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: engine
429 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine, Sep 3, 2025
In April of 2024, I bought my 2016 Hyundai Tucson for a certified dealership in FL. Within 2 months the car began shaking and I had to take it to have spark plugs replaced which cost several hundred dollars. Shortly after that in November 2024, I was driving on the highway to school when I got an ‘engine overheating alert’ and immediately pulled over to turn off the car. After waiting for a few minutes to let it cool down and noticing that the coolant was very low, I added some more coolant in and tried to restart the car, but it would not turn on. I had to get a tow truck to a repair shop to which they informed me that the headgasket had blown and it would cost about $12,000 to replace it. Ever since, my car has been towed to multiple Hyundai dealerships and repair shops when I sought after answers as to what happened and one told me that the engine was known for eating oil too quickly, causing it to blow. I bought the car only for $16,000 and would have to pay about the same amount just to fix the engine and reading multiple reports online have shown from other others having the same exact issues with no answers and being stuck. We have had it sitting in our garage ever since and still do not know what to do.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 21, 2025
1. "Transmission or ECU" 2. There is a lag and sometimes almost stall when accelerating from a stop. I was turning into a lane from a stop sign and the car decided to not move for 3-4 seconds after pressing accelerator. If people had come around the blind corner when that happened I would have been T boned. 3. All four people living in my house...... and our mechanic. Yes 4.No, because were not paying for something that has had a recall. 5. We inherited this car from my grandmother and she knows nothing about cars so she never thought anything was wrong. Since the day we got it, it has been doing the same thing "DCT CONTROL LOGIC UPDATE & P0128 DTC LOGIC UPDATE (RECALL 149)" #17-01-023
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Aug 14, 2025, fire
My catalytic converter caught on fire a couple months back then I hit a code for the knock sensor replaced it and it started to act up again I can’t go over 49 burning oil took it to Hyundai now they are saying my engine is going out and I’m still panting carmart got the car
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 6, 2025
original owner. Car shook badly and hesitated losing speed at 61k. dealership replaced all or four ignition coils and spark plugs. Car started and burning oil at 61,000 despite regular oil changes at 3500. Mostly done by the dealership. Car has been burning oil uses 1 quart every 500 miles. All four window regulators have stopped working. I replaced one.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 4, 2025
I have been dealing with ongoing engine performance problems for over a year. My Tucson consumes oil at an abnormal rate, and I constantly have to refill it. There is also sluggish acceleration, and the Check Engine Light has stayed on despite multiple inspections and maintenance efforts. I’ve seen hundreds of complaints about this exact issue from other Hyundai owners. I also found that an NHTSA investigation is ongoing, yet Hyundai continues to deny responsibility, often blaming the issue on the owner. I believe this is a safety concern and a manufacturer defect that needs to be addressed before more drivers experience full engine failure. Please investigate this further and include my VIN in any future action or recall.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 3, 2025
The reason of this complain is due to excessive oil consumption which now damaged my catalytic converter against Hyundai Motors America. The complained started 2021 where we noticed that the low oil engine light up after only 1500 miles from last oil change. We submitted the complained with dealer (Carlsbad and Escondido CA) and my car failed 3 consecutive oil consumption test and Hyundai performed an engine cleaning, claiming it was going to fix the problem. This happened when the vehicle was still under warranty. At the time they said that if this did not fix the problem, they were still going to fix the car since the issue happened under warranty. The engine cleaning DID NOT fixed the problem, my car no longer has warranty and my catalytic converter fails and makes the vehicle inoperable in highway (engine ceases to accelerate) . We submitted a complain with Hyundai corporate and they denied fixing our car since the vehicle was no longer under warranty. I would like to ask for them to fix the engine and catalytic converter make the car operable again.
