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
1,620 reports, newest first.
Engine, Mar 3, 2024
I have joined the millions of disappointed Hyundai customers who have faulty engines in their cars. Hyundai is refusing to replace my engine or provide any assistance because there is no formal recall for my vehicle. In May of 2023, my engine failed after starting to have oil consumption issues and Hyundai diagnosed it as failure due to maintenance neglect. When I opened a case with Hyundai, I gave all maintenance records, including a January full-point inspection done by Hyundai, showing no engine issues or anything engine-related to be addressed. In follow up after providing the records, Hyundai determined it was actually not due to neglect of maintenance, but a dirty valve train, and therefore there was nothing they could do since I was out of my warranty period. However, when I asked how I was to know my valve train was dirty if all my inspections came back with no issues, I was told that it just happens and there is no way to prevent. I asked them to re-open my case and they again asked for maintenance records, the ones I already provided, to try and say again that it was maintenance related. I kept getting different stories from the case manager, the service manager at Cool Springs Hyundai, and the GM at Cool Springs Hyundai. I have since joined a group on Facebook with thousands of others encountering this same issue - random engine failure and case managers requesting maintenance records in the hopes Hyundai can find a way to blame it on the consumer. It’s no secret that Hyundai makes vehicles with faulty engines as seen by the multiple recalls over the past few years, including the recent one regarding engine fires affecting 3+ million customers. Hyundai needs to be held accountable. In research of my engine, the 1.6L GDI, I see that this engine is under recall for the Hyundai Veloster for the same exact issue that I have had, but for some reason that same engine in my vehicle has yet to be recalled. I plead for your assistance and resolving.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Engine, Mar 2, 2024
When both driving and idling, the car will either stall or feel like it is about to stall, when all of a sudden the vehicle “pauses” for a second and then all of the dashboard lights come on. This has now happened at least 4 times in the past month. It will reset after turning the car off, but on more than one occasion after turning the car off, the engine doesn’t restart right away. Thankfully, the car has restarted and it resets the dashboard lights. My safety is a concern if my car stalls while driving at any speed! I have yet to take it to the dealer, as there’s a VERY long wait for an appointment - another recurring issue. No one has inspected this for me, and it is very concerning. There is plenty of evidence that this is happening to others in both online forums and Hyundai owners sites online.
Engine, Feb 29, 2024
Engine was burning more oil between oil changes. Auto shop diagnosed engine as blown engine after scoping each valve. 126,000 miles
Engine, Feb 27, 2024
The engine in this vehicle is faulty like same engine in 2016 Hyundai Veloster. The recall that covers the engine in the Veloster shows identical engine failure to that seen in our vehicle. We noticed that the engine oil light came on within 3k miles of the last oil change and when we checked we had lost over 3 quarts of oil with no signs of external leaking. We put in more oil and within a week it started knocking and the engine failed. We took it to the shop and they said they had replaced multiple Hyundai engines under warranty for same exact problem. Reference Hyundai Campaign 22-01-023H. Hyundai is stating they are not going to fix this issue on the Hyundai Tucson because it doesn't fall under the recall yet though they know it has same issue. Our car has less than 90k miles with full synthetic used the entire time. This engine fails, they know why it fails, and ours did while my wife was taking kids to school.
Engine, Feb 19, 2024
While driving my car started to have trouble accelerating and then the engine started to make a knocking noise. While driving the noise started to get louder and worse and then the check engine light came on. I have checked for recalls with my vin # and there are none. The issue I am having with my vehicle is exactly like recalls I have seen listed for other years and or version of my 2016 Hyundai Tucson Turbo. I can not drive my car and I need help.
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.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving 25 MPH, the vehicle stalled. There was a rattling sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle then entered LIMP Mode. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The driver was able to drive to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine had seized due to rod bearing failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer informed the contact there was no warranty coverage on the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact about an Extended Warranty coverage. The manufacturer was contacted and declined to authorize the repair. The contact stated that the failure was related to TSB Number: 22-01-023H-2 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
Engine, Feb 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment, prompting the contact to cease driving the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the engine and informed the contact that the vehicle needed to be taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, who determined that there were metal fragments in the oil, resulting in damage. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 84,000.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 7, 2024
All 4 Windows will not roll up/ down. Using multiple quarts of oil a week. The heat doesn’t work. Back doors will not open.
Other or unspecified, Feb 5, 2024
My driver window stopped working in 2022, I paid to go get it fixed at an automotive place and then now as of 2023 all of the other 3 windows stopped working within a 2-4 month period. For all 3 windows to go randomly stop working within the 2-4 month period is the concern. I have mentioned this issue to my dealership and cooperate is also aware of the situation. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer. No warning lamps, messages, or symptoms ever appeared anywhere, it just happened randomly and out of nowhere.
