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, Jul 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that the vehicle was serviced under warranty and the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) was replaced; however, after the repair, while driving 62 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The contact stated that he drove the vehicle back to the dealer and was informed by the mechanic that there would be a cost for the repair. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.
Engine, Jul 6, 2023
I purchased a 2016 Hyundai Tuscon new in April 2017. From the beginning I felt there were issues with this vehicle but was also told that everything was fine. In 2019 the car stopped getting power and I was unable to go over 60mph on the highway. Hyundai said it had run out of oil but I had always gotten my oil changes from Hyundai directly. Also- no alert that my oil was low every came on. They replaced the engine or parts of it but I was still required to pay about $3,000 at the time. In Jan. of this year I realized that the car was not running as it should. Hyundai in Milford, CT had me pay for the oil change and also pay for the oil consumption test. On Feb. 20th I was approved for a new engine. I have been given multiple dates of when I my car would be repaired with the last date being May 17, 2023. I have not heard anything from Hyundai. I submitted a complaint with Hyundai corporate (21515374) and they have done nothing except tell me that they are still waiting for an answer as well. I am afraid to drive my vehicle long distances and do not know what kind of service I should get while waiting for a new engine. I am now carrying oil around in my vehicle but think that this is horrible wrong. I am still paying almost $600 a month for a vehicle that I am afraid to drive and I have not received any answers from anyone regarding when my repairs will be done or even getting a rental while I wait. After reading hundreds of other complaints this seems to be an issue with Hyundai and everyone says the same thing about the oil warning light not coming on at all. I purchased my vehicle from Hyundai in Milford, CT.
Electrical system, Engine, Jun 28, 2023
Complete Engine failure under 100k miles. Electrical issues with toggle switches
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 26, 2023
Similar to other owners my car has been burning oil at a higher-than-normal rate. Because of this, there has been a carbon build-up causing my engine to start misfiring and stop working while driving on the interstate.
Engine, Jun 22, 2023
Was driving on the highway and my car wouldn't go above 45mph, then check engine light and oil pressure lights came on. Pulled over on the shoulder and checked the oil and it was low oil by about 2 quarts. I checked the oil about 3 weeks prior and had no issues with oil loss and had no lights ever come on the dash prior. Had to get towed home because the car was sputtering and would accelerate. The car is inoperable now and needs engine repair.
Engine, Jun 21, 2023
My engine has 98,000 miles and is burning two quarts of oil every 1000 miles. I have no visible oil leaks.
Engine, Jun 21, 2023
My car was having issues with the engine making a rattling sound and having difficulty accelerating. About a week after the symptoms came up, my car died on the side of the road. I am so lucky I was in a neighborhood and not on the freeway. No lights came on at all until 10-20 seconds before it died. I was able to get my car to the dealership and was told I'd need a new engine. Although I bought it used, I've only had this car for four months. I'm hoping Hyundai places the 2016 Tucson under recall as many others seems to have similar issues.
Engine, Jun 20, 2023
THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN WELL MAINTAINED. HAVE RECEIPTS FOR MOST ALL SERVICES. AT AROUND 90,000 MILES, THE CAR STARTED "BURNING OIL" AND NEEDED FREQUENT TOP OFFS. AT 108,000 MILES, I HAVE CAR SERVICED AND STARTED A ROAD TRIP. IN LESS THAN 40 MILES, IT STARTED TO SHUDDER AND MISS FIRE ON THE INTERSTATE. CAUSING LOSS OF POWER AND CONTROL. FORTUNATELY, I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER SAFELY OFF INTERSTATE 40. I DID NOT DRIVE FURTHER AND HAD CAR TOWED BACK TO TOWN. AT DEALERSHIP, I WAS TOLD "ENGINE FAILURE" DUE TO 2ND CYLINDER LOSS OF COMPRESSION, AND NEW ENGINE IS ONLY OPTION. I WAS DENIED ANY SERVICE UNDER WARRANTY DUE TO BEING OVER 100,000 MILES. THE DEALERSHIP WILL NOT WORK WITH ME ON VARIANCE OR GOODWILL GESTURE. I HAVE SEEN IN ONLINE FORUMS THAT THIS IS HAPPENING TO OTHER OWNERS. THE VEHICLE WAS WELL MAINTAINED AND NEVER GAVE ANY HINT OF THE PENDING FAILURE. I AM FILING THIS AS FORMAL COMPLAINT AND SAFETY HAZARD WITH THIS VEHICLE.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jun 18, 2023
I have 3 issues. #1. The transmission fails to shift only at certain times resulting in high RPM's on level road. #2. Engine has knocking noise at idle after having the engine knock sensor installed. #3 right, rear passenger door will not open from inside, or outside in spite of inside latch being manually opened or attempting to open with key fob activation.
