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: power train
517 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Oct 3, 2024
My backup, my reverse is not working after 30 minutes the car is running.
Power train, Sep 3, 2024
loss of power, transmission slipping. unable to get car to move creating hazard. happened 5 times. Diagnosed by dealer as systemic transmission component failure and known issue. many of the same complaints on internet, Code p1921
Power train, Electrical system, Aug 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal and the vehicle lunged forward. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that when the vehicle was stopped, after depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated and then lunged forward. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V628000 (Power Train, Electrical System); however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
Power train, Aug 9, 2024
Vehicle started to shake and lost acceleration. Gave engine Code P073F Unable to engage gear 1. Hyundai shows Recall Campaign for this issue but dealer refuses to acknowledge it, and says it needs new transmission. They state transmission damaged clutch rather than clutch damaged transmission.
Power train, Aug 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tuscon. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds the vehicle would begin sputtering and the transmission would begin slipping. The transmission would also slip when attempting to accelerate after being parked or idle. There were no warning lights. While driving approximately 45 MPH the vehicle suddenly began going in reverse. The contact immediately placed the vehicle in park to turn off the vehicle. After restarting the vehicle the contact attempted to drive it but failed to accelerate. The vehicle was only able to be driven in reverse. The contact reversed into the nearest parking lot. The vehicle was towed to a certified mechanic where it was diagnosed that the transmission failed. The transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000.
Power train, Jul 10, 2024
The vehicle intermittently fails to accelerate without warning or notification. The throttle pedal goes to the floor without the engine stalling or rev'ing but also fails to propel the vehicle. This has occurred when crossing lanes of on-coming traffic placing the operator in an EXTREMELY DANGEROUS situation. In addition, the vehicle also intermittently fails to go in reverse. These issues are most prevailant in warmer summer temperatures. Neither of these issues directly triggered a MIL light. MIL lights did occur independent from the cited issues but would typically self clear. On one occasion I was able to get a scan of the vehicle with an active MIL that yielded a P1921 Gear 2 System Motor Thermal Damage. Shortly after the scan, the code cleared and MIL went off. The conditions were NOT able to be reproduced by the dealership. They were also not able to clearly diagnose what would cause the P1921 fault. Their recommendation was to replace the entire transmission. ALL of the issues experience closely align with a issues cited in a class action law suit despite the vehicle not having any open recalls or TSBs.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jul 9, 2024
Oil consumption is excessive it has caused the engine to have a knocking noise even though routine oil changes have been up to date. Yes available for inspection. This may cause the engine to seize at any given point while in motion. No, I have not been able to take the vehicle to a dealership yet. No, vehicle has not been inspected. No, no check engine/warning light has turned on. Knocking noise began June 28th 2024.
Power train, Mar 15, 2024
Vehicle transmission prolongs shifting from 1st to 2nd gear, and from 2nd to 3rd gear. Vehicle only has 55000 miles on it and we are second owners of the vehicle. This has been on ongoing issue with the vehicle that we attributed to design but a month ago, the check engine light came on. We took is the Ray Skillman Hyundai who diagnosed that the transmission was the cause of the check engine light and that the entire transmission will need to be replaced at a cost of a little over $7000 to us. The original warranty on the car offered a 10-year, 100,000 mile warranty but Ray Skillman Hyundai nor Hyundai Corporate will replace the transmission without charge. We also know of many other issues related to transmission components of other Hyundai vehicles. The vehicle puts at risk because the unexpected pause puts the drivers behind us at risk of running into us.
Power train, Electrical system, Mar 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that after the vehicle came to a complete stop, the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the vehicle lurched forward but hesitated to accelerate immediately. An unknown warning light illuminated, and the check engine warning light was later illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who retrieved DTC Code: P073F (Unable to Engage Gear 1), but no repair was recommended. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V628000 (Power Train, Electrical System) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Feb 15, 2024
My 2016 Tucson Sport with Eco Shift has a dangerous problem with the transmission. Intermittently It will not move when I give it gas. The RPMS go up to 6000 but the car wont move. Its the DCT transmission. Today I took it in for the 3rd time and I don't want it back until its fixed. This is a very unsafe vehicle to drive since you would not know when it would just stop shifting and driving. Have registered a complaint with Hyundai Motors as the service department does not know when the vehicle will be repaired.
Power train, Jan 29, 2024
The engine sign keep blinking on the dashboard, I went to auto zone, they scan it and say that the power train system with code P1326 Glow relay short circuit is the problem. This would be the second time it comes on. The first time it came on but then stopped in a few days but it’s on back again.
