2016 Hyundai Tucson
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Power train is the leading concern among 1,620 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the highest complaint count among 21 Tucson model years with reports.
Of the 2016 reports, 14 involved a crash and 26 involved a fire. 7 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Service brakes, hydraulic, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, control unit/modulePark outsideSep 4, 2020
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) recalled certain 2019-2021 Tucson vehicles on September 4, 2020. On December 30, 2020, Hyundai expanded the recall population, and added certain 2016-2018 Tucson vehicles. The Anti-lock Brake Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) could corrode internally and cause an electrical short, possibly resulting in an engine compartment fire.
An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury or crash.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the HECU fuse. For 2019-2021 model years, the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) software will also be updated. Recall repairs will be performed free of charge. Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures as a precaution until the recall repair is complete. The recall began November 2, 2020. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 195.
Campaign 20V543000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, wiringNov 21, 2016
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Tucson vehicles manufactured May 19, 2015, to November 14, 2016, and 2017 Santa Fe vehicles manufactured November 28, 2015, to November 14, 2016. The affected vehicles may be equipped with an accessory trailer hitch wiring harness that, due to a malfunction of the tow hitch module, may result, in the trailer brake lights being constantly illuminated. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
If the trailer brake lights stay illuminated while being used, other drivers may be confused, increasing the risk of a crash.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected accessory trailer hitch wiring harnesses, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 13, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 153.
Campaign 16V842000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmission, control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)Aug 30, 2016
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2016 Tucson vehicles manufactured May 20, 2015 through May 31, 2016 and equipped with a 7-speed EcoShift Dual Clutch Transmission. Certain driving conditions and high temperatures may cause the vehicle to not move if the accelerator pedal is pressed and released repeatedly.
Inability to move the vehicle while in traffic may increase the risk of a crash.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will update the Transmission Control Module software, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on October 28, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for this recall is 149.
Campaign 16V628000 on NHTSA.gov
Latches/locks/linkages, hood, latchMay 24, 2016
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2016 Tucson vehicles manufactured May 19, 2015 to March 14, 2016. In the affected vehicles, if the primary hood latch has been released, and the vehicle is driven, the secondary hood latch may not hold adequately secure the hood to prevent it from opening while the vehicle is in motion.
If the primary hood latch is inadvertently released and the secondary latch cannot secure the hood, the hood may unexpectedly open while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the secondary hood latch, free of charge. The recall began on June 30, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 145.
Campaign 16V348000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, tail lightsMar 10, 2016
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2016 Hyundai Tucson vehicles manufactured May 26, 2015 to January 15, 2016 and equipped with an accessory trailer hitch harness either included with the accessory trailer hitch or sold as a service part. In the affected vehicles, when the vehicle's engine is running and the brake lights are illuminated, if the turn signal is activated, the trailer turn signal lights will either turn off or remain continuously illuminated (not flash). As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard Number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Failure to illuminate the trailer's turn signal lights would prevent the communication of the driver's intent, increasing the risk of a crash.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will update the tow hitch harness, free of charge. The recall began on May 2, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9640. Hyundai's number for this recall is 142.
Campaign 16V147000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: electrical system
216 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Visibility/wiper, Aug 19, 2022
Right Rear Tail Light Wiring Harness has short. Since right turn single bulb replaced twice, Passenger side rear door window stripped the Teflon Gear on door Interior panel and door handle is not operational! Since problem started, passenger door handle and window is non Operational, Drivers side door and Window is Not Operational! 2016 Hyundai Tucson with 31,000 miles! Dealership, Billingsley Hyundai and Ford refuse to repair saying it’s out Of Warrenty February’22! Vehicle has an electrical short and has had since 2019 when Right Turn Signal bulb continues to burn out!
