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
Other or unspecified, May 19, 2022
3 out of the 4 windows do not go down or up with window button. The windows now move down on their own when driving that can cause a distraction if in bad weather like with heavy rain, wind, or sand storm. If I hit a bump in the road the window come down some much distracting my driving ability. I'm having to stop the card and pull up the windows with my hands now which anyone could go to my car now and just slide the windows down with their hand and break in to the suv. This happen just during my warranty but was unable to take it in due to covid restrictions at the time for myself before the time expired on the warranty. This seems like a know issue for the make and model from many in the hyundai tucson community.
Other or unspecified, May 17, 2022
The passenger doors, front and back, have stopped opening. The handles from inside and from outside will not open the doors. This is a tremendous safety issue as in the event of a fire, accident, etc people would not be able to exit the vehicle. There is no warning when the doors will not open...it just happens. It has caused a big panic and fear for use of vehicle in the event that soon no doors may operate. This problem is a n issue across the board with Hyundai. Hyundai should be recalling and fixing this before someone is killed because they cannot open a door.
Other or unspecified, May 16, 2022
All of the window motors in my doors have broken all at once. The windows will not go down because the motors are broken. There are no warning lights for this. It is is a dangerous risk because if there was an emergency where the windows would need to come down they wouldn’t. I do not see how this isn’t a recall when all FOUR window motors have broken at once.
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.
Other or unspecified, Mar 21, 2022
While exiting from interstate the car lights all went out and the car stopped and nothing would work. After a little time the car started and warning lights were on dash. I drove home and then the light would not shut off and I had to manually go turn them off. The new morning the car started and no warning lights were on. Now the radio turns off on it on and the cruse control is not setting. Also the drivers side window stops in when going up.
Other or unspecified, Feb 22, 2022
The drivers side door almost never opens, I have to open the passenger side door to gain entry into the vehicle. In addition, the drivers side window at times will not open. I am not sure if this is an electrical problem. On occasion, this also happens on the passenger side. I do not want to be trapped in my car or have my passengers trapped. Previously the drivers side back door would not open and the dealership replaced the latch. At times I still have issues with the door opening from the inside and out, despite being unlocked. Rear driver side door does not open. It is not locked, child locks are not on. After reading multiple online forums it appears Hyundai is aware of the issue and not creating a Recall for this issue. The lock actuator needs to be replaced, Hyundai is charging outrageous fees to have this resolved. This is a HUGE safety issue. If the vehicle is in an accident any person sitting in the front drivers side, front passenger side and back seatsof the vehicle would not be able to get out of the vehicle on the rear driver side of the vehicle. This is a huge safety concern if I were in an accident and could not open this door. I have seen DOZENS of other reports of people having this same issue and a recall should be issued immediately to fix this potential life threatening and dangerous issue.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 17, 2022, fire
On Friday, September 11, 2022, I had just returned from running errands. I parked the car, which had no warning lights on whatsoever, and exited the vehicle. A few seconds later, smoke started streaming out from under the hood. I popped the hood but did not open it, and started toward the house to get some water, thinking that something was overheated. Before I had taken ten steps, flames were shooting out from the hood. I called 911, but before the fire department arrived, part of my house also caught fire. It has been inspected by the fire marshal and my insurance company.
Other or unspecified, Feb 16, 2022
Rear driver side door does not open. It is not locked, child locks are not on. After reading multiple online forums it appears Hyundai is aware of the issue and not creating a Recall for this issue. The lock actuator needs to be replaced, Hyundai is charging outrageous fees to have this resolved. This is a HUGE safety issue. If the vehicle is in an accident any person sitting in the back seat of the vehicle would not be able to get out of the vehicle on the rear driver side of the vehicle. Why hasn't a recall been issued???
Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 14, 2022, crash
Car started eating oil after 110K miles. Seems as if 2 quarts low in 3,000 miles between oil changes. Started carrying extra oil and checking level during and after long trips. at 140,000 miles the turbo charger failed and engine failed in the middle of pulling out of a parking lot. No lights on instrument panel ever lit up until 40 miles before the engine failed. Oil light never came on as engine oil was burned up in the turbo. Car is now dead and needs a new engine. Internet posts show numerous Hyundai owners with the 1.9 liter turbo engine experiencing the same problem.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jan 13, 2022
This same oil leak issue has been addressed at least 6 times and is worse than its ever been. 1-16-20 9-12-20 1-8-21 1-22-21 5-17-21 9-10-21 The Oil pan was replaced on 09-10-21 at 109,331 miles. At around 2,000 mile after this service noticed oil spots again in my driveway, it seems to be leaking in the same spot. I called for an appointment on November 1 to have it looked at and you were about a month out, so I had to make an appointment for November 29th. The problem seems to be getting worse and I dont feel comfotable driving it. I called service twice in the last week and was advised to leave it in case an appointment opens up. Please see service history, check, and advise. I have a college visit with my son in Maryland on November 15 and had to rent a vehicle.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Dec 14, 2021
Sensor default, ABS on dashboard, acceleration on dashboard, oil lights default on dashboard, electrical problems, and radio default. My vehicle is still under warranty however im trying to figure out will warranty cover for all of the problems within my vehicle.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Other or unspecified, Oct 29, 2021
1) Front right driver headlight warning message, keeps illuminating. Mechanic, noticed wires are burning inside compartment. Safety issue burning wires may cause entire electrical system to burn out causing a fire and not having headlights. Vehicle being serviced 10/29/21 2) Driver Brake light message illuminated, replaced light 2 mo ago, as of today 10-28-21, brake light out again. Vehicle being serviced 10/29/21 3) Purchased vehicle 3/21. Vehicle will not accelerate, it will jerk causing a slow start, safety issue. Vehicle taken to mechanic covered thru warranty, he stated vehicle drove ok, still having same problem since 3/21
Other or unspecified, Oct 17, 2021
Engine lost power while turning through a light at an intersection and the traction control light came on for a split second then off. Car the began violently shaking, shuddering and then decrease in power. Once stopped, engine would not regain acceleration or power. Was able to safely get off a very busy road. Car was towed to mechanic, diagnosed as bad engine. Spoke to local dealer who stated the 2016 engines have had many problems some vins (not mine) had additional warranty. Dealer advised to call Hyundai corporate and see if they could assist. Called Hyundai who stated my car is out of warranty and they cannot assist me as no engine recalls are open for my vin. I changed the cars oil and did all other necessary maintenance. The car burned oil excessively. Also had multiple issues with door latches, all 4 window regulators required replacement, turn signal and ac sensors went bad. Many problems for a car 5 years old and now undrivable. Hyundai knows of the problems but refuses to assist.
Other or unspecified, Sep 24, 2021
I took my 2016 Tucson to the Myrtle Beach Sc dealership for the recall on the ABS. First thing that happened they called me in the back and told me that they added oil (which I checked when I got home and was overfilled) and that they put in 2 new air filters. They did all this before asking me. So they tried to get me to pay $72 each for the air filters and $16 for the oil and of course I refused. Within days the check bsd system light and all other lights have come on. When I’m at a stop signs it shuts off. I have started the vehicle one morning to warm the engine up and I go back and thence hole is off with the dashboard lights on. My vehicle has even stop and cut off while in traffic while taking my daughter to school. The RPM and the AC stops working when these lights come on and I can only drive the vehicle at a certain speed. I don’t know if by “fixing” the ABS caused this issue or what but my vehicle was driving fine before I went to that dealership. I contacted the dealership asked for a manager and of course one was not available but I was told that they would look at my vehicle for $110. And I still haven’t heard from a manager. So disappointed in Hyundai!!!
Other or unspecified, Sep 22, 2021
The doors on the passenger side of the car will not open from the outside or inside. My car was not hit. I have been in no accidents, but the just do not open anymore. My driver side door takes two attempts before it opens. The only door that works like it should is the back-seat driver side door. No warnings. This happened months ago, but I was out of warranty. The dealership service department told me $350 per door to repair. Found that hundreds of owner of this make/model experience the same. Totally unsafe that only 1 of 4 doors function properly.
Other or unspecified, Sep 10, 2021
The front driver door handle on the outside is not opening! I have to pull on it about 25 times for it to open. This is a safety issue because I cannot get in or out of my car. This is very unsafe and the manufacturer is quoting me over 200$ to fix this commonly known issue!!
Other or unspecified, Sep 2, 2021
Three months ago my driver's side window stuck in the up position, the next time I drove it worked fine but the time after that it stuck again. The window lock is not on, it is now permanently stuck in the up position and will not go down. One month ago my passenger side rear door stuck in the closed position. No attempt to lock and unlock worked to release it and the child safety lock is not on. It seems the handle is not engaging. These issues are not covered under warranty or by recall. I think both these issues are safety hazards.
Other or unspecified, Aug 30, 2021
Rear driver side door could not be unlocked and opened. Faulty door actuator lock which has been replaced by dealer at a cost. Do not have the failed part. No ones safety put at risk. However I feel it is a safety issue as emergency egress from the rear could be affected.
