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: vehicle speed control
111 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jun 12, 2026
The vehicle severely shudders, jerks, and hesitates from a stop and while making a turn, during both acceleration and deceleration, making it entirely unsafe to drive. The vehicle has been completely un-driveable for the past 6 days. The check engine light illuminated, and on 4/9/26, the dealer documented a failed transmission judder test and kept the car, issuing a loaner. A temporary software patch failed after two weeks. Upon return, the dealer reported they were unable to recreate the problem, recommended returning when the vehicle demonstrates the problem more frequently, and refused to mechanically repair the dual-clutch transmission under my active original-owner 100,000-mile powertrain warranty, basically instructing me to continue to drive a seriously un-safe vehicle. Most recently, a yellow dashboard warning light illuminated, and the vehicle entered a dangerous 'limp mode,' severely restricting power and struggling to move before the light cleared after cooling down. The vehicle is completely un-driveable and parked.
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Engine, May 13, 2026
Oil drains very fast even with regular oil changes and maintenance. The vehicle began shaking and then completely stopped with very little warning. Check engine light flashed for under 60 seconds then vehicle would not move forward on the highway creating a major safety hazard. Engine smelled hot and like burning rubber.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Mar 10, 2026
"On [XXX], my 2016 Hyundai Tucson (VIN [XXX] ) experienced severe engine power loss and mechanical noise under load while driving uphill, creating a dangerous safety situation. This occurred 2 days after a dealer visit (February 19, 2026) where an open KSDS Service Campaign (TSB HCE22-14-E600-TL, Issue 10D021) — directly related to engine monitoring — was left incomplete. The dealer subsequently denied an engine evaluation citing mileage over 150,000, despite the open campaign having no mileage restriction and despite a prior verbal commitment to cover repairs. Multiple follow-up attempts by phone, email, and WhatsApp have been ignored." INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Dec 16, 2025, crash
Drove into a parking space, with the foot pressing on the brake pedal, the car suddenly and without warning rapidly accelerated uncontrolled causing the vehicle to accelerate past the end of the parking space causing property damage.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Sep 29, 2025
Engine or transmission The vehicle has stalled randomly multiple times on the freeway, business roads and intersections, not accelerating and burning through oil Dealership says they cannot figure out or replicate the issue No check engine light or warning of any kind given
Steering, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Sep 10, 2025
I leased a 2016 hyundai tucson from Metcalf Auto Plaza [XXX]. Every week since then i have had to return the car for repairs. It got to a point where Neil suggested he can trade it for another but each and every vehicle i test drove to replace my car was NOT ready to be on the road but according to them every car had just got out the shop. Instead of trying to have issues resolved the mechanics decide to make "jokes" as if your pain and suffering is a joke. Since i did not want a trade in and wanted my car fixed instead Neil tried to tell me that this was my final offer which i declined because why not just fix my car? I went to talk to Neil in person September 9, 2025 about getting my car fixed and the frustrations i am having because having to return the car weekly and i havent had it for a month is outrageous. [XXX] i was driving the hyundai on the highway with my children in the car and the electricity to the car completely cut off but came right back on, i got off the highway and the car did it again and this time the wheel locked up and i almost wrecked the car. I called metcalf and the only thing they could tell me was they can tow my car to metcalf but me and my children had to find our own means of transportation. Every time i called to have my car serviced and told them about what i would hear and feel they could NEVER make the car "do it again". I am beyond frustrated, upset and terrified because i have been telling them about smoking coming from the engine, rattling noise etc. My kids lives were put in danger and the only thing they could say was "i apologize and we can tow the car to the shop". Did not care if we had transportation and have never offered to give us any after continously getting stranded in the car. Now the car is towed to their shop once again and the car wouldnt even turn over for me to get it out of the middle of the street. I was blocking traffic and had to have the police block INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Aug 14, 2025, fire
My catalytic converter caught on fire a couple months back then I hit a code for the knock sensor replaced it and it started to act up again I can’t go over 49 burning oil took it to Hyundai now they are saying my engine is going out and I’m still panting carmart got the car
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 6, 2025
original owner. Car shook badly and hesitated losing speed at 61k. dealership replaced all or four ignition coils and spark plugs. Car started and burning oil at 61,000 despite regular oil changes at 3500. Mostly done by the dealership. Car has been burning oil uses 1 quart every 500 miles. All four window regulators have stopped working. I replaced one.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Mar 10, 2025
car is in limp mode,will not accelerate.Oil consultant over a few years.Dealership has requested new engine twice and denied by Hyundai USA.i have to put flashers on just to get on highway so im not killed.I will drive down the street and back and my engine will be extremely hot for hours.I am limited to my hometown only.I can not go out of my hometown due to heat of engine and blowing hoses and water pumps which has happened.This car is a danger and I am in financial burden to high repairs and excuses from dealerships.i have spent over 16,000 dollars and 3 catalyc converters later due to clogging ,in result to oul consumption.This car is a lemon and has ruined my life for the last 3/4 years.lots of stress and financial expenses only to have the same problem
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Nov 1, 2024
When accelerating, like taking off from a red light or through a turn, my car begins to shake like it’s unable to change gears correctly, and sometimes leads to the car stalling in the middle of the street and intersection putting my in danger of being hit from other drivers. It’s also happened that when I press the gas after being stopped at a light, my car RPM goes up but I don’t move and then the car jolts forward quickly. This has been happening for years and when I take it to Hyundai they tell me “that’s just how the car runs” which seems incredibly unsafe.