Steering, Engine, Jun 16, 2023
The engine is consuming more than 1 quart of oil every 1000 miles. This began around 100000 miles at 1 quart per thousand miles and has since progressed to 1 quart every 500--800 miles. I found this problem when my oil pressure light came on as I was going around a curve. I checked my oil level and it was not visible on the stick. My engine was 3 quarts low 3000 miles since the last oil change. This has been going on since April of 2021. My steering column makes a significant rattling noise and jiggles up and down when going over bumps. This has been going on since about the 80000 mile mark which was around April 2020. My local shop confirmed there was something likely worn out and needing replacement, perhaps the entire steering column.
Engine, Jun 14, 2023
My car has been consuming oil at a higher than normal rate. The engine light came on and they told me it was a PCV valve. My oil smells. I put in 2-4 quarts in-between a 3,000 mile oil change. Even though the recommended oil change for my engine is 4500 miles. So with a standard 5 quart oil change plus 3-5 more quarts, my car is consuming 7-10 quarts every 3,000 miles. This is not normal. I have started the Oil Consumption Test with Hyundai in NW Arkansas at Crain Hyundai and was told my powertrain warranty is now up to 120,000 mile warranty. I did not know this Hyindai Corp. never informed me. Also, I have paid out of pocket for every new oil change I've needed for the last 20,000 miles and oil in-between. Yesterday, while I saw the dipstick was under the L the tech told me it was within normal range. How is this possible? My car has gone into Limp Mode a few times because of the oil problem.
Engine, Jun 12, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer due to excessive oil leaking. The contact stated that the vehicle was diagnosed with an engine failure and the contact was informed that the engine needed to be rebuilt. The vehicle was repaired under warranty however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not diagnosed after the recent failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 99,000.
Engine, May 25, 2023
I have a 2016 Hyundai Tucson and under warrantee they replaced the transmission. But it has never been right. Hyundai has had a multitude of problems with this transmission and it should have been recalled, but was not! Now it has problems again and I've asked Hyundai corporate for help but all they say is its up to the goodwill (translation generosity) of the Hyundai dealer in Charlotte. So I am screwed. I need help contacting the government agency that can do something to help me.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, May 23, 2023
The vehicle is burning oil quickly. I have always gotten the oil changed on time. I just reached 89,000 miles and the vehicle has begun shaking when I accelerate and the check engine light has been flashing. I checked the oil and it is at the half way line between Full and Low - even though I just had it changed 3 weeks and less than 1,000 miles ago. I took it to the dealership, they said they do not recognize a problem with oil consumption. I told them my check engine light was flashing and it felt like it was going to stall when accelerating. The dealership said they used to do diagnostic testing, but don't anymore. They said they would look into, but I would have to pay $135 for the diagnostic testing.
Engine, May 22, 2023
I have a 2016 Hyundai Tuscon that is consuming a lot of oil. My oil is changed when it is supposed to on a regular basis, as is all other car maintenance. All of a sudden, my car needs an additional 2-3quarts of oil in between oil changes. Someone told me there are a lot of Hyundai vehicles that are having oil consumption issues. I would like to know more before I go sink the $2000 the dealership is going to charge me to find and fix the issue, please.
Other or unspecified, Engine, May 19, 2023
All windows broke even though they hardly rolled down. 3 out of 4 broke within a year and the spark plugs keep burning out even though been changed and mechanic can't figure out why.
Electrical system, Engine, May 15, 2023
I've reported last year that I have an oil consumption problem.The car is not leaking to the ground.It's leaking within the car.I have replaced 2 catalyc converters in the past 2 years! The dealership ignores my requests and seems real shady.They rather I pay every year.I already feel it not working correctly,Its only been since October 2022,since i replaced the converter.I have contacted the corporation at Hyundai and nothing.They were a waste of time.I contacted the BAR and they were not much help either.I am spending constantly on this car with the same issue.What a lemon.Hyundai Corporation has to be held accountable for the mistakes.Thank you.