Other or unspecified, Aug 17, 2021
While driving home from work, we were stopped at a four way intersection. My boyfriend asked me if I heard this knocking noise. I said he did and we were trying to figure out if it was the vehicle in front of us because I didn't have any warning lights on my dash indicating any kind of issue. The Jeep in front of us pulled away and we immediately could tell it was my vehicle. When accelerating through the intersection the vehicle was very slow to pick up speed and the knocking sound got louder and more frequent. As we were pulling into our driveway the car again had issues picking up speed, we live up a steep hill and I was worried we weren't going to make it. The oil light came on for a split second and went back off. I was not at my mileage for an oil change but my boyfriend said he was going to check it. He pulled the dipstick out and it was completely dry. He put two and a half quarts of oil in and it barely showed on the dipstick. He put another two quarts in and we let it sit. We turned it back on hoping it wouldn't make the knocking noise but it did. We took it to my mechanic who does my oil changes and he inspected the vehicle and took photos to show that there was no oil leak so he could only conclude that the engine was burning the oil for some reason. We took the car to a Hyundai dealer where they informed me that the engine was ruined and it would need to be completely replaced. They told me that it could be covered under the warranty and they would turn it in. After a week of hearing nothing, Hyundai offered to pay for 50% of the repair costs. I think this is absolutely ridiculous since there was no indication letting me know that my vehicle needed oil and it is clearly a problem with their engine that caused it to burn up all the oil when I was faithful about my oil changes. My mechanic printed all of the records of oil changes being completed on time and now they expect me to pay for this.
Other or unspecified, Aug 3, 2021
I not only have a recall on my vehicle but I also have a serious problem with acceleration. On multiple occasions I've almost gotten into accident due to my vehicle accelerating at a very low speed or not accelerating at all.
Other or unspecified, May 25, 2021
Passenger front and rear doors do not open. Latches frozen and dog was trapped in front seat. Dog was able to crawl over driver seat to get out. Dealership Atlantic Hyundai in West Islip NY evaluated car and will charge over $1600 to repair two doors with 68,000 miles on car out of warranty. This problem is corrected in Korea without a charge, according to my internet research.
Other or unspecified, May 18, 2021
Passenger side door ( front) and driver side door (rear) are getting increasingly difficult to open even when they are unlocked.
Other or unspecified, May 5, 2021
AIR CONDITIONER GOES FROM COLD TO HOT CONSTANTLY.
Other or unspecified, Apr 26, 2021
YES, I HAVE A 2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON. IN 2019 I HAD A PROBLEM WITH MY DOOR OPENING ON MY DRIVER SIDE. DEALERSHIP DID DIAGNOSTIC AND FOUND OUT THE DOOR ACTUATOR WAS BAD AND THEY REPLACED UNDER HYUNDAI WARRANTY. 3 WEEKS LATER THE SAME THING HAPPENED TO MY PASSENGER REAR DOOR. THIS TIME, THE DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN AT ALL! FROM THE INSIDE OR THE OUTSIDE. IT WAS COMPLETELY STUCK SHUT. A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE THAT COULD LEAD TO A FATALITY DEPENDING ON THE SITUATION OF THE VEHICLE. AGAIN, TOOK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY DID THE DIAGNOSTIC FINDING THE SAME ISSUE AS BEFORE AND REPLACED THE DOOR ACTUATOR. NOW IT IS APRIL OF 2021 AND I AM HAVING THE SAME ISSUE WITH MY PASSENGER DOOR. SAME ISSUE, BUT NOW MY VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY AND THE DEALERSHIP SAID I WILL HAVE TO PAY FOR THE TOTAL REPAIR OUT OF POCKET. THIS NEEDS TO BE A RECALL AND HYUNDAI SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE COST.
Other or unspecified, Apr 20, 2021
WHEN PARKED WITH EITHER THE ENGINE RUNNING OR NOT, FRONT PASSENGER DOOR REQUIRES REPEATED PULLS ON EXTERIOR HANDLE TO OPEN AN UNLOCKED DOOR. DOOR OPENS FINE USING INTERIOR HANDLE. THIS PROBLEM BEGAN APPROXIMATELY ONE MONTH AGO AND NOW THE DRIVER'S DOOR IS EXHIBITING THE SAME SYMPTOMS. BOTH DOORS OPEN FINE FROM INTERIOR HANDLES BUT REQUIRE MULTIPLE (UP TO 5-6) PULLS TO OPEN WITH EXTERIOR HANDLES. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AND IT IS TROUBLESOME THAT THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR IS NOW EXHIBITING THE SAME SYMPTOMS. UPON CHECKING ONLINE, I SEE POSTS DESCRIBING SIMILAR ISSUES WITH 2015/2016 TUCSONS.