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, Feb 17, 2023
On December 27, 2022 I was driving on the highway (Interstate 64 in Illinois westbound exit 16) and my car's engine failed at around noon. It was working fine that morning. The car started giving a rattling sound and wasn't speeding up and the "low oil pressure" light came on. I got off the highway and as I was turning into a Valvoline the car completely stopped. It has been at a Hyundai dealership in St. Louis for the last month and a half and they do not feel this is something they are responsible for.
Visibility/wiper, Feb 17, 2023
Driver door power window control fails. Window won't go up or down while the window motor in the door can be heard operating. After the failure it is possible to manually pull the window glass up and down in it's track. The glass moves freely in it's track. The weight of the glass is sufficient to prevent the window from remaining closed, ie the glass drops down into the door if it is not held up. Window must be manually wedged or some how mechanically held in the closed position. This is an obvious theft concern if the vehicle cannot be locked. Problem identified; The power regulator drum is a plastic that deteriorates with time. The splines in the drum strip away and the power motor shaft spins freely in the drum, in both directions.
Engine, Feb 14, 2023
Massive oil consumption issue that lead to a knocking motor and my wife and kids stranded on the side of the interstate.
Latches/locks/linkages, Feb 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that the front passenger’s side door and the rear driver’s side door would not open remotely or manually, from inside or outside the vehicle. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 160,000. The VIN was not available.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 13, 2023
1. 04/2021 I purchased the 2016 Tucson (cash) with 70,000 miles from Automobile Consulting Services Bullhead City AZ. 2. 75,000 est miles oil change Valvoline , Bullhead city 3. 80,000 est miles oil change Valvoline, Bullhead City 4. 90,000 est Valvoline , Bullhead city oil change, fuel system cleaned, transmission flushed, air filter changed 95,000m est changed oil at a different establishment which I will retrieve records. 5. 6. 12/2021,Replaced battery December 12/29 /2021 ( High Desert Hyundai Kingman AZ ) Replaced Temperature Actuator $ 210 ( no heat for 2 weeks because of scheduling issues via High Desert Hyundai ) ,replaced cabin filter $30, 34 point inspection ( services dept. reported every thing is good) , New tires all around 1. 102,000m est changed oil/filter at a different establishment wich I will retrieve records. 2. 108,000m est changed oil/filter Quality Care Auto , Bullhead City AZ 3. 113,000m est changed oil/filter Quality Care Auto , Bullhead City AZ 4. 118,000m est missing documents 5. 125,000m est missing documents 6. 09/ 12/ 2022 130,000m est changed oil/filter Quality Care Auto, Bullhead City, AZ 7. 09 /19/2022 34 point Inspection Quality Care Auto, Bullhead City AZ, NO ISSUES except brakes and shocks. 8. 09/26/2022 (Advice from the Inspection done at Auto Care/ I needed new brakes and Rotors with in the next 1,00 miles ) 09 /26/2022 Brake Masters # 176. Life time brakes service Package, All 4 Suspension Struts and Coil Spring assembly, Transmits Fluid FLUSH, Fuel Rail , PFI & GDI Service. 9. Drivers side door handle does not open without repeatedly 5-10 X’s lifting up on the door handle, rear passenger, and drivers side door handles also stick and must be lifted several times. 10. 10/20 /2022 Returning from work I went to work-out at Planet fitness and parked the car.... No Engine Light or Oil light “EVER”since I’ve owned the vehicle. After working-out I started the car and drove for about a mile. The engine began too sputter, and both the
Latches/locks/linkages, Feb 7, 2023
I am having problems with the driver side door. The latch is not working properly. The door gets stuck and doesn't open all the time from the outside. Or I have to tug hard 2 to 3 times before it will open. I had this problem with the passenger side door. It would only open from the inside. Hyundai fixed this for free because it was still under warranty. Now I'm having the same issue with the driver side door. I read in all the reviews and comments that other people are having the same issue and have filed a complaint but nothing has been done. Why is this no getting solved? or Recalled? I bought my 2016 Hyundai new. It only has 43, 000 miles. I take good care of my Hyundai. What is Hyundai going to do to resolve this matter. How many people need to file a complaint in order to get this resolved? A response will be greatly appreciated. Thank you. [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 3, 2023