Electrical system, Aug 9, 2022
Window motors and regulators are prone to failure. All 4 of the window motors/regulators have failed within the past year. Apparently the regulator is made of plastic and falls apart easily. As a result, the windows can no longer be operated, and they can be moved up and down by hand from the exterior of the vehicle. Safety is at risk because the integrity of the windows are compromised. In some cases windows will fall down during normal operation of the vehicle. No warning lamps were illuminated during this failure. Note another complaint here: https://www.hyundai-forums.com/threads/window-regulator-2016-hyundai-tucson.671843/
Electrical system, Jun 29, 2022
Rear driver side door will not unlock either by electronic or manual manuvers - Locked in senario. Passenger door wont unlock electrinically but manually can open with handle.
Electrical system, Engine, Jun 20, 2022, fire
I was on my way to work as normal. There were no warning lamps or other notifications/signs of a problem when all of a sudden, my vehicle started decelerating. I looked in the rearview mirror and saw smoke. I immediately pulled over and the smoke increased. Within a matter or seconds flames started to shoot out from under the hood. I don't know if the fire started from something electrical or engine-related but it spread fast! Before the police and fire truck arrived at the scene, my car was engulfed in flames! This was a terrifying and horrific experience! Prior to this, I had to replace all of the motors on the windows and noticed the jerky movements when driving in Turbo mode that I was told was normal. I didn't even have the car for 2 years! When I contacted Hyundai about the windows, they did nothing and the Rep referred me to get rid of it! I should have listened.
Electrical system, May 28, 2022
Driver side window will not go down. It’s stuck.
Electrical system, May 19, 2022
When I unlock all doors from the driver side inside you cannot enter the vehicle on the passenger side front door from the outside handle, you have to manually reach over and pull from the inside
Electrical system, Visibility, Latches/locks/linkages, Mar 11, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the front driver’s, front passenger’s, and rear driver’s side windows would independently lower without warning. The contact stated that each window regulators had gradually failed over time. The contact then stated that while driving at approximately 65 MPH, the passenger’s side front window shattered into tiny pieces and fell inside the vehicle. The contact was able to drive the vehicle home and had an independent mechanic come to her home to replace the front passenger’s side window. In addition, the contact stated that the rear passenger’s side door would fail to open from both inside and outside the vehicle. The contact had yet to notify either the dealer or the manufacturer of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.
Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, Feb 3, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that the vehicle would not start. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the starter had failed and needed to be replaced. The starter was replaced. The independent mechanic also informed the contact that the brake pedal needed to be replaced, and the rear trailing arm was corroded and could fracture while driving. There were no warning lights illuminated. The independent mechanic stated that the suspension front spring and coil spring could damage the tire overtime. The contact became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V543000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 37,861.
Power train, Electrical system, Feb 2, 2022
The car vibrates, shakes, when stopped; hesitates, shakes, vibrates on accelerating from stopping, in traffic at stoplights. Incident becomes unsafe in traffic, etc. Reported to Dealer (Horne Hyundai, Mesa, AZ, 85120) and took car in for troubleshooting, diagnostics, or repair(s); twice, 1 st on Jan. 19, 2022, Dealer duplicated the same problem; Dealer technician performed 7 Type Judder Test, Vehicle Failed. Performed Transmission (TCU) update, Vehicle Passed, performed test drive, vehicle passed. Dealer acknowledged the same issue with vehicle; however reported to customer that it passed the Judder Test. Vehicle released to customer, no further testing or logic improvement. Customer drove vehicle home and incident occured again, less than 24 hrs from Dealer troubleshooting the incident. Customer returned vehicle to Dealer on Jan. 31, 2022; with the same issue; vibrating, hesitating, when stopping, and accelerating at stop lights, etc. Safety Issue in traffic. Dealer acknowledged the same issue again. Dealer technician again performed 7 Type Judder test. Judder detected. Performed Dual Clutch Transmission