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
Other or unspecified, Engine, Mar 10, 2023
Engine light came on Feb 26th car started shaking got it towed to the dealership morning of Feb 27th Was told: Foiled oil returning ring caused oil consumption, burning oil overheated valves and caused cylinder wall damage and 4 valves to burn holes in them leading to low engine compression and loss of power. Engine needs to be replaced to fully correct the issue. Hyundai is refusing to cover the cost because I am 2nd owner, even though my car has under 100,000 miles on it.
Engine, Mar 9, 2023
The vehicle engine stopped working while on the interstate. The oil, battery and engine lights all came on with no warning. I was able to safely pull aside in order to avoid an accident. The vehicle was towed to the dealership where it was diagnosed to be an engine block failure. After doing my research I learned that Hyundai had a Theta Engine Settlement from 2021 however my 2016 Hyundai Tucson was not listed in the settlement. The years that were affected skipped 2016 and 2017. Online I have found many 2016 owners with the same issue. The vehicles built in 2016 and 2017 also needed to be reviewed for faulty engine blocks. This is a safety hazard. My vehicle has been in the dealership awaiting a new engine for over 7 weeks. Hyundai says that part is on backorder. There has been so many vehicles in need of a new engine due to the faulty block that the manufacturer can't keep up. And we are stuck paying car rental fees.
Engine, Mar 8, 2023
My car is currently around 126,000 miles. I got a tune up last year. About a week ago the car started to jumping and driving very slowly while I was on the highway. The check engine light started flashing so I pulled over. After a few minutes I attempted to drive up and the car made it. I spoke with my mechanic and scheduled to bring it into him after getting the check engine light code read. The codes were related to a misfire on spark plug 2 and 4. I then had those replaced. When picking up the car, my mechanic let me know that the engine was producing metal shaving and they were getting on the spark plugs which was causing the issues to keep according. He let me know I would probably need a new motor. After doing some research I found Hyundai Tucson around my same year have a similar issue with the motor going out very early in the cars life. I’m not sure why they weren’t already included but I believe the 2016 Hyundai Tucson need to be investigated for the issues as well. The car is only worth $7,000 with a working motor so it doesn’t make sense to buy a new engine but I still own payment on this vehicle and it’s completely unfair for Hyundai to vehicles like this and not take accountability. I’m planning to get the code read on the car again and actually write down the number so I can reference it here for you information.
Engine, Mar 4, 2023
I am referring to two notices; see attached. Inability to accelerate from a Stop and Rough idle in drive. The dealership, DeMontrond Hyundai Service Center will not repair as a recall. Please advise. Thank you, [XXX] [XXX] [XXX]. Due to this problem, the car is hesitant to accelerate which causes problems INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 27, 2023
The Hyundai engine is defective and consumes oil at a rate of 5 quarts every 3,000 miles. It ran completely out of oil and left me stranded on the highway in rush hour traffic 3 hours from home. Several people were put at risk! No warning lights; no check engine and no oil light until the car stalled completely. I was able to add oil and get the car in limp mode to the dealership where they ran oil consumption tests, and it failed due to being 106k miles. The car was returned to me and I was told to watch the oil. Weeks later the car broke down again in the middle of the road. The spark plug tips were burnt completely off and there was a dime sized hole in a valve. Multiple mechanics outside of Hyundai agree that both the plugs and the valve damage are a direct result of the defective engine. Again, Hyundai has denied all claims and refuses to acknowledge any wrongdoing on their part, despite the amount of claims, lawsuits and upset customers stacked against them.
Engine, Feb 24, 2023
There was a previous recall with some of these vehicles where car seems to have acceleration problem after being at stop and the vehicle has difficulty accelerating and shifting gears. This has happened while in the middle of traffic and driving which could have caused an accident. Not sure if it is something with the transmission or what the issue is. The vehicle has been taken twice to Hyundai Service centers and they cannot seem to find a problem but yet it still exists and is a safety hazard when suddenly the car stops accelerating after a stop. This seems to happen randomly and more often now. This was a previous recall for other same make, model and year vehicles but somehow ours was not included and I feel it is potentially having the same or similar issue. The vehicle is available for inspection. All the check engine and lights come on when the vehicle is turned off and then eventually turn off.