2022 my wife's 2016 engine began making a noise. This was a known safety problem with the engines but a recall was never issued. Instead there was a lawsuit against Hyundai in 2020 and 2021 in which consumers were compensated for their cost, or received a new engine.However, her engine went out in 2022. She did not get that benefit. Hyundai paid for a portion and she had to pay a portion for a new engine. This should have been a recall! Now currently 2022 & 2023, Hyundai's alarm is defective which is causing theft, and car jackings. This too is a known safety issue and nothing is being done unless she pays $550 for a security feature to be added to the vehicle. This is a problem! Hyundai should pay for this! She read that the Kia and Hyundai vehicles at issue don’t come with an anti-theft device called an immobilizer, which uses a chip to authenticate a key against the car’s electronic control unit. An immobilizer, which can be found in most modern cars, prevents the vehicle from being started if the key is not detected. It’s also been reported that some of the windows in the affected vehicles may not be connected to the cars’ security system, meaning they can be broken without the alarm being triggered, per the case. It stated, these vulnerabilities have caused thieves to view Kia and Hyundai vehicles as “easy targets,” especially after a viral social media trend highlighted. Now State Farm announced they are not accepting new Hyundai customers. More than likely my insurance is going to increase and the value will decrease.I need this governing body to govern and have Hyundai right their wrong. Issue a recall and do what is best for the consumers and not the company! She has been in contact with Hyundai National Consumer Department and it appears that her communication efforts aren't successful. She purchased her first Hyundai Excel in 88.Our immediate family have since purchased four Hyundai's. DO THE RIGHT THING! ISSUE A RECALL. FROM A CONCERNED HUSBAND!
Engine, Feb 2, 2023
Engine started Knocking, check engine light came on and car went in to “limp mode”. Car needs new engine.
Engine, Feb 2, 2023
My used 2016 Hyundai Tucson Eco, 1.6 Turbo, currently with 118,000 miles has been consuming 1 quart of oil every 500 miles. Unfortunately, my 5 year warranty by mileage has passed. Since the vehicle warning system doesn't have a low oil light; if you don't stay vigilant checking the oil level dipstick, the engine could fail and seize up during usage without warning, not ideal while driving the vehicle on the highway, which this vehicle does frequently. The vehicle was inspected by a Hyundai dealership service department and Hyundai indicated we do not qualify for engine replacement because the mileage is too high. Nothing in written was provided, just verbal notification. About $1,000 was spent on "cleaning" the engine and replacing the spark plugs and other effected components, with no improvement on oil consumption. After researching on-line, several sites indicate this type of engine failure for our model is common for the type of engine and Hyundai is well aware of it. Why no recall then? Also saw a few articles that Canada has recently recalled several Hyundai motors for similar issues for replacement. A rebuilt engine is around $5,000; not an option for us at this time.
Latches/locks/linkages, Jan 31, 2023
Rear liftgate did not latch on three occasions this winter when temperatures were below freezing down to -4 degrees. The liftgate would lower but not latch properly. Dash would indicate that lift gate was not latched. Attempts to latch manually were unable. During the drive home, the lift gate would moved freely. In order to not risk spilling cargo, we moved everything out of the trunk area.
Latches/locks/linkages, Jan 31, 2023
2016 Hyundai Tucson Front Right Passenger door latch does not allow door to be opened from the outside. No warning. Research shows this as a definite safety issue on several Hyundai models and has been for years but see no recall. Doors can be impacted from both inside and outside with no warning. Crawling over the seats from the inside to open the door or being trapped in vehicle are a real possibility. I have a scheduled appointment but understand it could be a costly repair that should be considered a replaceable manufacturer’s defects AND A SAFETY HAZARD!!!! Car only has 66,000 miles.
Engine, Jan 31, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while accelerating, the vehicle started to lose motive power. The check engine warning light was intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed and the mechanic retrieved fault code: P1326 (KSDS). The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the knock sensor detection system failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that she needed to provide proof of ownership. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.
Latches/locks/linkages, Jan 29, 2023
Rear door on the driver's side will not open from the outside or the inside. This is a known problem but there is no recall. I called my local dealership and they won't guarantee that this is under warranty, and they won't give me an appointment for 6 weeks. Hyundai and it's Service Reps are clearly not concerned with their customers.