Detection and TCU Software updates, proceeded to test for Judder, Vehicle Passed. Returned vehicle to customer. Customer conferred with Dealer Service Manager about the vehicle issues, and was unable to resolve any further testing or next logical repair issues. Dealer suggested the customer contact the Manufacturer for further issues; unable to satisfy customer complaints of this issue and documented issues with previous recall of 41,000 Hyundai Tucson DCT issues and problems. Dealer could not reconcile with customer on why this VIN number was not included in the recall #149 for Hyundai Tucson vehicles; suggesting we report to NHTSA for the safety issue. This DCT issue is recurring with recurring "reprogramming by the Dealer(s) never really repairing anything, just software updates. Invoices 358494 (2) Horne Hyundai, Apache Junction, AZ 85120
Electrical system, Dec 27, 2021
electrical issues and/or hardware issues with rear windows. understand the issue to be electrical motor and/or window regulator. One window fixed but other to be repaired. in driving, window starts to sag and persons outside the vehicle have attempted to gain entrance through the sagging window. for the repaired window, the dealer inspected and was to repair except the price seemed too high and was only for the window regulator. taken to a glass/auto body shop who indicated both motor and regulator needed to be replaced and charged what the dealer was going to charge for only the replacement of the regulator. the within days after one window fixed, the other window refused to close all the way and the issue of someone trying to gain entrance occurred.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Dec 14, 2021
Sensor default, ABS on dashboard, acceleration on dashboard, oil lights default on dashboard, electrical problems, and radio default. My vehicle is still under warranty however im trying to figure out will warranty cover for all of the problems within my vehicle.
Electrical system, Nov 24, 2021
My back door on the driver's side does not open from the inside or out. I had the same issue with my driver's door but would open from the outside. I went to the dealership and replaced the door latch assembly. I am not under warranty, so it cost me alot to get fixed. Just one month later the backdoor stopped working completely. I got a letter in the mail form Hyundai saying this is a known issue and if your warranty has expired they'll fix it at no cost, that doesn't help me at all. This is a safety issue and needs to be a recall. I am worried the other doors will stop working. It is not affordable to get fixed.
Electrical system, Engine, Nov 11, 2021
While I was driving on the highway my check engine light started blinking. I immediately pulled off on the next exit 1/4 mile from when the light started blinking. After stopping completely off the exit the engine stalled and both the oil light and battery light popped on. I was not able to accelerate or drive it from there. An independent mechanic who towed it to their shop said there was no oil in the engine. This is impossible because I had plenty of time left before the next oil change. A week prior to this incident we took the car to the Hyundai dealership to fix a recall problem. There was no indication anything was wrong with the engine or car at the time they fixed the recall issue. Somehow the oil in the engine disappeared and there was no indication from any low oil lights, engine lights, or any other notification that there was an issue. It currently has been towed to the Hyundai dealership and awaiting their diagnostic and solution. A claim has been opened with Hyundai corporate since there is a recall opened for 2016 Hyundai Tuscons.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Other or unspecified, Oct 29, 2021
1) Front right driver headlight warning message, keeps illuminating. Mechanic, noticed wires are burning inside compartment. Safety issue burning wires may cause entire electrical system to burn out causing a fire and not having headlights. Vehicle being serviced 10/29/21 2) Driver Brake light message illuminated, replaced light 2 mo ago, as of today 10-28-21, brake light out again. Vehicle being serviced 10/29/21 3) Purchased vehicle 3/21. Vehicle will not accelerate, it will jerk causing a slow start, safety issue. Vehicle taken to mechanic covered thru warranty, he stated vehicle drove ok, still having same problem since 3/21
Steering, Electrical system, Air bags, Oct 25, 2021
MAJOR ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE VEHICLE MALFUNCTIONED INCLUDING SPEEDOMOTER, TACHOMETER, DEACTIVATION OF AIRBAGS AND INABILITY TO INDICATE WHICH GEAR THE VEHICLE WAS IN. SITUATION WAS REMEDIED WITH THE REPLACEMENT OF A SECONDARY VACUUM PUMP. WATER ENTRY INTO THE PUMP IS CAUSE OF ISSUE TO MAJOR ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS.