Power train, Engine, Feb 21, 2023
My vehicle is burning excessive amounts of oil and no leaks can be found. Almost one quart every 750 to 1,000 miles. The turbo went bad recently and had to be replaced at a cost of $1,400 which, I'm told, is possibly due to the oil consumption problem. All services have been done at Hyundai dealership every 3,000 - 5,000 miles. I travel the interstate every day and am worried about engine failure in rush-hour traffic. Dealership indicates the only thing they can do is replace engine at a cost of at least $12,000!!
Engine, Feb 17, 2023
On December 27, 2022 I was driving on the highway (Interstate 64 in Illinois westbound exit 16) and my car's engine failed at around noon. It was working fine that morning. The car started giving a rattling sound and wasn't speeding up and the "low oil pressure" light came on. I got off the highway and as I was turning into a Valvoline the car completely stopped. It has been at a Hyundai dealership in St. Louis for the last month and a half and they do not feel this is something they are responsible for.
Engine, Feb 14, 2023
Massive oil consumption issue that lead to a knocking motor and my wife and kids stranded on the side of the interstate.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 13, 2023
1. 04/2021 I purchased the 2016 Tucson (cash) with 70,000 miles from Automobile Consulting Services Bullhead City AZ. 2. 75,000 est miles oil change Valvoline , Bullhead city 3. 80,000 est miles oil change Valvoline, Bullhead City 4. 90,000 est Valvoline , Bullhead city oil change, fuel system cleaned, transmission flushed, air filter changed 95,000m est changed oil at a different establishment which I will retrieve records. 5. 6. 12/2021,Replaced battery December 12/29 /2021 ( High Desert Hyundai Kingman AZ ) Replaced Temperature Actuator $ 210 ( no heat for 2 weeks because of scheduling issues via High Desert Hyundai ) ,replaced cabin filter $30, 34 point inspection ( services dept. reported every thing is good) , New tires all around 1. 102,000m est changed oil/filter at a different establishment wich I will retrieve records. 2. 108,000m est changed oil/filter Quality Care Auto , Bullhead City AZ 3. 113,000m est changed oil/filter Quality Care Auto , Bullhead City AZ 4. 118,000m est missing documents 5. 125,000m est missing documents 6. 09/ 12/ 2022 130,000m est changed oil/filter Quality Care Auto, Bullhead City, AZ 7. 09 /19/2022 34 point Inspection Quality Care Auto, Bullhead City AZ, NO ISSUES except brakes and shocks. 8. 09/26/2022 (Advice from the Inspection done at Auto Care/ I needed new brakes and Rotors with in the next 1,00 miles ) 09 /26/2022 Brake Masters # 176. Life time brakes service Package, All 4 Suspension Struts and Coil Spring assembly, Transmits Fluid FLUSH, Fuel Rail , PFI & GDI Service. 9. Drivers side door handle does not open without repeatedly 5-10 X’s lifting up on the door handle, rear passenger, and drivers side door handles also stick and must be lifted several times. 10. 10/20 /2022 Returning from work I went to work-out at Planet fitness and parked the car.... No Engine Light or Oil light “EVER”since I’ve owned the vehicle. After working-out I started the car and drove for about a mile. The engine began too sputter, and both the
Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 3, 2023
2022 my wife's 2016 engine began making a noise. This was a known safety problem with the engines but a recall was never issued. Instead there was a lawsuit against Hyundai in 2020 and 2021 in which consumers were compensated for their cost, or received a new engine.However, her engine went out in 2022. She did not get that benefit. Hyundai paid for a portion and she had to pay a portion for a new engine. This should have been a recall! Now currently 2022 & 2023, Hyundai's alarm is defective which is causing theft, and car jackings. This too is a known safety issue and nothing is being done unless she pays $550 for a security feature to be added to the vehicle. This is a problem! Hyundai should pay for this! She read that the Kia and Hyundai vehicles at issue don’t come with an anti-theft device called an immobilizer, which uses a chip to authenticate a key against the car’s electronic control unit. An immobilizer, which can be found in most modern cars, prevents the vehicle from being started if the key is not detected. It’s also been reported that some of the windows in the affected vehicles may not be connected to the cars’ security system, meaning they can be broken without the alarm being triggered, per the case. It stated, these vulnerabilities have caused thieves to view Kia and Hyundai vehicles as “easy targets,” especially after a viral social media trend highlighted. Now State Farm announced they are not accepting new Hyundai customers. More than likely my insurance is going to increase and the value will decrease.I need this governing body to govern and have Hyundai right their wrong. Issue a recall and do what is best for the consumers and not the company! She has been in contact with Hyundai National Consumer Department and it appears that her communication efforts aren't successful. She purchased her first Hyundai Excel in 88.Our immediate family have since purchased four Hyundai's. DO THE RIGHT THING! ISSUE A RECALL. FROM A CONCERNED HUSBAND!
