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 that only Corporate has those measurement results. When she asked him to put that statement in the service notes, he refused — "we will not put that in the notes" / "she could not write it down." Service advisor [XXX] was present beside the manager, relayed the request to him, and relayed the refusal back; she witnessed both the statement and the refusal. The same manager had told me by phone that only Hyundai Corporate has the measurements. On XXX, Hyundai National Consumer Affairs Supervisor [XXX] wrote the opposite: that "diagnostic, testing and reporting results done by the dealerships are retained by the independent location" and only the servicing dealership can provide them. She refused to provide the numbers herself and said INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport engine problems
48 complaints (67% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 105,225. 1 crash reported.
- owner complaints
- 48
- of this car's complaints
- 67%
- typical mileage
- 105,225
- crashes
- 1
- recalls
- 0
Which part fails
Owners did not name a specific part.
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Hyundai Santa Fe Sport engine problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport engine
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Check engine light 20Engine failure 20Knocking 15Loss of power 9Stalling 8
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Related investigations
Loss of Motive Power
the federal safety agency 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 under ODI number 11481745. On September 12, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Defect Petition (DP22-003) to evaluate the Petitionersâ 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. ODIâs evaluation included the review and analysis of the complaints and supporting information submitted by the Petitioners, as well as additional complaints submitted directly to the federal safety agency 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. Â 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 the federal safety agency's possession, and the potential risks to motor vehicle safety implicated by the petitioners' allegations, the federal safety agency does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. Therefore, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing the federal safety agencyâs reasons for denial of the petition will be published. The reference numbers for the complaints to the federal safety agency 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
DP22003
What 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
I was driving from Tampa to Wesley chapel Fl I was going about 70 and was pushing a bit then slowed down right away then I was speeding a little back up and my car was dropping to speed by itself I pulled over to the shoulder and it was leaking radiator fluid I was trying to crank it to see if I can make it work then it started smelling bad in the car so I turned it off right away and it was Smokey
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.
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that there was coolant in the engine and that the knock sensor detection system needed to be replaced. The dealer made the contact aware of Manufacturer Campaign Number: 953 and stated that the vehicle was not previously serviced under the campaign, so the vehicle could not be repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 111,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH and attempting to overtake another vehicle, the vehicle lost automotive power and decelerated with the check engine, battery, and oil warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was parked on the shoulder of the highway, and smoke was coming from under the hood of the vehicle. The contact stated that after parking on the shoulder, the brakes erroneously activated, and the vehicle failed to move forward. The contact stated that moments later there were flames and smoke was coming from under the hood. The contact exited the vehicle. The Fire Department was called to the scene, and the flames were extinguished by the firemen. The vehicle was destroyed in the fire. The vehicle was later towed to the residence. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not contacted. The failure mileage was 105,225.
The engine (2016 Hyundai Santa Fe 2.0L/2.4L Theta II GDI engine) suffered a catastrophic internal mechanical failure, specifically related to the known connecting rod bearing defect. The vehicle is currently un-driveable and is located at Serra Hyundai in Trussville, AL. The vehicle and its failed engine are available for inspection upon request. The engine suddenly failed and lost all power while driving at highway speeds in active traffic. I was forced to coast a dead vehicle across multiple lanes of traffic to the shoulder without any acceleration capability. Yes. The vehicle experienced a complete failure, cannot be restarted, and is currently parked at an authorized Hyundai dealership The vehicle is currently at an authorized Hyundai dealership awaiting a formal corporate inspection and evaluation for engine replacement approval. It has not been inspected by police or insurance. There were no long-term warning lamps, messages, or symptoms prior to the incident. The vehicle was operating normally until the exact moment of the failure, when the engine suddenly began knocking loudly, lost power, and stalled within seconds.
The vehicle is a 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. It had previously been included in an engine-fire-related recall/service campaign, and Hyundai replaced the engine between approximately October 2024 and January 2025 at about 113,000 miles. About 10,000 miles and 14 months later, the vehicle developed engine/performance problems. A Hyundai dealership service center performed about $6,500 in repairs, including installation of a new transmission, and represented that the engine and transmission had a lifetime guarantee. One day after the vehicle was returned from the dealership, the engine compartment caught fire while the vehicle was being driven. The fire rapidly escalated, the vehicle exploded/burned, and the vehicle was destroyed down to the frame. The occupants escaped, but the incident created an immediate risk of serious injury or death. The failed component appears to involve the engine, engine compartment, fuel/oil/electrical systems, transmission-related repair area, or another drivetrain component. The vehicle remains may be available for inspection depending on insurance/tow/storage status. The vehicle had recently been repaired and inspected by a Hyundai dealership service center. This incident raises concern that the recall-related engine-fire risk, replacement engine, recent dealership repairs, transmission installation, or related components may have failed and created a serious fire hazard.
After driving the vehicle around all day, I parked it and turned it off and then it set on fire.
The engine powertrain system, specifically the internal engine lubrication, timing chain, and camshaft sensors. The vehicle's Theta II engine suffers from systemic, excessive oil consumption, which starved the engine of lubrication. This caused the timing chain to stretch and mechanically fail, and compromised the camshaft sensors. The vehicle is currently un-repaired and is available for inspection upon request at Hyundai of Downtown LA. While driving, the engine suddenly stalled and completely shut off mid-drive without warning. This caused an immediate loss of motive power and a dangerous reduction in steering and braking control while surrounded by active traffic. Operating a vehicle that randomly shuts down on public roads presents an extreme, life-threatening safety hazard to myself, my passengers, and other drivers. Furthermore, the dealership is attempting to force me to drive the vehicle for an additional 1,000 miles in this stalling, un-repaired condition to complete a corporate oil test, compounding the safety risk. The failure and safety hazard have been physically confirmed and diagnosed by an authorized dealership: Hyundai of Downtown LA (3850 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90037). Their service department mechanically diagnosed the physical failure of the camshaft sensors, a stretched timing chain, and severe engine oil starvation. There were absolutely no dashboard warning lights, check engine lights, low oil pressure lamps, or messages prior to the engine stalling and shutting off. The vehicle computer failed to trigger any diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) or dashboard warnings to alert me to the low oil level or the impending mechanical timing failure before the vehicle completely shut down mid-drive.
The engine seized up and hyundai refused to approve my claim al though i had the extended warranty. Reason for the denial because a recall in 2019 was not performed. I had purchased the vehicle in 2023 used from Rick case honda.
Questions about the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport engine
Does the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport have engine problems?
Owners have filed 48 complaints about the engine of the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, 67% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.
At what mileage do 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport engine problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 105,225 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport engine?
There is no recall for this problem on this model year.
What year does the Hyundai Santa Fe Sport have bad engine?
The Hyundai Santa Fe Sport model years with the most engine complaints are 2017 (221 complaints), 2018 (208 complaints) and 2013 (121 complaints).
Other 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport problems
Electrical 7Brakes 6Fuel system 5Airbags 4Transmission 3Body 2Suspension 2Acceleration 1Driver assistance 1Lights 1Seat belts 1Steering 1Visibility 1Wheels 1
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history