Electrical system, Engine, Sep 30, 2021
I'm mid may-end of may I took it in to Fort mill Hyundai the first time because it was starting to crank hard, sounded funny and my dashboard lights would come on saying I needed oil and there was an engine issue. When I idled too long the car would just die, I'd have to shift into park actually turn the car off and let it sit 1-3 mins turn it back on and all the lights would be off and it would drive like it did before it died, loud. They did testing on it and said these repairs (crankshaft sensor, spark plugs and I think an oil change) should fix it. This was less than a month after my previous oil change. Got the car back 3-4 days later and it sounded better but I still felt like it didn't drive and smooth as it should. 2-3 weeks goes by and my oil light again comes on only with sharp turns. The car over the next couple of days would do the loud cranking noise, didn't drive well over 60 and the engine light came on and gauges would go down but would be fine again once the car was turned off for a couple min like 5 . I set up an appt to hVe them look it over again because of the lights coming back on. Not even 2 days later twice going to and from work it completely died out on me (like the first time) but this time it would turn over once it was out in park and turned off correctly. First time I was in the middle of traffic at a red light waited 10 mins multiple times trying to turn the car on to move to the side and it wouldn't. I let it sit for 5 mins without trying to turn it on and it started the gauges didn't work and it was VERY loud stuck in like first gear wouldn't go above 20 mph. Pulled into a neighborhood turned it off to let it cool off again thinking it was over heating. It would crank but again lights still all on and the gear gauge didn't work (down at 0 liek the car was off). I waiting like 20 mins it still had the lights on but the gauges worked, when I tried to drive home it wouldn't go about 45mph or out of 2nd gear.
Electrical system, Sep 3, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the TPMS warning light illuminated. The contact was able to drive to her destination. The contact stated that currently there were multiple warning lights illuminated. The contact was unable to start the vehicle or shift out of the park. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer who was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 71,000.
Power train, Electrical system, Aug 6, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact's husband stated that while coming out of a complete stop, the vehicle would jerk and not upshift properly. The contact stated that no warning light was illuminated. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA campaign number: 16V628000 (Power Train, Electrical System) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was diagnosed and repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The manufacturer agreed to cover 75% of the costs of the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 69,000.
Electrical system, Aug 3, 2021
Financed the vehicle in July of 2019. After about 6 months of having the vehicle the right back brake light stopped working. Light bulb, socket, and fuses were changed but theres still an issue. I also noticed that I was having a problem with acceleration. Just recently I was on the highway on my way to work, as I was trying to accelerate my speed was going down, my vehicle basically wouldn't move. It started making this awful loud almost whistling sound. I thought I was going to die. I havent used my vehicle since. The vehicle also still has the same inspection sticker on it from the dealership. I have been unable to pass state inspection due to these ongoing issues.
Power train, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Aug 1, 2021
My transmission gears shift keeps on sticking in the park position and also I’ve been having to replace my left side parking lights I believe it’s an electric problem or fuse and the dealership seems to can’t fixed this issue with my vehicle each time I take it there
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jul 28, 2021
All dashboard lights turned on and speedometer stopped working while driving. Vehicle accelerated and braked without driver input.
Electrical system, Structure, Jul 27, 2021
The left passenger door wont open from inside and outside. I have a child that is still in a car seat and this is a huge safety issue. I have to make sure he sits on the right side so I can open the door if there became an emergency.
Electrical system, Jun 9, 2021
Left turn signal glitches and indicates right turn signal instead of left, like prompted. Driver window does not roll down or up. completely locked and does not respond to the switch
Electrical system, May 26, 2021
Had to replace 2 door latches on passenger side in 2020. 3 months later the rear passenger on driver side is also defective. Can't open door from inside OR outside. This is a major safety issue. 3 out of 4 door latches failed.
Electrical system, May 9, 2021
WHILE STOPPED,, WITH CAR POWERED BOTH ON AND OFF, REAR LEFT DOOR LOCK MECHANISM WORKING BUT DOOR WILL NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE OR THE OUTSIDE.