10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
19,826 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2016 Hyundai Santa Fe drivetrain problems

drivetrain problem

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2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Owner Comments

problem #16

Sep 092023

Santa Fe

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The engine has been reported as failed. It is available for inspection. The safety of the persons in the vehicle and on the road around us were at risk, specifically with the loss of acceleration and power while driving in traffic and merging. Vehicle became unsafe for use for our family to use so we towed it to be evaluated at odometer reading of 97,181. What happened: Vehicle suddenly started making knocking noise. While driving the vehicle a sudden loss of acceleration and inability to accelerate. Engine started to shut off when it had been in park and then placed into gear. Towed vehicle to be assessed by a mechanic. When assessed at a mechanic, the problem was confirmed and it was also noted that oil had been consumed and noted to be loosing oil internally and has burn on dipstick. No oil spots noted in area where car had been parked or leaking oil on engine. Mechanic assessed that there was engine failure and the engine would need to be replaced. Mechanic also ran diagnostic testing and noted to only have active codes for the tire pressure monitor system of C1212 VSS. Diagnostic health report noted to have no issues. Readiness monitors completed with no issues. Diagnostic health report available. Transported vehicle to dealership, where it was inspected and engine issue was confirmed as well as identical health diagnostic report. It was reported that this model was not part of the recall and warranty extension because it is a V6 engine and not a 4 cylinder so manufacturer would not be replacing engine. Due to being the second owners of this vehicle, we do not meet criteria to utilize the 100k mile warranty. All of this has occurred with out an engine warning light turning on the dash or service code being found when computer was interrogated.

- Hayward, WI, USA

problem #15

Jun 062023

Santa Fe

  • miles
Accelerated after stop sign and felt like the vehicle hit a pole. Stuck in 4th gear.

- St Augustine, FL, USA

problem #14

May 162023

Santa Fe

  • miles
I was driving my 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe to my morning job, & noticed a slight trembling of the vehicle initially. Upon approaching a stop sign at a 2 way stop, I noticed that my brakes were not fully engaging so I pumped them a couple times. Immediately my car started accelerating on its own faster and faster until my brakes were not stopping the car at all even with my foot pushing the brake pedal down as far as possible. My foot wasn-??t on the accelerator at all. I noticed a pickup truck about to cross the intersection for which I needed to stop. Because I had no control over the car to get it to stop, I slammed the car into park, & it finally stopped just before my car crossed through the intersection. If I had not done that I would-??ve been hit directly on my drivers side door by a truck going at least 55 mph. The car revved really high for several seconds after putting the car in park. I drove 10 mph to my work destination, & experienced exactly the same symptoms when I was pulling into my parking spot. As soon as I started braking to come to a stop to park, the car immediately started to accelerate again beyond my control & the ability to engage my brakes, even with my brakes pushed down as far as they would go. Again I slammed the car into park, otherwise my car would-??ve run through the side of a barn & a horse stall with a horse and the barn owner inside. I checked to make sure nothing was impeding the movement of my accelerator and braking pedals, and nothing was. No warning lights came on at any time. I am very concerned as I am reading multiple reports of almost identical incidents for other Hyundai Santa Fe owners of a variety of years, & because this issue can-??t be reproduced, there is no recall, and no code comes up, owners are not being given a solution or any type of support by Hyundai dealers or the manufacturer itself. I absolutely do not feel safe driving my car for my own safety & the safety of those on the road with me. I was almost killed today.

- Wayland, MI, USA

problem #13

Mar 122023

Santa Fe

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

While driving the car experienced a catastrophic engine failure as well as loss of steering and brakes. Was able to get to the side of the road without injury. This could have resulted in injury or loss of life if the drivetrain would have locked up. The vehicle is at the dealer now, after a 250-mile tow. The dealer said that they have eight cars at their dealership with the same blown engine issue. No warning lights came on prior to the incident.

