This bulletin provides information regarding replacement of the column-mounted Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) system as separate components.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2016 Hyundai Santa Fe steering problems
moderate Owners of the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe have filed 3 NHTSA complaints about the steering at roughly $700 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See steering across all vehicles →
Complaints
3
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
| Model year | steering complaints |
|---|---|
| 2012 Santa Fe | 16 |
| 2013 Santa Fe | 95 |
| 2014 Santa Fe | 52 |
| 2015 Santa Fe | 6 |
| 2016 Santa Fe (this page) | 3 |
| 2017 Santa Fe | 27 |
| 2018 Santa Fe | 8 |
| 2019 Santa Fe | 12 |
| 2020 Santa Fe | 6 |
What stands out
Of the 19 model years of Hyundai Santa Fe we track for steering problems, this one has the fewest owner complaints on file (3).
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering steering on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This bulletin provides information regarding replacement of the column-mounted Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) system as separate components.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides information regarding replacement of the column-mounted Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) system as separate components.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides information regarding replacement of the column-mounted Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) system as separate components.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗On some Sonata (YF, LF), Sonata Hybrid (YF HEV, LF HEV), Santa Fe (NC), and Azera (HG) vehicles, a yoke noise may develop in the steering rack. This bulletin provides information on how to diagnose the yoke noise and replace the rack support yoke assembly.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had steering trouble with your 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the steering problem on the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 3 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $700 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $700 for steering repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to steering?
No active recalls currently cover steering issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2016/Hyundai/Santa Fe.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.