Engine, Jul 16, 2025
Me and my daughter were headed back home from a family trip and we were stranded on the side of the road luckily we had family tailing us!! My engine light came on while we were still in the city in Savannah so we stopped by an autozone and changed the spark plugs so the engine light stopped blinking but when we got about 20 miles from home it stopped going we had to pull over it started smoking and it was really hot but the temperature had never moved we had it towed home!! I keep my maintenance up regularly on my car I had 2 mechanics check it out they both said the piston is breaking the spark plugs and it’s something down in the motor that’s doing it I should not have any motor issues at all with my car!! Especially when I do my part at keeping it up I was quoted 7,738 to fix my car which I don’t have both mechanics said the engine in those cars are no good and it’s been recalls on them just not my model it’s not right I’m out of a car and no way to work or no way for my kids to get around they have to ride in Lyfts and Ubers with strangers I feel like my car should be fixed because I did my part at keeping it up and I’m still out of car and frustrated due to the companies negligence!!
Engine, Jul 11, 2025
total engine failure. per dealership mechanic, random misfires on all cylinders with a dead miss on 4
Engine, Engine and engine cooling, Jul 7, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at 55 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power and started vibrating abnormally. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact pulled over and was able to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed and the contact was advised that the ignition coils, water pump, spark plugs, valve, oil filter, and the engine were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 113,000.
Engine, Jul 7, 2025
Engine has rod knock and low power due to rod bearing failure. There was never an illuminated oil light or message of any sort prior to failure. this vehicle has had oil changes regularly and never been an issue till now. With Hyundai not having a recall on this engine, and seeing many other reviews about this same issue it is a very dangerous issue leaving people stranded and loosing power in times where serious harm issues could occur and this issue is very costly being that the engine will have to be replaced. As a consumer taking care of the vehicle and still the engine failing due to the lack of integrity of Hyundai I believe Hyundai should step up and make it right and take care of the people who have spent there hard earned money on these cars and are now left in the dark.
Engine, Jul 1, 2025
Was driving down busy road when engine suddenly knocked violently and shut off rendering car inoperable. Inspection revealed low oil, despite not being due for an oil change after and no visible/identifiable leaks. Investigation by mechanic resulted in being told that numerous Hyundai engines like this are having the same problems and need total engine replacements. The call only had 70,000. Dealership said they see one a week.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 18, 2025
The vehicle does not accelerate entering roadway, transmission replaced in 2022, catalytic convertor replaced in 2024. Several instances occurred when entering highway vehicle lost power and failed to merge safely, ultimately requiring hasty exit to roadside to avoid collision. The vehicle was purchased used but has been a safety risk since purchase date. Originally diagnosed transmission, then catalytic convertor, then knock control sensor. Engine oil is replaced more often than routine maintenance and refilled in between oil changes. Autonation Hyundai Mall of Georgia originally assisted with transmission replacement Feb 2022, catalytic convertor was replaced in Mar 2024. The vehicle has been parked for considerable time while insurance and car payments continue. In Feb 2025 my daughter was driving and was nearly rear ended when vehicle failed to accelerate, it has primarily parked since that time while exploring repairs. Car fails [XXX] enroute to game. Last quote to repair catalytic convertor was Total Automotive in Gainesville Ga. around 19 May 2025. I believe this vehicle poses a significant safety risk due to acceleration delays, all attempts to resolve have been unsuccessful. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 9, 2025
Misfire, excessive oil consumption, engine knocking, loss of power/acceleration, gas smell, excessive gas consumption
Engine, Jun 2, 2025
Was driving down busy city road when engine suddenly knocked violently and shut off rendering car inoperable as traffic had to go around my disabled vehicle. Inspection revealed low oil, despite filling 4 weeks prior after change and no visible/identifiable leaks. Investigation by mechanic resulted in being told that numerous Hyundai engines like this are having the same problems and need total engine replacements. They said that they "see this at least once a week in these Hyundai's and Kia's". There were no warning lights or anything prior to the event.
