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    Hyundai Santa Fe

    EPA MPG: 20 mpg

    RECALL ALERT:
    There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

    Reliability

    Overall Reliability

    We expect the 2025 Santa Fe will have about average reliability when compared to the average new car. This prediction is based on data from the 2024 model.

    The 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe has been recalled 3 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
    Most Common Trouble Spots
    Common Trouble Spot
    Common Trouble Spot

    Owner Reported Trouble Spots

    The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

    Exhaust

    Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Other exhaust system problem

    "It has been a recurring problem since I purchased the vehicle, after the warranty was out it did it a few more times where you can put the pedal to the floor but won't go more than 20 mph. They told me I needed a catalytic converter replaced but Hyundai told the shop to try the oxygen sensors first. I had to pay about $850 for it even though it has been happening since I bought it."

    Anonymous, WA (2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited 3.3-L V6)
    Other/unsure

    "Smog Purge Valve"

    Anonymous, CA (2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited 3.3-L V6)

    "Passenger windows stopped working"

    Anonymous A., MA (2016 Hyundai Santa Fe SE 3.3-L V6)

    "Problem with the auto unlock/lock -- key fob has worn out and replacement is $750. I use it manually"

    Anonymous, WA (2016 Hyundai Santa Fe 3.3-L V6)

    Climate System

    AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

    What Owners Say

    Blower (fan) motor

    "A weird sound came from the vents like a water sloshing sound and the air would not be cooled when we turned the A/C on"

    Anonymous, IL (2016 Hyundai Santa Fe SE 3.3-L V6)
    Refrigerant leaks

    "Refrigerant leaks that were very expensive to trouble shoot. Gaskets around compressor replaced"

    Anonymous A., AB (2016 Hyundai Santa Fe 3.3-L V6)

    Transmission Minor

    Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Slipping transmission

    "Transmission started slipping between gear 1 & 2 in Dec '23. Replaced belt & assembly to resolve."

    Anonymous A., PA (2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited 3.3-L V6)

    "Jerking from change from first gear to srcond"

    Anonymous, KS (2016 Hyundai Santa Fe 3.3-L V6)

    Engine Major

    Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

    What Owners Say

    Engine rebuild or replacement

    "Engine bearing had a recall check just after we bought the car with no problem detected. At 105,000 km the engine bearing failed while we were on a long trip but we made it home. We contacted the dealer and after examining our maintenance record replaced the engine. The engine was not covered under warranty but was replaced due to significant problems with this years bearings. We were very satisfied with their service and would buy another Hyundai."

    Anonymous, BC (2016 Hyundai Santa Fe 3.3-L V6)

    "Our low mileage, regularly-maintenance car experienced internal engine failure. The loss of engine power occurred unexpectedly, while driving home from work. The car was towed to the dealer, who determined internal engine failure. Despite being only 8 years old and under 100k miles, the "10 years/100k" power train warranty did not apply because I am not the first owner. I'm really disappointed and was surprised to see a brand that so clearly does not stand by their product. This was my second Santa Fe but now I will never buy another Hyundai."

    Anonymous A., PA (2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited 3.3-L V6)

    Engine Minor

    Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Oil leaks

    "Oil filtre gasket leaking. Major job to get access to bolts. Replace and repair the Three broken injector Harness connectors, and source injector seals Rock Auto. And extra labor to seal fuel injection system and leak test Fuel Injector Harness Pig Tail Repair Connector."

    Anonymous A., AB (2016 Hyundai Santa Fe 3.3-L V6)

    "Oil leaking from the transfer case and timing cover gasket."

    Anonymous A., UT (2016 Hyundai Santa Fe SE 3.3-L V6)

    Fuel System/Emissions

    Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

    What Owners Say

    Fuel injection system

    "I lost an injector on one side of the V6 so replaced all three"

    Anonymous, MN (2016 Hyundai Santa Fe SE 3.3-L V6)

    Steering And Suspension

    Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

    What Owners Say

    Ball joints

    "Front needing replacement"

    Anonymous A., VT (2016 Hyundai Santa Fe SE 3.3-L V6)

    Engine Electrical

    Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

    What Owners Say

    Other engine starting/ignition problem

    "Engine turbo cylinder head seal developed a leak and had to be replaced for a cost of 1500$ just before the bearing went."

    Anonymous, BC (2016 Hyundai Santa Fe 3.3-L V6)

    Drive System

    Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

    What Owners Say

    CV joint

    "Needed replacement"

    Anonymous A., VT (2016 Hyundai Santa Fe SE 3.3-L V6)

    Transmission Major

    Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

    What Owners Say

    Transmission rebuild or replacement

    "A "jolt" would occur when shifting from 1st to 2nd gear at slow speeds, such as when driving in a parking lot. This started to happen at around 16-17k miles (car was around 7 years old). Problem was resolved with replacement of transmission under warranty."

    Anonymous, CO (2016 Hyundai Santa Fe SE 3.3-L V6)

    In-car Electronics

    Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

    Noises And Leaks

    Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

    Electrical Accessories

    Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

    Brakes

    Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

    Body Hardware

    Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

    Paint And Trim

    Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

    Engine Cooling

    Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

    2016 SUVs Reliability

    This Car
    vs. Similar Cars

    Hyundai vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

    Reliability History
    * Redesign year
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    Overall Reliability Verdict
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA

    POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
    Powertrain
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Major
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Minor
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Cooling
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Electrical
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Transmission Major
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Transmission Minor
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Drive System
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Fuel System/Emissions
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Exhaust
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Steering and Suspension
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Brakes
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Climate System
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Build Quality
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Electrical Accessories
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Body Hardware
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Paint/Trim
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Noises/Leaks
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    In-car Electronics
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for over 300,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2024 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes to power equipment and the electrical accessories. NA indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
    Recalls
    PROVIDED BY
    SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
    Feb 03, 2022
    An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
    Summary:
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    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.nhtsa.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 22V056000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 357348
    LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
    Jun 05, 2017
    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.
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    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.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 17V358000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 437400
    SEAT BELTS
    Mar 10, 2016
    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.
    Summary:
    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."
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    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.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 16V145000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 34200
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