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, Jun 29, 2022
Put car in drive and it does not engage and will not move. It acts like it is still in park. However, the reverse gear does operate.
Power train, Jun 6, 2022
Transmission can lurch forward or hesitate, shudder when accelerating from a stop. More problematic is the extreme vibration/shuddering of the car when in stop and go traffic. It is so severe passengers are actually thrusting back and forth in their seats. First occurrence was at 23,000 miles when a warning light came on saying, "transmission running high, pull over while driving in traffic." At the time I was driving in moderately heavy city traffic for about 20 minutes. Hyundai service reported they could not duplicate the problem, and no codes found in any system, so no repairs performed. Was informed service mechanic that this can happen in extended traffic. However, I had not been in extended traffic. I continued to experience other issues as noted above and when complained about them was told there was nothing wrong with the car, it just had some quirks with the transmission, nothing that needed repair. Recently my driving has changed from city to interstate driving and starting about 5,000 miles ago, the severe shuddering/vibrating happens when traffic is tied up on interstates. The car has not been overheated by hot weather or extended driving as suggested by the service center. When I took it back in for servicing I was informed there was a "dry and wet" type of transmission in the 2016 Tucson's, and I had the dry one which is problematic. Again, the mechanics were unable to duplicate the problem, and said there was nothing they could do to fix the car as it was inherent in this transmission. They suggested I contact Hyundai and ask for the transmission to be replaced as it was still under warranty. Current mileage is 39,000. I have contacted hyundai but they insist, I must take it back to the dealer so they can "duplicate the problem and repair it. It has been and continues to be very frustrating trying to deal with hyundai. I do not feel safe driving long distances in the car and consider it to be a safety concern. Please advise. Thank you, Ellen
Power train, Engine, May 14, 2022
Hyundai dealership just gave me my vehicle back after having it for 3 months replacing the engine due to engine failure which a class action law suite was filed about. While having my vehicle they also replaced all the ignition coils and spark plugs, 1 day after receiving my vehicle back my car throws the following codes and has to go back to the dealership. P0353- ignition coils C primary control circuit/open P0354- ignition coils D primary control circuit/open P0420- Catalyst system efficiency bele9 threshold bank 1
Power train, Other or unspecified, May 9, 2022
No or reduced acceleration after stopping, no shifting at all into gear, vehicle hesitating, especially in low gears at speeds less then 10 MPH while idling in traffic. Issues shifting into gear and accelerating when pushing accelerator especially when going downhill. Issue happens nearly every time the vehicle is driven. Rear driver's side door will not open from inside or outside of car. Seems to be an issue with the cable/pulley system. Could definitely be a safety hazard in an emergency situation.
Power train, May 6, 2022
Transmission slips when trying to accelerate any. No leaks etc. Almost had a wreck trying to merge onto the interstate with my family in the car.
Power train, Engine, Mar 31, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to merge into traffic, the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate above 40 MPH while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 85,000.
Power train, Mar 11, 2022
My car has an unresponsive accelerator pedal, delayed or no acceleration, jerking, shuddering, shaking, and stalling. The defects cause dangerous and unsafe conditions, including failing to shift, stalling and delayed or unresponsive acceleration, especially from a stop. I have been stuck on major highways and have had to disconnect battery and wait just to get the car to restart and actually move. I have had to be towed just to get out of the way of traffic
Power train, Mar 7, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while at a complete stop, the vehicle would hesitate upon depression of the accelerator pedal as the wrench warning light would illuminate on the instrument panel. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where they changed the rear driver’s side tire and cleared the code; however, the hesitation persisted after the repair. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic where they replaced the engine booster as well as eight bolts that had been fractured on the intake manifold while the booster was being replaced. Despite the second repair, the failure persisted and the vehicle was taken back to the dealer. The contact was informed that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V543000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and would be towed to a dealer for further assistance. The dealer nor the manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired and remained in the possession of the independent mechanic. The failure mileage was 75,858.
