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.
Other or unspecified, Jan 3, 2024
This vehicle is only a 2016 with less than 100k miles on it, and the sunroof, passenger and driver window regulators have already failed and have had to replace them. Now my rear windows are having the same issue and need to be replaced. The company has no recall for these substandard parts yet.
Engine, Jan 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was shaking and vibrating abnormally. The contact stated that the low engine oil warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed on several occasions. The contact stated that the vehicle had been consuming an excessive amount of engine oil and had been taken to the dealer for observation. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with excessive oil consumption. The contact was informed that the repair could not be completed under warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 84,482.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Dec 29, 2023
The engine began to make a knocking noise. Upon our inspection, the vehicle had lost all oil. Vehicle was towed to our local dealership. Dealership informed us a bearing had become worn causing rapid oil loss and a rod to break, sending metal shards into the engine compartment. Engine could have seized up or caught on fire, had the vehicle continued to run. Dealership informed us of other Hyundai recalls for the same issue, however we were told our year/make/model was not included. Vehicle had been at same dealership 2 months prior for a heat/AC issue and a complete inspection was completed. No indication of bearing, oil, or engine issue was noted. No warning lights came on at any point.
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.
Other or unspecified, Dec 20, 2023
The door latch has went out and I am unable to enter my driver side door without pulling the handles more than 5 to 10 times. This is a danger to my safety if I am being followed.
Structure, Dec 19, 2023
The drivers back door won't open from the inside or outside. The drivers door is sticking and starting to do the same thing. Very hazardous in case of fire, accident or attempted car jacking.
Engine, Dec 14, 2023
Oil consumption is very high and leads to no oil in car in a normal oil change timeframe then a failed engine comes No lights on to indicate oil is low Dealership denies oil is low
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Dec 14, 2023
Engine heating problems, electrical problems and now engine failure, the vehicle is no longer safe to drive. The vehicle is available for inspection. Other vehicles of same make, model, and year have been recalled for these issues however mine has not. I feel it has the same types of issues and safety concerns which should be recalled. The issues began with electrical problems inside the vehicle, random check engine lights coming on then off and other lights popping up in the dash board, the car was not accelerating properly, took the car in and they could not find a problem or fix it. The engine began heating and the speed of vehicle was also being affected. The car would randomly slow down quickly while on the highway at 70 MPH which happened a couple of times and was not safe at all, it could have caused a horrible accident. I could not accelerate enough to stay on the highway. That issue was fixed when we took the vehicle into the dealership to fix and should have been a recall as other cars where having the same issue. Hyundai should be held responsible for issues such as this that are affecting many other Hyundai Tucson drivers. Oil keeps depleting and the engine is burning through fast, also another concern and safety issue as that causes the engine to over heat and potentially cause a fire. A loud noise is coming from the vehicle, sounds like a helicopter it happened suddenly with no check engine light or warning. I'm concerned this car could catch fire, many Tucson's have had warning of catching fire. I don't park in our garage or even in the driveway for fear of that happening although they state ours is not supposed to be affected all these vehicle issues are telling me otherwise. Engine is now dead.This is unacceptable. Windows cannot be rolled down after multiple fixes that I paid for. Hyundai's poor production, manufacturing and quality control is unacceptable, please hold them responsible. Too much money has been spent on issues with no real results.
Engine, Dec 12, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, he and his wife observed a faint knocking sound coming from the front of the vehicle. The contact stated that the noise grew louder while attempting to exit the highway. The contact stated that the oil, check engine, and unknown warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the contact observed smoke coming from the engine compartment however, there was no fire. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road and the hood was opened. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was towed to a dealer and was awaiting a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The contact was informed by the manufacturer that the vehicle could not be repaired because Service Campaign 966 was not performed on the vehicle before the failure. The failure mileage was 111,000.
Engine, Dec 7, 2023
My Hyundai Tucson burns through 3.5 quarts of oil in 1,000 miles. I do not feel safe driving my vehicle. Yet I have no choice as Hyundai dealerships do not offer loaner cars and nurses cannot call off from the hospital with car problems. I purchased a Hyundai because of the 100,000 mile warranty, and I expect resolution in a timely manner. I have kept detailed records, including the 14 oil changes and two oil pan resealings required in the past year.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 6, 2023
Vehicle has 101k miles on it, just over the 100k Hyundai warranty. Vehicle began shaking and sputtering while driving, and check engine light illuminated, I was able to get it to a local mechanic. Mechanic said it had multiple codes (P300, P302, and P304). They did a compression test and said the engine has internal failure and should be replaced; quoted 13k to replace. I had it towed to the Hyundai dealership where I bought it, and they are investigating it. The service manager told me even with perfect maintenance records, Hyundai will likely deny a goodwill claim to replace the engine. Looking at all these engine failure complaints for this year model, it is clear this is an ongoing problem and Hyundai needs to issue a recall.