Power train, Engine, May 31, 2025
I’ve been having ongoing issues with my 2016 Hyundai Tucson where the car struggles to accelerate, especially after stopping at red lights or pulling out into traffic. Sometimes, when I press the gas pedal, the car either hesitates badly or doesn’t move at all. A few times it’s completely stalled while trying to make turns or cross intersections, which has been really scary and dangerous. I did some research and found there was a known recall for this exact problem related to the Transmission Control Module software and the dual-clutch transmission. The symptoms described in the recall match mine perfectly, but when I checked my VIN, my vehicle isn’t included. I haven’t taken it to the dealer yet because I’m worried I’ll have to pay out of pocket for something that I believe is part of a known manufacturer issue.
Engine, May 20, 2025
Excessive oil consumption
Other or unspecified, Engine, May 11, 2025
My 2016 tuscon has been giving be problems. I went to the dealership awhile back and told them that the oil has been burning having and that there's a perk when I start my car. They did an oil change and told me that I needed to lube the gears up first before running it. I assumed it was because my warranty was ending and because I was a girl, that was a quick go away problem. Well eastward today. I put oil in the engine at least once a week or more. The car is in the shop, and the machanics at pep boys are saying this is a reoccurring problem for this type of car. Also that all 2016 are made with the same engine pretty much so they should all be recalled. They quoted me 10 grand for a used engine. I'm taking it to hyundai, the pep boys told me that it's the same issues as the other recalls
Engine, May 7, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving at approximately 15 MPH, the vehicle stalled and shuddered. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle remained at the residence. A dealer was contacted and made the contact aware of an unknown NHTSA Campaign Number; however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 22, 2025
Car started to not accelerate when pressing on gas pedal the RPMs would not raise or lower during this time it could be on a hill or on a flat surface at any type of stops whether it was a stop sign or a stoplight it didn't matter how much gas you gave the car it would not move and then it would start bouncing what I would describe as hopping the car would start jerking constantly until you released off the gas and gave it more gas until it would finally go this was happening on highways or on city streets while driving down a highway my engine made a funky sound and it turns out my engine rods blue I went to the dealership they told me my car was safe to drive I continued driving my car until it started not shifting this was 3 days after going to the dealership. I called the dealership back told them I was bringing my car to them due to the issues it was having. After several weeks the dealership told me my car needed a brand new engine and transmission due to engine rods breaking transmission went out and metal in the oil filter. Not even 6 months later my car is have the exact same issues and my dealership is not want to do anything to fix my car even with having a warranty to cover everything they fixed.
Engine, Apr 10, 2025
The engine sometimes stalls and does not accelerate in relation to the pressure applied to the gas pedal. This has caused me scenarios where I am waiting to make a left turn and putter into the lane of opposing traffic, instead of accelerating through the turn. Another symptom of the engine is burning engine oil excessively. I am not aware if the issues are related or not.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Apr 8, 2025
Excessive oil consumption which has then in turned caused my catalytic converter to go out.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 27, 2025
Fuel injectors no warning…went to get breaks checked, while they were checking them the engine light turned on after that they couldn’t get my car to start again.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Mar 10, 2025
car is in limp mode,will not accelerate.Oil consultant over a few years.Dealership has requested new engine twice and denied by Hyundai USA.i have to put flashers on just to get on highway so im not killed.I will drive down the street and back and my engine will be extremely hot for hours.I am limited to my hometown only.I can not go out of my hometown due to heat of engine and blowing hoses and water pumps which has happened.This car is a danger and I am in financial burden to high repairs and excuses from dealerships.i have spent over 16,000 dollars and 3 catalyc converters later due to clogging ,in result to oul consumption.This car is a lemon and has ruined my life for the last 3/4 years.lots of stress and financial expenses only to have the same problem
Suspension, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 8, 2025
Engine is burning oil and has been for sometime. Won’t Accelerate and sputters Tie rods are worn out. This car is a lemon and dangerous to drive
Engine, Mar 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shook abnormally with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact noticed an oil odor. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The contact's father, who is an independent mechanic, inspected the vehicle and diagnosed the vehicle with oil consumption and engine failure. The contact was advised that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was advised to monitor the exhaust for smoke and add oil daily. In addition, two days later the contact attempted to start the vehicle, and the vehicle started after several attempts. The was an abnormal oil odor entering the vehicle through the vents. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.