Engine, Feb 2, 2023
Engine started Knocking, check engine light came on and car went in to “limp mode”. Car needs new engine.
Engine, Feb 2, 2023
My used 2016 Hyundai Tucson Eco, 1.6 Turbo, currently with 118,000 miles has been consuming 1 quart of oil every 500 miles. Unfortunately, my 5 year warranty by mileage has passed. Since the vehicle warning system doesn't have a low oil light; if you don't stay vigilant checking the oil level dipstick, the engine could fail and seize up during usage without warning, not ideal while driving the vehicle on the highway, which this vehicle does frequently. The vehicle was inspected by a Hyundai dealership service department and Hyundai indicated we do not qualify for engine replacement because the mileage is too high. Nothing in written was provided, just verbal notification. About $1,000 was spent on "cleaning" the engine and replacing the spark plugs and other effected components, with no improvement on oil consumption. After researching on-line, several sites indicate this type of engine failure for our model is common for the type of engine and Hyundai is well aware of it. Why no recall then? Also saw a few articles that Canada has recently recalled several Hyundai motors for similar issues for replacement. A rebuilt engine is around $5,000; not an option for us at this time.
Engine, Jan 31, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while accelerating, the vehicle started to lose motive power. The check engine warning light was intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed and the mechanic retrieved fault code: P1326 (KSDS). The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the knock sensor detection system failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that she needed to provide proof of ownership. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.
Engine, Jan 26, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.
Engine, Jan 26, 2023
The car started to shake while driving on the highway and it lost power causing it to slow down dramatically, the car driving behind almost hit my car. The issue started with the engine losing motor oil, the dealership said there were no oil leaks and maybe the head gasket needed to be replaced. After the incident one the highway, the car was towed to the closes dealership for service, after diagnosing it was determine that cylinders 1 and 2 are miss-firing and the piston were stuck making it loose compression. Dealer said that they have seen this before, but my VIN does not take part of a recall campaign with other cars having the same symptoms.
Engine, Jan 18, 2023
I heard a knocking sound on the morning on 1/6/22, immediately took it to a Hyundai (Capital Hyundai) dealership who informed me it was a known issue they are having to rebuild tons of engines. They would not be able to even look at my car for a few weeks, but I needed to leave it because the engine could seize at any moment. While thy offer loaner vehicles, I wasn't eligible because of the time before they even could look at my car. After paying to rentals out of pocket for two weeks, I received a call today to tell me that because I'm not the original owner (I'm the 2nd owner) they are not honoring the rebuild and I could pay them $8300 plus and additional $2500 to repair their known issue that their Service manager acknowledged. Not to mention Hyundai recent class action lawsuit in 2021. If that wasn't enough, I just received a call from Hyundai corporate office to say sorry if you were the original owner, we could help. I asked the representative if it was a company practice to use that as a deterrent from acknowledging their design/mechanical fault to save cost and she said I'll make a note of that. Is there anything I can do? My vehicle has been serviced every 3000 miles and I have my records. Considering contacting my attorney as well
Structure, Engine, Jan 17, 2023
Engine failure while going 70mph on the highway - huge safety issue! Spark plugs totally covered in oil and the engine has major known oil consumption issues. Also 3 of our 4 door actuators broke - huge safety issues as we have kids in our back seats in car seats. This form doesn't have enough room for the letter I have composed about the specifics of the situations. Hyundai has known issues with their engines and some are under recall. We were told ours is not under recall and they will not fix it or help at all to fix it even though many of their engines have/had the same issues as ours and those engines are under recall.