- Deerfield, IL, USA

problem #12

Aug 182022

Santa Fe

  • miles
The engine control module (CPU) failed and at first the car experienced random warning lights thatwhen placed on diagnostic computer, no codes were noted. the next issue was a strong gasoline smell in the cabin. the cpu read this as a faulty fuel pressure regulator. when a second code pull was done it was reported as evaporator canister failure requires changing. The problem was in fact a leaking fuel injector rail and two injectors with defective improperly seated "O" rings. Explainig the gas smell and poor milage. "Ms. G" owns the 2016 santa fe sport with 2.0 GDI motor. There are about 80K miles The intermittent warning lights became and issue during the annual inspection/tag renewal. the DMV inspector saw the traction control, ABS, incline parking brake light and the service engine soon warnings intending to fail the car after the problemwas explained he connected his code reader, and found no codes. About April of 2022, a recal notice was recieved noting especially the 2,0 GDI MOTOR. I explained everything to the Huyndai rep. who informed me that the recall was directly related to the matters we discussed. When i described the final episode where the motor simply shut off. I explained it was towed to my shop, again placed ot the full spectrum scanner / computer. At this time a complete systems diagnostic was preformed, ignition on - motor not running, including a complete sensor check. It was during this portion of the testing that I noticed that asensor was not reporting any data, or the existance of an oil pressure sensor. Now the ignition switch was then turned on/off the designated number of times and the car was started and a definite knock was detected. Ms. G is by no means uninformed regarding automobiles her parents restored several vintage Jags, And a 1966 330GTS Ferrari.The point being had she had any warning the vehicle was low on oil she would have checked and added as needed. In the end the Hyundai rep assured us the engine replacement was free.

- Smyrna, DE, USA

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problem #11

Jul 142022

Santa Fe

  • miles
One of the cam shafts failed, also the actuator. We had purchased an extended warranty so the repair is supposed to be covered. However when the dealership submitted a pre-authorization they were asked to remove the oil plan and check for metal. They did find metal in the oil pan so they required that the engine short block be replaced in order to cover the cost. That part- the short block - is back ordered and we have been told to expect a delay of at least 3-4 months. The warranty company will only cover a rental car for 10 days so we are stuck. We have spoken to multiple mechanics and dealerships who are telling us that they are seeing this all over - V6 CVT engines failing after 65-70k miles. Obviously the Hyunday Certified Pre-Owned warranty folks also know there is a problem since they made the mechanic check for metal. This is clearly problem and we will be without a car for months. We made were up to date on all regular maintenance. HYUNDAI Case# 19971861

- Attleboro, MA, USA

problem #10

Jun 202022

Santa Fe

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

1) My mechanic inspected my vehicle after a rattling noise began sounding from the engine bay while accelerating and increasing RPM - The noise began shortly before the flashing check engine light turned on. My mechanic inspected the car and ran the code for the check engine light and determined that an engine connecting rod had broken and ruined the engine. Yes, it is available for inspection upon request. 2) The car experienced a loss of power and moderate vibration while driving to the mechanic after the issue. In hindsight I felt it was unsafe to have driven the car in that condition and if the mechanical issue first presented while driving at higher speeds I feel that it likely could have caused an accident or vehicle-vehicle collision 3) No. I am currently waiting for Hyundai to respond to my warranty claim. 4) No. The vehicle so far has only been inspected by my mechanic. 5) No. I began hearing the noise while running errands and within 5 minutes the check engine light came on and was flashing. I then took it to the mechanic a few days later and did not drive it between events.