Engine, Apr 28, 2023
Noticed excessive oil consumption (no visible leaks) ~ 1 qt (or more) per 1000 miles. Right before the oil change at 83656 mi (~4000 mi after the last oil change, I decided to check the oil level and the dipstick was completely dry, with no low oil lights no check engine lights, no leaks, nothing. When I went to the dealership for the oil change and mention that - the engineer said that "1 quart of oil consumption per 1,000 is a norm for Hyundai". BTW the Hyundai Tucson 2016 manual states that the oil change interval is 5000 mi, so if the 1qt/ 1000mi is normal for Hyundai so I have to drive to the oil change on a dry engine! When I requested to perform a consumption test they can only order a consumption test if Hyundai grants it. They made a claim for me, but there’s no guarantee that they will even respond.
Engine, Apr 25, 2023
Engine is burning oil, car dealership has confirmed the engine is in fact burning oil and that I do need a new engine. Oil consumption test has been completed, and I was told to check my oil daily and to add oil. Hyundai will not approve an engine replacement. There are no lights or warnings at all.
Engine, Apr 25, 2023
i HAVE BEEN HAVING ISSUE WITH THE CAR STALLING OR TURNING OFF WHEN IM WAITING FOR THE LIGHT TO TURN GREEN
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Apr 21, 2023
Unable to move the car while in traffic. The car slows down in traffic creating the possibility of accidents/crashes. The car will not go forward and only moves in reverse.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Apr 16, 2023
Back in december, 2022 my car was doing a shocking change of speed all of a sudden, for example I would be driving and accelerating, but the car would not speed above 40mph, and while I was still pressing on the accelerator, it would do like a shocking movement and accelerate all of sudden. At that time, the car had just stopped accelerating above 20mph which almost got me into an accident on the highway. I took the car to the Hyundai and they said that the engine was fine and had passed all tests, that only the sensor needed to be changed. I paid for the repair, but since I got my car back this is still happening, and I almost got into an accident again in the highway. I was just entering into the highway and when I pressed the gas pedal to change lane the car just blocked it did am abrupt movement trying to change speed, it didnt increase the speed, the car behind me was coming fast and beeping because it seemed like my car was coming to a full stop instead of speeding, but all of a sudden the car again did an abrupt change of speed and started increasing up to 60mph, but in order for this to happen, I had to release and press again. It is not the first time, I have tried contacting the service center to inform them that the car is acting the same way, the only difference is that now it doesn't stay at 20mph, this time it does speed after a few tries, but very abruptly
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Mar 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle almost stalled. The contact heard an abnormal popping sound. The contact stated that the vehicle began to lose motive power. The accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to respond. The contact then smelled an abnormal burning odor. The contact stated that when she attempted to depress the brake pedal, the pedal became very stiff. The contact stated that the check engine and battery warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to pull off the roadway and the vehicle stalled. The contact had difficulty shifting the vehicle into park(P) and was unable to restart the vehicle. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V226000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was unknown.
Engine, Mar 16, 2023
We never missed a service on the vehicle and with 1,000 miles until the next oil change the engine light came on. The oil had dried out with nothing leaking. The engine seemed to just be burning through oil far quicker then the recommended time to get your oil changed.
Engine, Mar 11, 2023
On Sunday, February 26, 2023, as I was en route to my home in Liberty Hill, Texas, I heard a noise from what seemed to be under the hood. The noise sounded somewhat like a card in bike spokes. No warning lights were lit. When I arrived home, I had a neighbor listen to the noise. His opinion was that it sounded like the rods & to take it to a mechanic. I had a friend take me to the nearest garage/mechanic on Monday to make an appointment. I took my car to Cross Tech Automotive at 8 am on February 28. The 5 miles to Cross Tech was the only time I drove the car after the initial noise on Sunday 2/26/2023. The technician remarked that it was crazy that no warning lights were on, given the noise made by my car. After the car was examined, I was told that my car had no oil in it. I had routine oil changes done throughout the time I owned the car since late 2015. In fact, I’d asked the mechanics to do an oil change while the car was in their facility. There were never any oil on my driveway to alert me to a problem. There had been no sign of any problem until the noise I heard 2 days prior. And never a warning light of any kind. I was given an estimate of $12,000.00 to replace the motor, including labor. Because it didn’t make sense to spend $12,000 on a vehicle that was likely worth $15,000 prior to this problem, it was necessary to buy a different car. After doing an internet search, I discovered that excess oil consumption appears to be a problem with 2016 Hyundai Tucsons, among other Hyundais and Kias. I was never made aware of any issues by Hyundai Motor Company. The technician who diagnosed the problem wrote a brief description of what he found. I can provide this description. The invoice was for the diagnosis not repairs of any kind.