Engine, Jan 11, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle entered drive-safe mode with the check engine warning light illuminated. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was discovered that the engine was extremely low on oil. The contact was informed that the knock sensor and spark plugs needed to be replaced. Upon retrieving the vehicle, the contact noticed that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for an oil change and the mechanic informed him that the oil consumption issue was related to an unstated TSB. The mechanic referred the contact to the manufacturer to report the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed. The manufacturer then referred him to another dealer for an oil consumption test. Once at the dealer, the vehicle did not pass the oil consumption test. The contact was also informed that the pistons were failing; however, the engine could not be replaced under warranty until the engine completely failed. The vehicle was not repaired and remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was 72,856.
Engine, Jan 10, 2023, fire
While driving on an interstate the engine lost power and I pulled over to the shoulder. Popped the hood and the engine cover was blown back and the engine was on fire! Had 3 passengers, dog, and luggage in the car. Was able to get most out before the fire spread. Left family stranded hours from home on side of interstate. Unsure of exact cause of the engine fire. Fire spread to entire car before fire department came to put it out.
Engine, Jan 2, 2023, fire
I was driving my vehicle on Highway 45 North in Spring Tx and my engine caught on fire while driving, my Tucson was on fire and started smoking i had to pull over and getvhelpp
Engine, Dec 29, 2022
Engine knocking and loosing power under acceleration.
Power train, Engine, Dec 19, 2022
Inability to move the vehicle while in traffic, other 2016 Hyundai Tucsons have a recall for this problem. However, mine does not under my VIN, and the same exact thing is happening as described in 2016 Hyundai Tucson powertrain recall. (16V628000). My car doesn’t want to go when I stop at stoplights right away, leading to a risk of an accident. No warning signs prior to problem. Noticed a few weeks after purchasing my car in October of 2021.others in car have noticed as long with maintenance people have driven it.
Engine, Dec 18, 2022
While driving on the highway, traveling about 70mph, check engine light comes on and car looses power. No previous warning signals, smells, smoke, exhaust, drive behavior. Dealership said the piston ring on cylinder 2 is almost completely broken and the repair is a full engine replacement. Dealership has quoted me $18,000 for the repair, which is what I paid when I bought it used in 2019. At this point, I'm dealing with catastrophic engine failure and Hyundai won't do anything about their faulty product and is seeking to take full advantage. Insurance won't cover it and the car is out of warranty. I have never owned a worse car than this Hyundai. It's the final straw in a list of issues I've had with the car since I purchased it.
Power train, Engine, Dec 13, 2022
Similar to the recall for Hyundai's newest vehicles with its dual clutch system, and to its recall for the 2016 Tucson my vehicle will be unresponsive when we accelerate, delayed or no acceleration, jerking, shuddering, shaking, and stalling. Not sure if this issue was covered under [XXX] et al, v. Hyundai Motor America. We had been complaining of the way my 2016 Hyundai Tucson ([XXX]) was driving since Apr 2019 (32,299 miles), and again Mar 2021 (44,857 miles), and on both instances we were told that was normal operation because of the car's dual clutch system. Now that the car has passed the warranty period (5 year/60,000 miles), Hyundai is telling us we have to replace the dual clutch, and that they're not covering it because the vehicle is now outside of the warranty period. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).