- Bozeman , MT, USA

problem #9

May 212021

Santa Fe

  • miles
I own a 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe, . Back in May of 2021, my children and I were driving home from the beach. The engine in the car began making a strange knocking sound halfway through the trip, but the engine light did not illuminate. We thankfully made it home safely. I had my local mechanic take a look at the car and he said that the knocking sound is considered the death knell of any engine. I was shocked. How could a well-maintained 5 year old car's engine need to be replaced? I called Hyundai and they advised me to bring the car to a dealership for a service manager to diagnose and call them after three days to submit a claim. For our own safety I had the car towed to the local dealership, they serviced and diagnosed as a knocking sound coming from the bearings. The engine failed during examination. I have been submitting, resubmitting, and escalating claims since. The claims manager in corporate rejected my claim because the test they perform to diagnose the engine as defective requires that the engine be running. This is obviously a circular argument created to reject claims. I have since read court documents for the class actions suits describing the issues that Hyundai so far refuses to acknowledge and address (other than through updates and recalls that don't resolve the root of the problem) regarding their manufacturing and design defects that lead to premature engine wear and damage. The manufacturing process leaves metal debris (also known as swarf) in the engines and/or poorly machined engine components resulting in metal on metal contact in the rotating assembly of the engine leading to catastrophic engine failure. Hyundai is with full knowledge of the issues (all of these problems have been reported to the NHTSA for many years now) marketing, selling and distributing under false and fraudulent pretenses their cars to the general public. This is unjust, unsafe, unlawful and fraudulent. This is not right and can no longer go on. Something must be done.

- Westfield, NJ, USA

problem #8

Jun 232021

Santa Fe

  • miles
Drive The car on the Highway and seemed like I was losing power and a few minutes later I heard a knocking on the engine

- New Bedford , MA, USA

problem #7

Sep 132020

Santa Fe

  • 82,000 miles
While driving about 65 mph on the highway all of the warning lights (engine, oil, etc...) came on at the same time and the car just shut down and lost power steering. Luckily I was able to pull over without any problems. The vehicle wouldnt start. It just mad a click when turning the key. All of the lights work in the vehicle. The vehicle has about 82,000 miles

- Mckees Rocks, PA, USA

problem #6

Jan 122020

Santa Fe

  • 6,600 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

When I stop at traffic light the car has vibration I can fell it while I step on the break I took it 2 Hyundai they advise me is normal.

- Tucker, GA, USA

problem #5

Sep 162019

Santa Fe

  • 46,000 miles
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe. While driving approximately 30 mph, a loud snapping noise was heard. The vehicle was taken to universal Hyundai (321-418-6386, located at 12801 S orange blossom trl, orlando, fl 32837) where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle remained at the dealer's for the past month. The contact was informed that the part was unavailable. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the vehicle was over two years old and would not be entitled to the lemon law consideration; therefore, they could not assist. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 46,000.

- Orlando, FL, USA

problem #4

Jul 012019

Santa Fe

  • 60,000 miles
Transfer case is failing at 61,000 mile, a lot of nose and vibration. Transfer case can come loose or cause failure to the drive shaft and maybe even possible components to come off while driving.

- Jones Mills, PA, USA

problem #3

Dec 012018

Santa Fe

  • 70,000 miles
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe. While driving approximately 50 mph, the vehicle hesitated and jerked. Also, while accelerating from a stop sign, the vehicle felt as if it downshifted. There was no warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the failure was normal. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure and informed the contact to take the vehicle to a dealer. The dealer was not called. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

- Elmwood Park, IL, USA

problem #2

Mar 112019

Santa Fe

  • 50,109 miles
The car was at a complete stop in a driveway. The car was still running because I was getting out of the car to get the mail. I put the car in park and went to get out of the vehicle. As I got out the vehicle started going in reverse and pulled me underneath the car and the vehicle ran over me. I'm not sure if the transmission slipped out of park to reverse on its own or if the shifter wasn't actually placed in park. I thought the vehicle could sense if no one was in the drivers seat and automatically put the car into park or neutral. The heated seats and airbag won't turn on unless it sense weight in the seat.

- Norton, MA, USA

problem #1

Feb 242016

Santa Fe

  • 2,500 miles
While the vehicle was parked, when shifting into reverse, the transmission went into drive. It would not go into reverse. The only way to reset it was to turn off engine and restart the engine.

- Wilmette, IL, USA

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