Power train, Jan 22, 2024
Car shuddering going from full stop to 1st gear, not fixed by software update. Clutch replaced under drive train warranty at no cost to me.
Power train, Engine, Visibility, Jan 11, 2024, crash
A/C failure & Heat Failure which resulted in an accident. Was not the thermostat. ACCEDENT was unable to defrost/defog windows, causing the driver to crash
Power train, Jan 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while attempting to accelerate from a stop, while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to immediately accelerate as intended, before suddenly lurching forward. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle was functioning as expected. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 53,000.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Dec 29, 2023
The engine began to make a knocking noise. Upon our inspection, the vehicle had lost all oil. Vehicle was towed to our local dealership. Dealership informed us a bearing had become worn causing rapid oil loss and a rod to break, sending metal shards into the engine compartment. Engine could have seized up or caught on fire, had the vehicle continued to run. Dealership informed us of other Hyundai recalls for the same issue, however we were told our year/make/model was not included. Vehicle had been at same dealership 2 months prior for a heat/AC issue and a complete inspection was completed. No indication of bearing, oil, or engine issue was noted. No warning lights came on at any point.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Dec 14, 2023
Engine heating problems, electrical problems and now engine failure, the vehicle is no longer safe to drive. The vehicle is available for inspection. Other vehicles of same make, model, and year have been recalled for these issues however mine has not. I feel it has the same types of issues and safety concerns which should be recalled. The issues began with electrical problems inside the vehicle, random check engine lights coming on then off and other lights popping up in the dash board, the car was not accelerating properly, took the car in and they could not find a problem or fix it. The engine began heating and the speed of vehicle was also being affected. The car would randomly slow down quickly while on the highway at 70 MPH which happened a couple of times and was not safe at all, it could have caused a horrible accident. I could not accelerate enough to stay on the highway. That issue was fixed when we took the vehicle into the dealership to fix and should have been a recall as other cars where having the same issue. Hyundai should be held responsible for issues such as this that are affecting many other Hyundai Tucson drivers. Oil keeps depleting and the engine is burning through fast, also another concern and safety issue as that causes the engine to over heat and potentially cause a fire. A loud noise is coming from the vehicle, sounds like a helicopter it happened suddenly with no check engine light or warning. I'm concerned this car could catch fire, many Tucson's have had warning of catching fire. I don't park in our garage or even in the driveway for fear of that happening although they state ours is not supposed to be affected all these vehicle issues are telling me otherwise. Engine is now dead.This is unacceptable. Windows cannot be rolled down after multiple fixes that I paid for. Hyundai's poor production, manufacturing and quality control is unacceptable, please hold them responsible. Too much money has been spent on issues with no real results.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 6, 2023
Vehicle has 101k miles on it, just over the 100k Hyundai warranty. Vehicle began shaking and sputtering while driving, and check engine light illuminated, I was able to get it to a local mechanic. Mechanic said it had multiple codes (P300, P302, and P304). They did a compression test and said the engine has internal failure and should be replaced; quoted 13k to replace. I had it towed to the Hyundai dealership where I bought it, and they are investigating it. The service manager told me even with perfect maintenance records, Hyundai will likely deny a goodwill claim to replace the engine. Looking at all these engine failure complaints for this year model, it is clear this is an ongoing problem and Hyundai needs to issue a recall.
Power train, Dec 5, 2023
Failing Transmission including inability to engage reverse and slipping gears while shifting.
Power train, Engine, Nov 12, 2023
51k miles and engine went out on the highway. No lights or warnings until afterwards. We were able to safely pull over onto the shoulder and had the vehicle towed to the dealer for servicing.
