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.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, May 23, 2023
The vehicle is burning oil quickly. I have always gotten the oil changed on time. I just reached 89,000 miles and the vehicle has begun shaking when I accelerate and the check engine light has been flashing. I checked the oil and it is at the half way line between Full and Low - even though I just had it changed 3 weeks and less than 1,000 miles ago. I took it to the dealership, they said they do not recognize a problem with oil consumption. I told them my check engine light was flashing and it felt like it was going to stall when accelerating. The dealership said they used to do diagnostic testing, but don't anymore. They said they would look into, but I would have to pay $135 for the diagnostic testing.
Structure, May 23, 2023
In the last 2 years, 3 of our 4 doors locks have failed to open the door from inside and outside. The dealer has made me bring it in to prove its broken. This is a saftey issue, now my driver's door is not working from outside and they want me to bring it it BEFORE ordering and waiting on parts. I am 70 years old and cannot climb over seats to get out. Someone is going to get trapped, and I hope it's not me. This should be a recall as they know they are failing but are waiting till it does to fix it. Any help in this would be appreciated. Thank you for your help.
Engine, May 22, 2023
I have a 2016 Hyundai Tuscon that is consuming a lot of oil. My oil is changed when it is supposed to on a regular basis, as is all other car maintenance. All of a sudden, my car needs an additional 2-3quarts of oil in between oil changes. Someone told me there are a lot of Hyundai vehicles that are having oil consumption issues. I would like to know more before I go sink the $2000 the dealership is going to charge me to find and fix the issue, please.
Other or unspecified, Engine, May 19, 2023
All windows broke even though they hardly rolled down. 3 out of 4 broke within a year and the spark plugs keep burning out even though been changed and mechanic can't figure out why.
Structure, May 17, 2023
Driver's side door will not open from outside even when vehicle is unlocked. It will not open with the key in the door either. I had no warning that this was going to occur, I left work at 9pm and my door would not open. Thankfully, my other 3 doors are still in working order but what happens if those fail as well? My car has 104k miles but I have only had it for 5 years and this is a part that should not fail in that time span. I have not yet taken the car to the dealer for this issue as I know the car is out of warranty and I will have to cover the cost of repair, but I believe it should be a recall with the amount of people who have posted online about having the same issue on their Hyundai Tucsons.
Electrical system, Engine, May 15, 2023
I've reported last year that I have an oil consumption problem.The car is not leaking to the ground.It's leaking within the car.I have replaced 2 catalyc converters in the past 2 years! The dealership ignores my requests and seems real shady.They rather I pay every year.I already feel it not working correctly,Its only been since October 2022,since i replaced the converter.I have contacted the corporation at Hyundai and nothing.They were a waste of time.I contacted the BAR and they were not much help either.I am spending constantly on this car with the same issue.What a lemon.Hyundai Corporation has to be held accountable for the mistakes.Thank you.
Electrical system, Visibility, May 15, 2023
While running errands in her 2016 Hyundai Tucson my wife rolled down her front driver and passenger side windows. When she encountered rain she attempted to roll both windows up, but the passenger side window would not roll up, causing a dangerous distraction where heavy rain was entering the vehicle while she was driving. Our mechanic inspected this part and said that the gears controlling the window were made of plastic which had been shredded over time and that the motor itself showed signs of corrosion. The vehicle is only 7 years old and has been well maintained, so i can't understand why this part failed so easily. Our mechanic informed us that this is a VERY common issue with Hyundai vehicles and that parts would be hard to come by because of high demand. This issue is available for inspection upon request and has been inspected by a licensed mechanic. There were no dash warnings associated with this issue.
Electrical system, Structure, Other or unspecified, May 3, 2023
-Driver side and passenger side back doors do not open from the inside or outside. They just stopped opening one day, months apart. Nothing hit them or could have caused a jam. It is available for inspection upon request. -The doors don’t open, and I could not get my dog or child from out of the backseat. -This is a recurring problem based on what I have read online. The issue has been confirmed by a mechanic. -The doors were inspected by Caliber Collision and I got a quote from them. -There were no lights or warnings to inform me this was going to happen and still none now that it has happened. -
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.
