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: other or unspecified
261 reports, newest first. Show all
Latches/locks/linkages, Other or unspecified, Mar 20, 2023
Arrived home and went to open rear passenger door to remove recently purchased groceries and rear door will not open. I've tried locking, unlocking, trying to open from the inside and outside and door just won't open. Awaiting service appointment and diagnosis.
Other or unspecified, Visibility, Mar 11, 2023
All 4 windows have a failed regulator. It's a plastic gear attached to the window motor. The windows do not stay up/closed. I am afraid they will fall and break while driving. The Hyundai dealership quoted 3,800 to repair them.
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.
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!
Other or unspecified, Visibility, Jan 23, 2023
The automatic windows broke in all 4 windows and I am unable to roll down my windows in the case of an emergency. The dealer confirmed this is an issue. This is a known issue on the 2016 Tucson.
Other or unspecified, Jan 19, 2023
Earlier last year (a few months after purchase), I took my vehicle in for a routine oil change and was informed there was barely any oil in the vehicle. The prior oil change occurred less than 3500 miles before, plus there were no warning lights. After this occurred a second time (only 2600 miles between changes), the dealership recommended a series of oil consumption tests. I was informed the vehicle failed and the information would be provided to corporate. HMA (corporate) declined to address the issue as I was the 2nd owner and purchased the vehicle outside of warranty mileage, 60k. Vehicle was purchased with under 61k miles. With a recent oil change, I was informed that it is a matter of time before my engine fails. I do not know when this will occur and the vehicle gives me NO warning that the oil is low.
Other or unspecified, Dec 9, 2022
Driver side door doesn't unlock using KeyFob or by pressing the button to unlock. It takes several attempts before door opens which causes a great concern for safety especially in areas that will require me to hurry and get into my vehicle if I'm alone or after putting my grandson in his carseat. There were no warnings to this happening and it is available for inspection upon request. At this time my car is not under warranty due to warranty running out and I can not afford to pay out of pocket. Please advise what can be done.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Forward collision avoidance, Dec 9, 2022
My car was doing a shocking change of speed all of a sudden, for example I would be driving and accelerating, but the car would not speed above 40mph, and while I was still pressing on the accelerator, it would do like a shocking movement and accelerate all of sudden. Yesterday, December 8th, 2022, I was driving on the highway on the 3rd lane and while driving the call did a shocking jump and all of a sudden the speed went down to 20mph, I panic of course because all the cars where going fast, it was a nightmare for me to change lanes because I couldnt manipulate the speed of my car.
Other or unspecified, Oct 22, 2022
The window regulator spool has melted on all 4 windows. This vehicle has less than 65000 miles and this should not be an issue. This is a safety issue. We have read hundreds of comments online of the same issue.
Other or unspecified, Oct 16, 2022
Passenger Front door will not open from exterior upon unlocking. Can only open door from inside vehicle by reaching over and releasing inside lever.
Other or unspecified, Oct 6, 2022
Rear passenger door became unable to be opened. Started out as only a some times issue, but the door can no longer be opened at all. I had a previous car, same year, make, and model that had the same thing happen to both rear passenger doors. Both times it happened the car was still under warranty so I did not have to pay to fix it. That car was totaled and now I have this one. This car is no longer under warranty now though. So this is the 3rd time this problem has happened between 2 cars that I have had that are the same year, make, and model
Other or unspecified, Sep 24, 2022
Window regulators inoperative on front left window and passenger window on 2016 Hyundai Tucson with only 23,635 miles. Windows remained in down position creating a dangerous driving condition. Prior to this, windows were only opened occasionally for drive up banking or pharmacy drive up.
Other or unspecified, Sep 20, 2022
Three out of the four window regulators quit working over a two year period not all at once. The window motor and regulator still work, they just strip at the gear to lift them.
Other or unspecified, Sep 6, 2022
Regulators and motor breaking in all windows without use. I can’t get a safety inspection with them not working. Many complaints on the internet. If I can’t get a safety inspection, this should constitute a recall.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 29, 2022
Vacuum pump was recalled back in 2019 - T3C: TL Tucson Vacuum Pump (19-01-010H). My car was “repaired” to fix the seal/cap. However, today the vacuum pump needs to be replaced. The engine light, brake assist and traction control lights all came on and stayed on. After talking with Hyundai it appears as though back when the recall occurred, the minimum was repaired and proper replacement of the part was not taken. Hyundai says they are no longer required to remedy the problem because they already addressed the recall back in 2019. Is there any action enforceable to take toward Hyundai to honor a complete repair of the recall rather than just slap a band-aid on it?
