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, Engine, Jul 28, 2023
Excessive oil consumption NM, replaced catalytic converter twice. Losing power again. 122450 miles. Trans mission slipping, not shifting into higher gear. Gas mpg down to 19mpg. Unsafe on highway, loses speed and revs too high
Power train, Jul 26, 2023
Car shakes when when starting or stopping
Power train, Visibility, Vehicle speed control, Jul 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that all four automatic windows failed to operate as needed. The front driver’s side window started failing and an appointment was scheduled with the dealer to repair the window. While testing the windows in the dealer parking lot after the repair, the front passenger’s side window fractured, and the dealer agreed to cover the cost of the repair free of charge. Over time, the rear windows started to lower independently, and the vehicle was repaired by an independent mechanic. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle intermittently failed to accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle lunge forward while accelerating. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.
Power train, Visibility/wiper, Jul 5, 2023
excessive oil consumption. it has been confirmed by valvoline instant oil change center. after an oil change, round 600 miles the oil is to be checked and topped off completely because the reservoir is bone dry. can not make it a complete 3,000 miles until the next oil change. the oil has to be topped off at least 2-3 times until the next oil change. there are no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms to notify of the problem. it has been inspected by hyundai dealership, whom at someone point replaced the turbo in the limited 1.6L. also, the windshield wiper reservoir decided to stop working. I have to wait until it rains or go through a car wash to clean my windshield. all hoses have been checked and there are no leaks or disconnection of the hose. the windshield wiper fluid will not come out and remains completely full.
Power train, Jun 12, 2023
While driving the car, when you press down on the accelerator to pick up speed, the car actually slows down. Eventually it will run normally at speed, however it creates a significant risk when pulling into traffic.
Power train, Jun 9, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. 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 51,800.
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.
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.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Apr 12, 2023
Upon acceleration onto highway or up a hill the car at times will rev and not shift or move /increase speed. Getting onto the highway I have had to pull into the shoulder until vehicle snaps out of it and decides to shift. Extremely dangerous & happening more often than not now.
Power train, Electrical system, Service brakes, Apr 4, 2023, crash
I have a 2016 Hyundai Tuscon Limited Turbo which I bought USED in August of 2018. The same week I left the lot I returned multiple times complaining that the car was hesitating and seemed like the transmission was having problems. The car would hesitate to go from a stop, several times leaving me and my infant (at the time) in the middle of intersections crossing traffic and unable to move. It almost got us SLAMMED multiple times. I explained this to them and they just kept telling me it was because of the turbo. I said NO ONE in their right mind would manufacture a car that goes fast at the cost of safety. That was insane to me but they kept sending me home. I returned over and over and over again for the entire 1st year I had the car with no resolution. Eventually, I also discovered issues if I had to brake hard, several times almost running into the back of people and on 08/08/2020 I actually DID slam into the back of someone. I got to eat the cost of the insurance claim - only later to find out that there was a recall on the ABS system which I believe caused the accident. In 2020 when the transmission died, they replaced it under warranty. It took 49 days to replace, meanwhile I have an infant and riding a bus and riding my bike everywhere because the dealer did not help me with a rental or loaner. Then a year later in the middle of 2021 the engine died which they replaced under warranty, this time providing me with a rental for only a short time of the month long situation. Also racked up tow and tow storage bills exceeding $500 because it broke down on a major road in the middle of the night. Now, on 03/11/2023 I heard a sound coming from the engine which sounded like a cat screaming, coupled with severe hesitation when trying to accelerate. Took it to the dealer and they refuse to fix it, said the warranty company declined it. Called Hyundai Corporate and they said the same thing. Called warranty company and they said NO ONE EVER SUBMITTED A CLAIM!!!!!
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!!
Power train, Jan 28, 2023
Has been happening for the last few years, but recently got worse: very difficult to get car to move forward from a dead stop, car would shudder like it was going to stall out. Took car to a Hyundai dealership on October 4, 2022, who were able to replicate the problem. Issue was for transmission to be replaced under drivetrain warranty. Once transmission had been replaced, there were no more problems with moving into first gear from a stop.
Power train, Jan 24, 2023
When driving the vehicle is slow to accelerate hence posing a risk of being rear ended. It makes loud noises when going down hill and it tends to slow down even when you're foot is on the gas pedal. This is a concern for me since I have a small child that rides with me to and from school. The passenger a d driver doors jam on multiple occasions. The non acceleration especially when merging on highways or after traffic light stops is very dangerous since the person behind has no idea what's happening. When you stop the vehicle on a hill at a traffic stop and it's time to go on green the vehicle tends to pull back abit before accelerating, making the person behind wary of being hit. The loud noises made by the vehicle especially driving down a hill are just annoying, if you break to go slower, the noise is even louder. The lack of acceleration and jamming that the vehicle has me very worried for my safety and that of my young child, since we use the vehicle everyday for school drop offs and pickups and work. I am wary of driving it for any other reason that that which isn't fair because I pay for the car each month!!
Power train, Jan 16, 2023
Put the car in Drive and car failed to move with motor revving. Car finally moved about 20 mph max. Attempted to shift the car in and out of gear as well as shut it off and problem still existed. Got it home and made arrangements for tow truck to haul to dealer. In moving it the next day to prepare for tow truck the transmission worked normally and drove it to the dealer. Dealer could not duplicate the problem so they said there hands were essentially tied. Did and internet search on 2016 Tuscon DCT transmission problems and found the problem is very common. Hyundai attempted to address it with a computer update which this car has had. Many people have been placed in very dangerous situations with this problem. No warning lights were displayed despite the car being essentially undriveable . This is a known safety issue which should be addressed by the manufacturer. A car that suddenly becomes undriveable in traffic or leaving you stranded in the middle of nowhere is definitely a safety issue.