Power train, Dec 5, 2023
Failing Transmission including inability to engage reverse and slipping gears while shifting.
Electrical system, Dec 1, 2023
Front passenger door and rear passenger door will not open from the inside or outside. This is a major safety issue if someone has to get out in an emergency. I searched online and there are a ton of issues with the 2016 Hyundai Tucson in regards to the locking mechanisms in the doors.
Other or unspecified, Visibility, Nov 27, 2023
Power window passenger side, stopped working, it is not the motor, you can hear motor running but window does not work.
Visibility, Nov 19, 2023
Manufacturer’s defect, all (4) windows quit operating. Hyundai dealer where vehicle was purchased did repair my driver window, however; shortly after that window was repaired, all other (3) windows quit working at the same time. One (1) window was in the down position. Hyundai of New Port Richey said they would not repair my windows, however; they did get the window up and suggested I purchase door stops to place in the window to keep it up….this also happened to the other rear window. I live in Florida and on August 17, 2023 I had to drive myself to Mease/Countryside Hospital, the heat index was 115 degrees, I had to get into my extremely hot vehicle. I was diagnosed with heat exhaustion. My bill was $ 23,000. I also have a grand baby I have to place in my very hot vehicle when I babysit. Three (3) windows do not function. On September 08, 2023, Hyundai of NPR Service Advisor gave me a ball park quote of $ 750.00, including labor to repair all three (3) windows….I then made a formal complaint to the complaint number I found in my vehicle manual: Case Number [XXX] they did not help and referred me to the General Manager of the dealership. Now the price to repair is $ 2,100.00. They will fix if I pay half! I have talked with other 2016 Hyundai Tucson owners who have run into the same problem. The manufacturer is at fault, the window parts are defective! Please help me, my health has been affected and I hate putting my Grandchild [XXX] in unheathy environment. Thank you for anything you can help me with. [XXX] . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Engine, Nov 12, 2023
51k miles and engine went out on the highway. No lights or warnings until afterwards. We were able to safely pull over onto the shoulder and had the vehicle towed to the dealer for servicing.
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)
Structure, Nov 12, 2023
Back driver side door does not open at all and the passenger door only opens from the inside. If in an accident they may not be able to access me or my passengers in the vehicle. I am unaware of the cause of this issue and have not gotten it looked at by a professional.
Engine, Nov 2, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that the vehicle inadvertently decelerated with the accelerator pedal depressed. No warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and determined that the vehicle was not under warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 64,000.
Engine, Nov 1, 2023
The engine has continuously thrown itself into limp mode, unable to exceed 2,000 RPMS and 60mph. It has been in and out of the dealership for the past 6 months as they have zero idea of what’s going on. This all started a month after some software updates were done. Car had zero mechanical issues prior. Car has no audible knocking or engine failure symptoms. I’ve spent atleast $2,000 out of pocket to attempt to get the car fixed with no luck. When I get the car back everytime, it goes into limp mode at interstate speeds which is extremely dangerous.
Engine, Oct 27, 2023
UNKNOWN FULLY Engine knocking out of the blue and then died. Car went limp while driving down the road. Starts and is loudly knocking. Throws codes P0011 and P0326 Cannot drive vehicle. I have not notified hyundai yet. There were no warning lights. Car ran perfectly fine. No issues. Then the engine just died.
Electrical system, Oct 27, 2023
None of my windows will go down. Vehicle has less than 25,000 miles.
Engine, Oct 24, 2023
Vehicle began to consume large amounts of oil, needing oil added several times a week, every 200-300 miles. Vehicle is now needing engine replacement due to oil consumption related issues.
Power train, Oct 23, 2023
I already had a recall scheduled 4 days before this accident but 2 days before the engine failure I heard a ticking in the engine , didn’t think much of it because the engine was still running ( 93k miles on the car) so I was going to tell the dealer the problem when I took it for the recall fix appointment but on the way home my car instantly went from 70-30 in the middle of the highway I had the car towed to the Hyundai Dealer and they said rod had broke and said also something about the oil being dirty when I literally had the oil changed days before , but end result my 2nd owners warranty didn’t cover the vehicle even with rod failures being a recurring problem with my trim. They told me a new engine would be 13,500k while still owing 10k on the vechile has but me in a difficult situation
Structure, Other or unspecified, Oct 17, 2023
Three out of four window regulators failed in my vehicle over the span of 3 months. The windows could not go down nor stay up. This became a safety hazard as I was unable to retain cool air in my vehicle during the summer months and driving at higher speeds on the highway was difficult due to the outside air siphoning into the vehicle from a small window opening. It also would have prevented me from utilizing my two front windows during an emergency situation. The failure of three regulators was unusual as my vehicle has less than 50K miles, was bought brand new in 2016, and has never been involved in an accident. It appears the regulators are faulty/defective.