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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

    The 2016 Santa Fe is less reliable than other cars from the same model year.

    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/unsure

    "electrical systems but due to mice eating cables"

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

    "Failed starter"

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

    In-car Electronics

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

    What Owners Say

    Hardware replacement

    "Had to replace the main screen. Replacement works great but always get a message that something is not connected. Have been unable to solve."

    Anonymous, ID (2016 Hyundai Santa Fe SE 3.3-L V6)
    Phone pairing (e.g., Bluetooth)

    "The connection sucks. When talking to friends they dont hear me 90 % of the time. Painful!!!"

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

    Suspension/Steering

    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

    "Had to replace"

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

    "Had to replace"

    Anonymous A., VT (2016 Hyundai Santa Fe SE 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

    "Started having problems 2nd year. Warranty replaced everything"

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

    ""Kia USA took many weeks to approve the engine and transmission replacement, as well as subsequent manifold replacement. still waiting on payment for rental car episode from Feb warranty work. They are more responsive than KIA in this matter though, with dedicated group communicating with me.""

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

    Brakes

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

    What Owners Say

    Antilock braking system (ABS)

    "Sensor had to be replaced. So I had them replace the brake pads too."

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

    Noises/Leaks

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

    What Owners Say

    Powertrain cooling leaks

    "Thermostat housing cracked(Plastic) Repair cost $1000 with labour. Major problem just finding new part."

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

    Transmission Major

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

    What Owners Say

    Transmission rebuild or replacement

    "waited weeks for Hyundai USA to approve this replacement."

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

    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.

    What Owners Say

    Other body problem

    ""Passenger seat sensor defective. Seat must be replaced at a cost of about $2,000.""

    Anonymous, ON (2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Unsure 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

    "It needed to be replaced after 2 years. I was stuck in mid of nowhere. Took a week to get new part. Wouldnt give me warrenty"

    Anonymous A., CA (2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Unsure 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

    "seal on engine minor leak"

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

    Paint/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.

    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.

    Transmission Minor

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

    Climate System

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

    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.

    2016 SUVs Reliability

    This Car
    vs. Similar Cars

    Hyundai vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

    Reliability History
    * Redesign year
    00
    01*
    02
    03
    04
    05
    06
    07*
    08
    09
    10
    11
    12
    13*
    14
    15
    16
    17
    18
    19*
    20
    21*
    22
    23
    24*
    25
    Overall Reliability Verdict
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA

    POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
    Powertrain
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Major
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Minor
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Cooling
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Electrical
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Transmission Major
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Transmission Minor
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Drive System
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Fuel System/Emissions
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Exhaust
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Suspension/Steering
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Brakes
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Climate System
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Build Quality
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Electrical Accessories
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Body Hardware
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Paint/Trim
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Noises/Leaks
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    In-car Electronics
    NA
    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 about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 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.
    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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