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Sep 26, 2024
I had multiple occasions where the car would blink lates and make screaming noises when acceleration. The vehicle never had a smooth process of stopping and going. When stopped at a light, you could press the acceleration and it idle or not speed up than rev the RMPs and start to catch speed. It was very unsafe, I tried several attempts years ago at getting the vehicle maintenanced but only got rotors repaired from shaking and two other shops stating it was a recall and they could not service or fix the vehicle.
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.
Vehicle speed control, May 12, 2024
The car did not accelerate after pressing gas pedal all way down. Encountered this while idling and trying to accelerate from a steady speed as well.
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.
Vehicle speed control, Dec 27, 2023
I was at a stop light, when I went to accelerate, the car would not move past 20 MPH. I pressed down on the pedal, and the gauge did not go past 20 MPH. After a few seconds, the car started to accurate, but it happened again at a second stop light a few minutes later.
Structure, Vehicle speed control, Nov 12, 2023
1. My car will randomly not accelerate when the gas is being pressed. This has almost got me killed when making a left hand turn on more than 1 occasion now. The car also struggles with random shifting and power issues while going up steep hills at high speeds. 2. The front passenger side door and the rear drivers side passenger door just randomly stopped working with a week of each other. The rear wont open from the inside or outside. The front passenger side opens if you shake the handle back and forth multiple times (essentially trying to open it multiple times till it opens)
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.
Vehicle speed control, May 1, 2023
The vehicle will not accelerate properly. Several times, I have been on the interstate, and the vehicle would barely increase in speed. Several instances have let to life threatening situations. Numerous times, I have gone to get on the interstate, and the vehicle would slow to nearly a stop, and even when having no other choice but to floor the gas pedal, it still would not accelerate. I've been forced to go off the road, in the middle of the interstate, so many times I've lost track. It's dangerous, and needs to be addressed immediately. I'm considering a lawsuit.
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.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 28, 2022, crash
While back out of my driveway in my 2016 hyundai tucson, it suddenly accelerated on its own out of control rendering me helpless and just along for the ride. Finally stopped while in reverse the car went across the street crashing violently into my neighbors boat and engine was still reving until I shut it off after the crash. Both my car and neighbors boat had major damage.
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.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jul 28, 2021
All dashboard lights turned on and speedometer stopped working while driving. Vehicle accelerated and braked without driver input.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Mar 25, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT SLOWER SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND DRIVEN TO HIS DESTINATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS TO WORLD CAR HYUNDAI NORTH (12908 INTERSTATE 35 NORTH BLDG 2, SAN ANTONIO, TX 78233, (210) 667-2189) AND THE VEHICLE WAS REBOOTED 3 TIMES FOR AN UNKNOWN SYSTEM FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. *JS
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Engine, Dec 3, 2020
THE VEHICLE ACCELERATES SUDDENLY WITHOUT DRIVER INPUT. ALSO, IT TURNS OFF WHILE DRIVING, CAUSING THE LOSS OF BRAKE AND STEERING CONTROLS. FINALLY, TRANSMISSION GEAR SWITCH WITHOUT INPUT WHILE DRIVING. THIS SITUATIONS OCCUR WHILE DRIVING IN BOTH CITY AND HIGHWAY DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER ON 12/26/19; NO RESPONSE HAS BEEN RECEIVED EITHER FROM DEALER OR MANUIFACTURER.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Sep 22, 2020
WHEN ACCELERATING AFTER STOPPING, THE GAS PEDAL WILL BE PUSHED DOWN BUT CAR WILL STALL AND NOT GO. THE ENGINE WILL REV UP, BUT THE CAR DOES NOT MOVE AND THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN WILL ACCELERATE FORWARD. ALSO, WHEN COASTING IN RUSH-HOUR, ACCELERATING AFTER A STOP SIGN, THE CAR WILL MAKE JERKING MOVEMENTS. IT HAS BEEN TAKEN TO A HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP WHERE THEY TOLD ME IT IS A DUAL-TRANSMISSION SO I JUST NEED TO BE MORE AGGRESSIVE WITH IT WHEN TAKING OFF FROM STOP LIGHT/STOP SIGN. I KNOW THAT THIS IS NOT NORMAL AND MOST DEFINITELY NEEDS TO BE REVISITED AS THERE HAVE OBVIOUSLY BEEN ENOUGH COMPLAINTS AND HAS BEEN AN ISSUE PREVIOUSLY.