Power train, Electrical system, Feb 2, 2022
The car vibrates, shakes, when stopped; hesitates, shakes, vibrates on accelerating from stopping, in traffic at stoplights. Incident becomes unsafe in traffic, etc. Reported to Dealer (Horne Hyundai, Mesa, AZ, 85120) and took car in for troubleshooting, diagnostics, or repair(s); twice, 1 st on Jan. 19, 2022, Dealer duplicated the same problem; Dealer technician performed 7 Type Judder Test, Vehicle Failed. Performed Transmission (TCU) update, Vehicle Passed, performed test drive, vehicle passed. Dealer acknowledged the same issue with vehicle; however reported to customer that it passed the Judder Test. Vehicle released to customer, no further testing or logic improvement. Customer drove vehicle home and incident occured again, less than 24 hrs from Dealer troubleshooting the incident. Customer returned vehicle to Dealer on Jan. 31, 2022; with the same issue; vibrating, hesitating, when stopping, and accelerating at stop lights, etc. Safety Issue in traffic. Dealer acknowledged the same issue again. Dealer technician again performed 7 Type Judder test. Judder detected. Performed Dual Clutch Transmission Detection and TCU Software updates, proceeded to test for Judder, Vehicle Passed. Returned vehicle to customer. Customer conferred with Dealer Service Manager about the vehicle issues, and was unable to resolve any further testing or next logical repair issues. Dealer suggested the customer contact the Manufacturer for further issues; unable to satisfy customer complaints of this issue and documented issues with previous recall of 41,000 Hyundai Tucson DCT issues and problems. Dealer could not reconcile with customer on why this VIN number was not included in the recall #149 for Hyundai Tucson vehicles; suggesting we report to NHTSA for the safety issue. This DCT issue is recurring with recurring "reprogramming by the Dealer(s) never really repairing anything, just software updates. Invoices 358494 (2) Horne Hyundai, Apache Junction, AZ 85120
Power train, Jan 24, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that soon after purchasing the vehicle, the vehicle would stall upon depression of the accelerator pedal as the RPM's would loudly rev. The contact took the vehicle back to the independent used auto shop where the vehicle was purchased and was informed that they would not service the transmission or offer any additional assistance. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V628000 (Power Train, Electrical System) which he linked to the failure. The manufacturer had been notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact called a local dealer and made an appointment for service. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.
Power train, Nov 23, 2021
A warning light indicating that a brake light is out has been active for over 4 years. The bulbs have been replaced and checked and the brake light outage persists. This is an electrical issue and poses a serious safety hazard. Secondly, when trying to accelerate, the engine will rev between 400-500rpms but the car won’t speed up for several seconds. Lately while pressing the gas pedal the engine is revving in the 500’s while the car actually DEcelerates from 70mph to 40mph while ON THE FREEWAY. This is a mega dangerous safety issue for myself and other drivers. A mechanic quoted us yesterday as needing a new transmission. The car is 6 years old. In my opinion, these issues coupled with the existing recalls make this car a true lemon.
Power train, Engine, Oct 2, 2021
Reduced engine power that caused car to suddenly stall. Check engine light and engine oil pressure light both came on. Auto shop is stating a new engine is required. Similar recall have been issued in other Hyundai Tucson
Power train, Engine, Oct 1, 2021
Engine Burns excessive oil, We change our oil every 3k miles since owning it sept 2019. I had taken it to the dealer for a repair on a separate issue and asked them to look at the engine and transmission due to noise and intermittent issues taking off. was told there was no issue and i did not need an oil change until I reach 5 k miles ( i was at 3k) and that the transmission has had the update and this is how the car operates noise and all, a week and a half later engine stalled while turning through a light at an intersection and the oil light came onfor a split second then off, no oil lights ever indicated low oil until that moment, I checked the oil and it was dry, I did an oil change, next time I reached 3k miles I took it to a shop, not the dealer and oil was dry at 3k miles, have had to refill the oil at 1500 miles since finding this out and have made multiple complaints to the dealer, they will not inspect it for what is a widely known issue unless i pay the money to do an oil consumption test that i cannot afford i have made numerous calls and have been unable to reach corporate after my first contact and delaer will not assist due to me being out of warranty even though this could have been prevented while i was in warranty and informed them i was having concerns, this company is aware of the issues these cars have and is knowing selling them when they can cause injury or death, as well none of my door handles will open the car upon first try(though this part is now under an extended warranty due to this issue) this company is knownly selling and doing everything not to recall dangerous vehicles
Power train, Engine, Sep 20, 2021
The vehicle issue began with needing an engine check light. Searched for a recall but there wasn't any engine recalls online for my VIN number. Took the car to the dealer for a recall and they did the recall on some electrical wire that was separate from the engine issue but they just overlooked the engine check light on my dashboard and made no mention of it. They actually bypassed it and so I thought maybe they fixed the issue since the light isn't present anymore. However the engine light came and the problem developed into a transmission failure. Upon pressing the gas pedal, the vehicle wouldn't run over 30 miles per hour and could only go up to 4 rpms.. I took the car to the mechanic and he replaced the transmission and he said that the root cause was a result of a burnt gasket. So we had that replace also.. After spending $5000 in repairs, the motor or the engine completely overheated and now the car is just a potato. Another issue is the doors on my car and not opening anymore. I have to manually ply them open by pulling on some mechanical wiring inside the door. Why do I have to pay for bad engineering? This is an obvious risk.
Power train, Sep 16, 2021
The vehicle is slow to accelerate on and doesn’t change gears quickly, often stays in a neutral mode which doesn’t allow acceleration. Vehicle doesn’t move when gas is pressed which can cause a major issue when driving on the roads. It is very dangerous and I believe my vehicle should be included in the August 29, 2016 recall.
Power train, Sep 15, 2021
The transmission will fail to deliver power to the wheels when starting from a stop. You will hit the gas and nothing will happen for a beat, before kicking in suddenly. this creates a safety issue, especially when turning left, as it can leave you stranded in front of traffic. Multiple Tucson owners have reported the same issue with their transmisison.