Power train, Oct 23, 2023
I already had a recall scheduled 4 days before this accident but 2 days before the engine failure I heard a ticking in the engine , didn’t think much of it because the engine was still running ( 93k miles on the car) so I was going to tell the dealer the problem when I took it for the recall fix appointment but on the way home my car instantly went from 70-30 in the middle of the highway I had the car towed to the Hyundai Dealer and they said rod had broke and said also something about the oil being dirty when I literally had the oil changed days before , but end result my 2nd owners warranty didn’t cover the vehicle even with rod failures being a recurring problem with my trim. They told me a new engine would be 13,500k while still owing 10k on the vechile has but me in a difficult situation
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Sep 4, 2023
I bought a used 2016 Hyundai Tucson locally. Had the car 3 days, & both rear window actuators had to be replaced. Had the car a week, oil pump/pan seal failed. Then the rear seal fail. Then the boot on the right CV joint failed. The aAC started blowing hot on the passenger side, while cold on the driver side, but I DON’T have dual controls for the temperature & it’s full. Bluetooth randomly connects/disconnects. Gas gauge is inaccurate says 40 miles left & then suddenly your light is on & it says you’ve 20. REPEATEDLY replaced my brake light bulbs/front turn signal bulbs, several times within a few months of each other, often on the same side. Having my phone plugged into the charging ports, the phone often overheats to the point of being too hot to touch. Even placed out of the sun’s rays, & shaded. Must pull front passenger door 2x externally before it will open. RR passenger door you can pull all day/push from inside /outside, doesn’t matter, WON’T OPEN.The car is equipped with a CVT, which allows you to shift manually if needed. Then the transmission refused to shift automatically. No codes would show. Today car died on me in the middle of the road, while I was turning, check engine is on, & car refuses to start. I was almost hit by cross traffic from both directions. A few people drove around me, before two very nice young men pushed my car out of the middle of the road onto the shoulder of a county road, on a holiday weekend. If not for a Good Samaritan, I’d have been walking 6 miles home in the dark. I’m almost 50, & a woman, & diabetic. The car has plenty of oil & coolant. Tried putting the car in neutral, still won’t start. Air filter is clean. Battery is good. Says it has gas; 40 miles til empty. Car tries to turn over but won’t catch. Tachometer will barely register to the line above zero, & even giving it gas makes NO difference. Have been told it is the timing & transmission. Dealer won’t honor extended warranty. Car has “just” passed Hyundai warranty.
Power train, Engine, Aug 26, 2023
I have been to multiple Hyundai dealerships, and opened about 3 to 4 Hyundai consumer cases; for WELL known engine problems. My vehicle has failed oil tests and combustion tests done by Hyundai dealers. Springfield Hyundai/ Genesis kept my vehicle for 5 months claiming they found issues with the engine that was consistent with the other vehicles recalled for obsessive oil consumption. After their findings, Hyundai corporate decided not to do any repairs, after 5 months! They claim my vehicle is out of warranty and can not carry through the goodwill repair/replacement. Hyundai corporate and I have proof of my engine complaints and failed oil tests before 100,000mi warranty expired (which is why Hyundai submitted a goodwill repair request on my behalf took the car in the first place). My vehicles VIN is not included in engine recall, nor the theft recall. My car has been driven away from the key fob multiple times through the years; indicating it can be stolen. My last communication with a Hyundai dealership, the service manager informed me that engines that have already failed can be submitted. Basically I and others that are trying to be proactive, will have to wait until the engine fails and possibly cause an accident, injuring or killing people!! Due to this fear myself and others have to check and get more frequent oil changes and travel with oil in the trunk to keep the engine from locking up on the highway. This vehicle continues stalling, hesitating, losing power, and loud knock engine noise. I have been complaining of the bad DCT system since 2017 (2nd complaint written to NHTSA). Before my limited warranty was expired I've been denied by corporate even when the dealership found issues and admitted Hyundai is screwing over thousands of people and I am just another one. I have every work order and oil change from day one, that indicates that I kept up with the maintenance of my vehicle. I believe Hyundai is not including VIN#s that should be included in recall
Power train, Engine, Aug 14, 2023
I recently purchased a 2016 Hyundai Tucson, Limited 1.6T. After a few weeks of driving I noticed it would shake when at a stoplight. It also loses acceleration and 'skips' when making turns, going over speed bumps or just taking off from a complete stop. There have also been times that I press the accelerator pedal and the car doesn't move. After researching I discovered this is a known issue and Hyundai issued a Technical Service Bulletin (number 21-AT-014H) in August 2021 instead of a recall. My vehicle had less than 40K miles on it when I purchased it (from a non-Hyundai used dealership) I took my car to a Hyundai service center, when I explained the problems to a technician, he suspected he knew exactly what the problem was. I chose to have them perform a "judder" test to confirm and the tech was right, it did in fact fail the judder test. In order to fix this issue, I have to have the entire clutch assembly replaced for approximately $2500. This issue is a huge safety risk and I believe Hyundai should issue a recall and fix this issue at no charge to the vehicle owner. I have read hundreds of similar complaints, they know there is a problem, they know how to fix the problem, the financial burden should not fall on the consumer.
Power train, Aug 9, 2023
When coming from a stop and trying to accelerate the transmission slips and makes a strange noise. After a few seconds of releasing the gas pedal, it will drive again normally. It is intermittent and happens from either a full stop to first or first to second (while stuck in traffic). My vehicle should be included in the dual clutch transmission recall that is available for other vehicles.
Power train, Engine, Aug 4, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to reverse. After several attempts, the vehicle worked as designed. While approaching a stop, the vehicle was jerking. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 94,000.