Other or unspecified, May 1, 2023
The back, driver's side, door will not open from the inside or outside. The issue has been present since the very first week I purchased the car. If this issue happens to all the doors, I could be trapped inside the vehicle, and unable to get out. It absolutely needs to be recalled and replaced by Hyundai.
Other or unspecified, Apr 30, 2023
I have several doors that do not open when unlocked. The seems to be a common issue for this vehicle based on Google searches. The drivers door has to be unlocked multiple times before the door will open. The passenger front door will not open at all from the outside. The back drivers door does not open from inside or outside. It seems all of the door are slowly failing causing the potential to become trapped inside the vehicle or being prevented from getting to someone inside if needed.
Air bags, Apr 30, 2023
Air bag light is on. Hyundai dealer diagnosed problem as a faulty clock spring.
Engine, Apr 28, 2023
Noticed excessive oil consumption (no visible leaks) ~ 1 qt (or more) per 1000 miles. Right before the oil change at 83656 mi (~4000 mi after the last oil change, I decided to check the oil level and the dipstick was completely dry, with no low oil lights no check engine lights, no leaks, nothing. When I went to the dealership for the oil change and mention that - the engineer said that "1 quart of oil consumption per 1,000 is a norm for Hyundai". BTW the Hyundai Tucson 2016 manual states that the oil change interval is 5000 mi, so if the 1qt/ 1000mi is normal for Hyundai so I have to drive to the oil change on a dry engine! When I requested to perform a consumption test they can only order a consumption test if Hyundai grants it. They made a claim for me, but there’s no guarantee that they will even respond.
Engine, Apr 25, 2023
Engine is burning oil, car dealership has confirmed the engine is in fact burning oil and that I do need a new engine. Oil consumption test has been completed, and I was told to check my oil daily and to add oil. Hyundai will not approve an engine replacement. There are no lights or warnings at all.
Engine, Apr 25, 2023
i HAVE BEEN HAVING ISSUE WITH THE CAR STALLING OR TURNING OFF WHEN IM WAITING FOR THE LIGHT TO TURN GREEN
Other or unspecified, Apr 21, 2023
The car is making a sound when I step on the brakes. The brakes were just done a couple of months ago. The engine is making a funny sound. The engine light came on but then went off. The air conditioner stop working and heat is only coming out of it.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Apr 21, 2023
Unable to move the car while in traffic. The car slows down in traffic creating the possibility of accidents/crashes. The car will not go forward and only moves in reverse.
Other or unspecified, Apr 21, 2023
I own two Hyundai tucsons. I am very concerned about the rise of thefts and the economic damages that this vehicle has caused our nation. Close to home. I have seen my auto insurance increase with each renewal (every 6 months) by $200. So I am paying $400 more a year for the last 2 years which is an $800 increase because I own a Hyundai Tucson and the insure is taking additional precautions due to the safety and economic risk that me owning a Hyundai Tucson has. I am urging the NHTSA to hold Hyundai accountable. It's not just the fast. It's not just deaths. It's not just damage of property and the progress of crimes of stealing a Hyundai. It's all the other innocent people who are paying hundreds if not thousands of dollars more annually because a manufacturer put out a poor product. In 2023 we have now gone through a pandemic. We've gone through inflation and other numerous occurrences such as gas, eggs and milk which have dramatically increased in price because of other outside factors. Having another issue affect innocent families at no fault of their own creates a devastating result for those just trying to keep their head above water and now making a decision of food or other necessities so that they can pay inflated insurance because a company has put out a poor product that has resulted in crime and harm coming to people. Hyundai has had months to issue a recall and to do the right thing. It's clear some intervention is necessary at this point to protect the American consumer.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Apr 16, 2023
Back in december, 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. At that time, the car had just stopped accelerating above 20mph which almost got me into an accident on the highway. I took the car to the Hyundai and they said that the engine was fine and had passed all tests, that only the sensor needed to be changed. I paid for the repair, but since I got my car back this is still happening, and I almost got into an accident again in the highway. I was just entering into the highway and when I pressed the gas pedal to change lane the car just blocked it did am abrupt movement trying to change speed, it didnt increase the speed, the car behind me was coming fast and beeping because it seemed like my car was coming to a full stop instead of speeding, but all of a sudden the car again did an abrupt change of speed and started increasing up to 60mph, but in order for this to happen, I had to release and press again. It is not the first time, I have tried contacting the service center to inform them that the car is acting the same way, the only difference is that now it doesn't stay at 20mph, this time it does speed after a few tries, but very abruptly
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.