Power train, Sep 13, 2021
The transmission on this vehicle has always functioned erratically. There has been a recall on the transmission control module. On June 12th, as I was driving the vehicle in traffic, I heard an odd clanking noise and felt a loss of power. I was driving up a hill with traffic behind me. The car stalled for several seconds, and I was unable to make it move. It then reengaged and lurched forward. It drove normally for several seconds and then did the same thing two more times, all while climbing this hill with traffic behind me. I was able to make it to a friend's house close by, but when I went to leave, it turned out that the transmission was non-functional. I was unable to put the car in reverse, or move it in any direction. It had to be towed to a Hyundai dealer and a new transmission installed. The vehicle had 81K on it when this happened.
Power train, Aug 30, 2021
I have been having problems with the oil burning very quickly in-between oil changes. This last time, I was driving the car and it started shaking really bad. I was at a stop and when the light turned green, my car would barely accelerate. Once it did start going, it felt as though it did not want to go into the correct gear. Hyundai states that it will take about 2 weeks to fix as they have 15 other cars in with the same complaints.
Power train, Electrical system, Aug 6, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact's husband stated that while coming out of a complete stop, the vehicle would jerk and not upshift properly. The contact stated that no warning light was illuminated. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA campaign number: 16V628000 (Power Train, Electrical System) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was diagnosed and repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The manufacturer agreed to cover 75% of the costs of the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 69,000.
Power train, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Aug 1, 2021
My transmission gears shift keeps on sticking in the park position and also I’ve been having to replace my left side parking lights I believe it’s an electric problem or fuse and the dealership seems to can’t fixed this issue with my vehicle each time I take it there
Power train, Jul 29, 2021
88000 mile Tucson SE with 2.0L DOHC GDI motor, has had all regular preventative maintenance intervals, last oil change + other maintenance at 84400 miles by Hyundai. Check engine light came on for intake camshaft timing over-advanced (P0011); noted increasing engine noise and performance loss while driving. Made appointment with dealership immediately. Hyundai dealership inspected and claimed "almost no oil left and sludge present in oil". Service manager advised possible cause could be piston ring failure. No indication of low oil pressure on vehicle. Safety concern is engine failure without warning due to seizing if the oil level and sludge are as bad as dealership claimed, especially at the rate of oil consumption over the mileage interval.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 20, 2021
On May 17th my engine locked up as I was pulling out of a driveway. Check Oil light came on a split second before the car locked up. It was not even enough time for me to safely turn off the engine. Upon my own inspection there was no oil on my oil stick even though car receives regular maintenance. Car is now at the closest dealership for TOTAL ENGINE REPLACEMENT. Problem was confirmed to be an issue with the bearings. Communication with the dealership has been poor but I believe inspection is available. They have not completed the repair as they are waiting on a back ordered part. I was about 1.5 hours away from home about to head over a very dangerous 2 lane bridge with no shoulder. I think I would have lost it if I broke down on the bridge.
Power train, May 16, 2021
CAR FAILS TO MOVE FORWARD FROM STOPPED POSITION. WHEN GAS PEDDLE IS APPLIED PRESSURE, CAR DOES NOT MOVE, ENGINE REVS UP AND THEN CAR LUNGES FORWARD. IN SLOW TRAFFIC, CAR LUNGES FORWARD WITH NO ACCELERATION ON THE GAS PEDAL. WHEN PULLING INTO TRAFFIC, CAR WILL CEASE TO MOVE FOR A COUPLE SECONDS AND THEN TAKE OFF. WE ARE EXTREMELY WORRIED ABOUT GETTING INTO AN ACCIDENT WITH THIS VEHICLE.
Power train, Structure, May 5, 2021
REAR PASSENGER DOOR WILL NOT UNLOCK FROM INSIDE OR OUTSIDE. TRANSMISSION SOMETIMES PAUSES WHEN YOU START TO PULL OFF.
Power train, Engine, Apr 12, 2021
WHEN DRIVING AT A SLOW SPEED, SUCH AS IN A LINE OF CARS GOING THROUGH A DRIVE THRU, THE VEHICLE BEGINS TO SKIP. ALMOST HOPPING ALONG RATHER THAN SLOWLY MOVING. I HAVE OBSERVED IT HAPPENING IN BOTH ECO MODE AND REGULAR DRIVING MODE. THIS IS NOT A CONSTANT BUT FREQUENT. I ALSO HAVE INSTANCES OF WHERE IT DOESN'T PICK UP SPEED AND TAKES TIME TO SHIFT GEARS. I THINK IT MAY BE THE TRANSMISSION SKIPPING AND NOT SHIFTING GEARS APPROPRIATELY CAUSING IT TO HOP OR JUMP. AT ALL TIME THE CARE WAS IN MOTION AND ON CITY STREETS NEVER ON A HIGHWAYS.