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.
Power train, Dec 14, 2022
Transmission is defective. Car wanted to override my foot braking at lights & stop signs. The potential for the car to force me into traffic or a vehicle or wall in front of me made for a hazardous situation. Coconut Creek Hyundai Service Department (via [XXX]) stated the transmission had an internal failure & must be replaced. I do not know if the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others have inspected the transmission -- I am only aware that Coconut Creek Hyundai Service Department has inspected it. There were no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. It first appeared in early November 2022. I tried to make an appointment & could not so I took it to the dealership on November 8, 2022. I bought this car from Coconut Creel Hyundai as Certified Used on September 6, 2019. Coconut Creek Hyundai in Coconut Creek, FL 33073 has had my car since Nov. 8, 2022. They replaced the defective transmission with another defective transmission the 1st week of December. I have had to pay out of my pocket for a rental car. Today is December 14, 2022. The least Hyundai can do is provide a car for me. The dealership has not done so. Hyundai USA (Case #: [XXX]) has not. My warranty only covers 10 days at $35.00 per day. A rental that I can use cost $40/day. I waited until December 1, 2022 to rent hoping my car would be fixed within a reasonable amount of time. My 10 days & my patience with this corporate pass the buck attitude has ended. I have no idea if the dealership got another new transmission or if they have installed it. This dealership has major communication issues. HyundaiUSA has lost a 3-time Hyundai owner. I just hung up with supervisor [XXX] from HyundaiUSA & she cannot authorize payment for a rental car nor speak to my case manager ([XXX]) about rental car payment/reimbursement. I have been without my car since Nov. 8, 2022. I stopped using my car Nov. 3, 2022 because it was too dangerous to do so. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
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).
Power train, Nov 14, 2022
Car having issues accelerating, switching gears and will not move when gear is in reverse.
Power train, Oct 31, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle decelerated without warning. The contact stated that after several seconds the vehicle continued to operate normally. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed; however, the mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The failure persisted. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 2,400.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 30, 2022
Car is burning engine oil at the rate of one quart a week after normal city driving. Usual and frquent oil changes and almost dry when going in for every 3000 miles oil change. Took to a private (non-Hyndai) mechanic shop Christian brothers in Colorado and told that perhaps that my car had some engine damage or problems due to burn of engine oil and not leaking. Next car began to have engine check light go on and off with never staying on for more than one day. Called Hyundai dealership and told that light had to be on solid and complete for inspection. This week car starting misfiring and dragging when acclerating. Black smoke coming out of exhaust and check engine light illuminated and stayed on. Could not get into delaership until November of 2022 and currently September of 2022. Once again took car to Christian Brothers for diagnostics and told car was full of carbon and misfiring and told unsafe to drive and would not work on car as they believed that engine was damaged/defective and needed to be replaced. Made appointment with PLanet Hyundai in Golden, Colorado where I purchased the car brand new. October 20th is my appointment and car will need to be towed. Undriveable and needing car to work to see my autistic clients in their homes. Final event with engine and misfiring happened at 104,000 just past the warranty time even though no one would look at the car despite my former complaints and concerns prior to the warranty expiration.
Power train, Electrical system, Sep 7, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the RPM increased; however, the vehicle failed to respond. There was no warning light illuminated. There was an update performed on the transmission control module before; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing; however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V628000 (Power Train, Electrical System) however, the VIN was not included. The approximate failure mileage was 5,000.
Power train, Service brakes, Engine, Aug 19, 2022
I have made multiple complaints to Jenkins Hyundai of leesburg about my car hesitating and not going like it should and almost causing multiple accidents because it wouldn’t go when it should. However, they stated nothing was out of the ordinary and to just drive it in sport mode. Well I’m December of 2020, the turbo went out while driving home. They then wouldn’t fix it until I had a friend state that her dad worked at a diff location and that it was covered under warranty. They told me they had to do an investigation to see if it was covered under warranty or not. They kept my car for a few weeks before I got a phone call on New Year’s Eve stating my car was ready for pick up. Meanwhile, there was an active recall with the brakes from September of 2020, that they in fact did not fix while having my vehicle there. Fast forward to June 9, 2022, and my turbo went out again and there is water mixed with the oil in my car. I have made multiple reports along with others on the transmission issues and now making a report on the turbo. These vehicles are not safe, I don’t understand why they have not been recalled for these issues.
Power train, Engine, Aug 14, 2022
While driving the car started making a clicking noise. Then shortly after the noise started, the car would no accelerate over 40mph. Once pulled over after this, we discovered that there was no oil in the engine. There have been no signs of oil loss and we also get our cars oil changed regularly and we were towards the end and already had an oil changed scheduled. There were also no warring lights that ever became illuminated while this all happened so we had no idea of the issues until the car was already seizing up. This seems to be a common issue with 2016 Hyundai Tucson’s
Power train, Engine, Jul 16, 2022
This car is burning oil and locking up the engine while driving. This has happened multiple times now! I am changing the oil every couple two thousand miles instead of 3000, and sometimes even sooner than that. I was on the interstate a couple of times and the car will not accelerate. This is a danger to myself as well as other drivers. Why is this not being investigated??? Looking through the complaints, it has been happening to so many people and no one is doing anything about it!
Power train, Jun 29, 2022
The dual clutch transmission is malfunctioning. The car is lurching when accelerating, failing to accelerate and/ or delayed acceleration, and shaking/ shuddering terribly. The car is available for inspection upon request. My safety as well as others is at risk because there have been multiple incidents where the car's accelerator wouldn't engage when going 70+ mph on the interstate almost causing an accident. The car also lurches and shakes terribly. Yes the problem has been confirmed. The problem has been inspected on similar cars having the same problems but not mine specifically. There were no other warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. The problems first appears May 14, 2022.