Other or unspecified, Apr 7, 2023
Both rear doors are now non-working as the remote and the manual lock will not open the doors. The driver's side door broke first about two months ago and just this week the other rear door is not unlocking just as the other door did. Fortunately, this did not happen when I had my one and two year old grandsons in my car. My car is unfortunately out of warranty so now I have to pay big bucks for the dealership to repair this issue. As I've researched in the Hyundai Tuscon forums this fix by the dealership is often temporary and needs to be repaired multiple times as they continue to replace the part necessary with the same part that breaks down. I've got less than 70,000 miles on my vehicle. If this is not a safety issue, I'm not sure what is.
Air bags, Apr 5, 2023
Airbag light on dealer says it needs replaced.
Power train, Electrical system, Service brakes, Apr 4, 2023, crash
I have a 2016 Hyundai Tuscon Limited Turbo which I bought USED in August of 2018. The same week I left the lot I returned multiple times complaining that the car was hesitating and seemed like the transmission was having problems. The car would hesitate to go from a stop, several times leaving me and my infant (at the time) in the middle of intersections crossing traffic and unable to move. It almost got us SLAMMED multiple times. I explained this to them and they just kept telling me it was because of the turbo. I said NO ONE in their right mind would manufacture a car that goes fast at the cost of safety. That was insane to me but they kept sending me home. I returned over and over and over again for the entire 1st year I had the car with no resolution. Eventually, I also discovered issues if I had to brake hard, several times almost running into the back of people and on 08/08/2020 I actually DID slam into the back of someone. I got to eat the cost of the insurance claim - only later to find out that there was a recall on the ABS system which I believe caused the accident. In 2020 when the transmission died, they replaced it under warranty. It took 49 days to replace, meanwhile I have an infant and riding a bus and riding my bike everywhere because the dealer did not help me with a rental or loaner. Then a year later in the middle of 2021 the engine died which they replaced under warranty, this time providing me with a rental for only a short time of the month long situation. Also racked up tow and tow storage bills exceeding $500 because it broke down on a major road in the middle of the night. Now, on 03/11/2023 I heard a sound coming from the engine which sounded like a cat screaming, coupled with severe hesitation when trying to accelerate. Took it to the dealer and they refuse to fix it, said the warranty company declined it. Called Hyundai Corporate and they said the same thing. Called warranty company and they said NO ONE EVER SUBMITTED A CLAIM!!!!!
Other or unspecified, Apr 2, 2023
Component: WIndow Regulators fail, leaving window in down position and unable to be closed. Safety issue: Weather and the elements can enter the car, there is risk that children can fall out of the open window, probably others. Has it been reproduced: My 2016 Tuscon needed its 5th window regulator replacement. I was fortunate that the first 4 were under warranty. It is evident that this is an inherent defect in the Hyundai Tuscon window design. This statement is backed up by the many comments on the Hyundai forum website: https://www.hyundai-forums.com/threads/window-regulator-2016-hyundai-tucson.671843/ At this point every window regulator has been replaced once, and in the case of the drivers window, it was replaced twice. There was no warning that this failure would appear. This component has failed on the following dates: 6/4/2019, 10/30/2019, 1/2/2021 (2 windows), 3/29/2023.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Apr 2, 2023
The passenger read doors lock up and become unoperable. So the doors cannot be opened from the outside or the inside. This creates a massive potentially tragic situation. If your children or a senior is in the back seat and a fire or an accident occurs they will not be able to leave the car from the rear doors. Let me make this very clear. The doors jam up and will NOT open from the inside or outside no matter what the lock position is in. Also, I see evidence online of this happening to a number of people. Hyundai did not issue a recall, but the indicated that they would fix it under "extended" warranty but when i brought it in (the door was frozen shut) they said this was something else and proceeded to charge me about $500 for the repair; $250 for the part and the same for the labor. This is a common problem and because of the seriousness involving injury and potential death this should have been recalled. How frightening is it to be locked in your car after an accident or fire?