control System Vulnerabilities

Opened Nov 12, 2021 · Closed Jun 20, 2023

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:throttle

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a petition letter dated October 10, 2021, requesting an investigation of possible defects in the electronic throttle control (ETC) system on certain Kia vehicles resulting in the opening of DP21-003. Accordingly, Model Year (MY) 2005-2016 Kia Optima/K5, MY 2006-2015 Kia Sorento, MY 2007-2016 Hyundai Elantra, MY 2007-2016 Hyundai Santa Fe, MY 2006-2015 Hyundai Sonatas are all part of the subject population. The petition was originally filed as a Vehicle Owner Questionnaire that can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under reference (ODI) number 11439675.On November 12, 2021, ODI opened Defect Petition DP21-003 to evaluate the petitioner?s request. ODI performed trend analyses of the VOQs related to vehicle speed control issues for all the subject vehicles and found that none of the 52 Model/Model Year Hyundai/Kia vehicles demonstrated any actionable trend that warranted an investigation.Petitioners submitted 1119 VOQs and non-VOQ cases in which sudden uncommanded acceleration (SUA) or loss of motive power (LOMP) incidents were alleged.For the 1119 reports, 220 were incidents involving crashes, from which 69 subject Hyundai-Kia vehicles were inspected by Hyundai/Kia dealer technicians, Hyundai/Kia engineers, and/or third-party representatives.ODI found the inspections identified no vehicle defects related to the ETC system.Of the 220 crash-involved reports, 13 Event Data Recorder (EDR) records were downloaded successfully and 11 of those indicated driver error: (i.e.) pedal misapplication.A condition where the accelerator pedal is mistakenly applied instead of the brake pedal when the driver wants to stop the vehicle.In addition, ODI reviewed a scientific journal paper published in Forensic Science International in 2016 by Mr. Park et al ., as well as related test videos. ODI does not believe there is any evidence of uncontrollable SUA occurrences in any of the tests reviewed. NHTSA's Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance (OVSC) reviewed the allegations regarding the potential noncompliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 124.Based on the information provided, the Agency concludes there is insufficient information for us to determine if a possible non-compliance exists.Finally, both Hyundai and Kia informed ODI that all their vehicles manufactured after 2012 were equipped with an ETC management system, in which the engine speed will go to idle when the system sees signals from both the brake pedal and accelerator pedal at the same time; this is commonly known as the brake-throttle override system.After thoroughly assessing the material submitted by the petitioner, information already in NHTSA's possession, information submitted by Hyundai and Kia in response to an Information Request letter, and the potential risks to safety implicated by the petitioner's allegation, NHTSA does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. After full consideration of appropriate factors, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA?s reasons for denial of the petition will be published.