NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 72 owner complaints for the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. Most complaints involve engine (45) and electrical system (7). The EPA rates it 20–23 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“On XXXX, my 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport AWD (VIN [XXX], ~89,151 miles) developed a flashing check-engine light while driving — an active misfire condition. An OBD-II scan pulled code P1326, Hyundai's knock-sensor detection code for connecting-rod bearing wear in the Theta II engine family, the same defect family covered by Hyundai's lifetime bearing-warranty extension under Service Campaign T6G (TSB 22-01-023H-1). The vehicle was towed to Grand Hyundai of Canton (repair order #XXX). The dealer performed the bearing clearance test (BCT, TSB 21-EM-004H-1) on XXX, and recorded only "PASS." The printed result from the dealer's own GDS diagnostic tablet shows PASS with no numerical clearance values, even though this is a measurement-based test. The knock sensor was NOT replaced, and a KSDS software update was performed. The final invoice was $0. I have asked, in writing and repeatedly, for the actual numerical clearance measurements from that test. I have not received them. What I have received instead is a contradiction: On XXX, at vehicle pickup, the dealership's service manager told my wife, [XXX], that the dealership does not have access to those results and…”
“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 listed the mileage at 170,395.”
“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.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Fe Sport FWD Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 27 | 23 | $2,600 | 387 |
| Santa Fe Sport FWD Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 26 | 22 | $2,750 | 403 |
| Santa Fe Sport Ultimate FWD Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 26 | 22 | $2,750 | 409 |
| Santa Fe Sport AWD Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L · All-Wheel Drive | 19 | 25 | 21 | $2,850 | 415 |
| Santa Fe Sport AWD Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 18 | 24 | 20 | $3,000 | 429 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
1 safety recall as of Nov 11, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 72 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (45), electrical system (7), fuel/propulsion system (4). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport at 20–23 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (5 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport 5 out of 5 stars overall.