Other or unspecified, Aug 13, 2022
Rear driver side door will not open from the inside or outside while unlocked.
Other or unspecified, Aug 4, 2022
All 4 window regulators have failed. The first two were replaced by dealer, but now are refusing to replace other two. Windows will not stay shut. Have them wedged up with small pieces of carpet. The back two doors will not open either. They said they are fixing those.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 30, 2022
I have been finding when going for an oil change, the mechanic is stating that my vehicle has no oil in it, no signs of a leak, and this has occurred multiple times in last couple months. Now I check oil once a week and finding more often then not my oil is low and I need to add oil. not once has any warning light come on. What irritates me most is if this seems to be occurring with others - Hyundai needs to do something about this. Who knows how long I drove with low to no oil in my vehicle before knowing I had this problem. Can't imagine the damage done to my engine!
Other or unspecified, Jul 19, 2022
Three of my windows stopped working within a few weeks of each other in June 2022 and July 2022. My car has approximately 19,000 miles on it. I took it to the dealership and they said that the window regulators need to be replaced. It costs $741 per window. This is a defect that is occurring with this car's make, model, and year. There are many online forums where other owners of the exact same type of vehicle are experiencing this failure. For example, in this forum there are over 10 owners that have the same issue. Many owners of this car are unable to open their windows anymore unless they can afford to pay the high cost per window. This is putting people's safety at risk because, 1) your car's windows are an emergency exit point if you are in an accident and your doors are nonfunctional, 2) you can't communicate with law enforcement during a traffic stop which puts the officer at risk and yourself because you have to open your door when you can't roll your window down, 3) children in the back seats can't breathe well from the strong wind in their face when the window is stuck rolled down while you are driving. Also debris can fly into the car because the window is not rolled up while driving. Please consider these safety concerns and investigate the fact that there are so many of these cars experiencing this exact defect that is causing multiple windows to fail. This is one website with many forums that report this window failure with this exact type of car: https://www.hyundai-forums.com/search/1269536/?q=windows+tucson&o=relevance Thank you in advance for your time to investigate this concern.
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Jun 25, 2022
When I go to accelerate my vehicle it does not accelerate properly. It actually slows down to the point of almost stopping. It is very dangerous when I am getting on the highway. I have had cars almost rear end me due to this issue. I travel with my children in this car.
Other or unspecified, Jun 20, 2022
Window regulator on the front passenger side window is no longer working after just over 50,000 miles. Window regulator on the front driver’s side does not always work. I was quoted that it would be a $700 repair by the dealer. Front passenger side window is being held up by card board stuffed inside the door (the dealer’s advice). Door lock actuator on the front passenger side door does not allow you to open the door from the outside when unlocked. Both issues are serious safety concerns if the car were to be in an accident. Both issues are very common with this make and model.
Other or unspecified, Jun 12, 2022
The passenger side door will not unlock from the outside. You can hear when you press the unlock button but nothing happens you have to physically open the door from the inside to let the person in to the core. Also we have had to replace the driver side and passenger side front window gears or whole panel in the door do you to the gears rotting out because they are cheap plastic pieces. We are now having to replace the third window which is the rear driver side for the same issue. When you open the door the gears look likeThey have eaten each other. It is due to cheek horrible product being used in the door. I see multiple complaints about these two issues and they both should be recall issues. It is also a safety hazard because the windows can fall at any moment and shatter and if the rest of the door handle goes out there is no way to let anyone out of the car from the outside
Other or unspecified, May 24, 2022
The driver door makes clicking sound but does not unlock with the rest of the car doors using my automated lock/unlock feature on my key. In searching online, this is a huge/broad issue among Hyundai Tucson 2016/17 owners.
Other or unspecified, May 19, 2022
Passenger door wont open when unlocked using the key fob. If opened from the inside and left unlock the door will open.