Engine, Jan 31, 2024
I had the vehicle towed to a mechanic when I was driving out of town and the check engine light came on. I pulled over and was able to get off the freeway and safely park. I called for a tow tuck. At the time the check engine light came on it started to stutter and act like it was out of gas or oil. I just had my oil changed few weeks ago and had plenty of gas. I could tell something wasn't right. When I found a safe place to pull over and park while I waited for the tow truck. I tried to start the engine and it would crank but quickly start shaking. I tried starting it up to see if I could make it to a church that was several yards away and when I tempted to it quickly started to shake and out of fear of getting stuck or hit I just let it stay put until the tow truck came. Once the tow truck arrived they were having a hard time getting it to start to get on the truck. I had it towed to a local mechanic and it stated that it failed the compression test and needs a engine repair. Since it needs a new engine I had it towed to the Hyundai dealership and after they performed there tests it came to the same conclusion. New engine. At this point, the dealership says it's not covered. The car has 89k miles. At this point I'm at the mercy of the dealership and honestly I just want out of this car and in a safe and reliable vehicle. I owe more than what's its worth. I feel like the moment I purchased this vehicle it was a lemon and had alot of issues arise that shouldn't
Power train, Jan 29, 2024
The engine sign keep blinking on the dashboard, I went to auto zone, they scan it and say that the power train system with code P1326 Glow relay short circuit is the problem. This would be the second time it comes on. The first time it came on but then stopped in a few days but it’s on back again.
Exterior lighting, Jan 24, 2024
The passenger side headlight compartment has condensation in it. Enough condensation so the headlights don't work. when I took it in for recall work I mentioned this as I thought that it might have possibly been a short or a loose wire, and they shared that no it's not wired it's just water in that enclosure and I need to pay for it myself to get it replaced to the tune of $1900 for the new part.. I've seen other complaints about the same problem. Why will Hyundai not fix this? I found something from Hyundai that states, do not replace!
Other or unspecified, Visibility, Jan 23, 2024
The window regulator cables for all windows have failed multiple times, even after taking it to the dealership and paying to have this defect “fixed” they fail again. Now the only working window is the drivers and I cannot afford to have the other 3 fixed which is a safety hazard if an emergency were to happen. This is a manufacturer defect and there needs to be a recall done.
Engine, Jan 22, 2024
The check engine light came on in my 2016 Tucson , which only had 77K in mileage. I had it towed to a Hyundai dealership in Richmond, VA. They reported that there was a rod beading issue which would require a total engine rebuild for $15k. I have since learned that there was a class action lawsuit against Hyundai. This recall included the Theta II engine, not the engine in my 2016 Tucson, which is a 1.6 Turbo. The defective part in the Theta II engine is the same defective part in the 1.6 Turbo. When the engine malfunctions, it can cause the engine to go into limp mode which prevents acceleration, it can cause the motor to seize up, or it can cause engine fire. When I contact Hyundai customer service and explained my concern with the engine not being covered in the lawsuit, they admitted that it probably should have been. While the dealership is blaming the issue on a missed oil change, it is a known fact that this is an ongoing issue with the engine. I have documentation attached from my local mechanic sharing the notification Hyundai Technical Service Bulletin. I have since done a lot of reading about the issue with this motor and I have joined several social media groups whose members have all had issue with these engines. These cars are pose a safety risk to the driver and others on the road. They should all be recalled. Please let me know if you require any additional information from me.
Other or unspecified, Jan 22, 2024
Lock button on driver's side door handle fell out. Replaced at my cost.
Other or unspecified, Jan 22, 2024
Right front door (passenger) will not open when using the outside handle. Passenger front door latch replaced under technical bulletin / silent recall at no cost to me.
Other or unspecified, Jan 22, 2024
Was unable to open front passenger side window using driver's side controls, but was able to close. No problem opening and closing the passenger window from the passenger's side controls. Was fixed by replacing the driver's side master window switch at my expense (no longer under warranty).
Power train, Jan 22, 2024
Car shuddering going from full stop to 1st gear, not fixed by software update. Clutch replaced under drive train warranty at no cost to me.
Other or unspecified, Jan 22, 2024
Air conditioning compressor stopped working, it had 'seized' according to the dealer and had to be replaced at my expense since it was out of warranty.
Other or unspecified, Jan 22, 2024
Left turn signal intermittently not working. Tapping briskly on the turn signal stalk would make it start back up again. Dealer could not reproduce the issue, so no repairs were made. Still happening 5+ years later.
Engine, Jan 21, 2024
In between oil changes, almost all oil will be burned off in none is added. There are no oil Leaks or other problems. This access oil consumption is a manufacturing defect.
Power train, Engine, Visibility, Jan 11, 2024, crash
A/C failure & Heat Failure which resulted in an accident. Was not the thermostat. ACCEDENT was unable to defrost/defog windows, causing the driver to crash
Power train, Jan 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while attempting to accelerate from a stop, while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to immediately accelerate as intended, before suddenly lurching forward. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle was functioning as expected. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 53,000.
Engine, Jan 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the engine overheated. The check engine warning light illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to the shoulder of the road. The contact opened the hood and became aware that the coolant cap had detached and there was coolant covering the engine. The contact stated that the engine failure had occurred previously, and the failure was persistent. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 131,000.