Latches/locks/linkages, Jan 28, 2023
Driver's side passenger door sounds like it is unlocking when I use the key fob or the interior power lock on the driver's door, but the passenger door can only be opened if I reach from the driver's seat across the center console to manually open the door using the handle. No way to open the door from the outside using the outer handle, even if it looks like the lock is fully open from the inside. No dashboard warning symbols. This appears to be the subject of a technical service bulletin, Hyundai TSB 21-BD-006H, so I will be contacting my local Hyundai dealer next week to set up an appointment for diagnostics and repair, hopefully covered under the extended warranty described in the TSB.
Visibility, Jan 28, 2023
Unable to roll passenger window down using the power control on the driver's door. Took it to a Hyundai dealership for diagnosis and repair. It cost $506.67 to fix, driver front main window switch was replaced.
Power train, Jan 28, 2023
Has been happening for the last few years, but recently got worse: very difficult to get car to move forward from a dead stop, car would shudder like it was going to stall out. Took car to a Hyundai dealership on October 4, 2022, who were able to replicate the problem. Issue was for transmission to be replaced under drivetrain warranty. Once transmission had been replaced, there were no more problems with moving into first gear from a stop.
Engine, Jan 26, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.
Engine, Jan 26, 2023
The car started to shake while driving on the highway and it lost power causing it to slow down dramatically, the car driving behind almost hit my car. The issue started with the engine losing motor oil, the dealership said there were no oil leaks and maybe the head gasket needed to be replaced. After the incident one the highway, the car was towed to the closes dealership for service, after diagnosing it was determine that cylinders 1 and 2 are miss-firing and the piston were stuck making it loose compression. Dealer said that they have seen this before, but my VIN does not take part of a recall campaign with other cars having the same symptoms.
Power train, Jan 24, 2023
When driving the vehicle is slow to accelerate hence posing a risk of being rear ended. It makes loud noises when going down hill and it tends to slow down even when you're foot is on the gas pedal. This is a concern for me since I have a small child that rides with me to and from school. The passenger a d driver doors jam on multiple occasions. The non acceleration especially when merging on highways or after traffic light stops is very dangerous since the person behind has no idea what's happening. When you stop the vehicle on a hill at a traffic stop and it's time to go on green the vehicle tends to pull back abit before accelerating, making the person behind wary of being hit. The loud noises made by the vehicle especially driving down a hill are just annoying, if you break to go slower, the noise is even louder. The lack of acceleration and jamming that the vehicle has me very worried for my safety and that of my young child, since we use the vehicle everyday for school drop offs and pickups and work. I am wary of driving it for any other reason that that which isn't fair because I pay for the car each month!!
Other or unspecified, Visibility, Jan 23, 2023
The automatic windows broke in all 4 windows and I am unable to roll down my windows in the case of an emergency. The dealer confirmed this is an issue. This is a known issue on the 2016 Tucson.
Other or unspecified, Jan 19, 2023
Earlier last year (a few months after purchase), I took my vehicle in for a routine oil change and was informed there was barely any oil in the vehicle. The prior oil change occurred less than 3500 miles before, plus there were no warning lights. After this occurred a second time (only 2600 miles between changes), the dealership recommended a series of oil consumption tests. I was informed the vehicle failed and the information would be provided to corporate. HMA (corporate) declined to address the issue as I was the 2nd owner and purchased the vehicle outside of warranty mileage, 60k. Vehicle was purchased with under 61k miles. With a recent oil change, I was informed that it is a matter of time before my engine fails. I do not know when this will occur and the vehicle gives me NO warning that the oil is low.
Engine, Jan 18, 2023
I heard a knocking sound on the morning on 1/6/22, immediately took it to a Hyundai (Capital Hyundai) dealership who informed me it was a known issue they are having to rebuild tons of engines. They would not be able to even look at my car for a few weeks, but I needed to leave it because the engine could seize at any moment. While thy offer loaner vehicles, I wasn't eligible because of the time before they even could look at my car. After paying to rentals out of pocket for two weeks, I received a call today to tell me that because I'm not the original owner (I'm the 2nd owner) they are not honoring the rebuild and I could pay them $8300 plus and additional $2500 to repair their known issue that their Service manager acknowledged. Not to mention Hyundai recent class action lawsuit in 2021. If that wasn't enough, I just received a call from Hyundai corporate office to say sorry if you were the original owner, we could help. I asked the representative if it was a company practice to use that as a deterrent from acknowledging their design/mechanical fault to save cost and she said I'll make a note of that. Is there anything I can do? My vehicle has been serviced every 3000 miles and I have my records. Considering contacting my attorney as well
Structure, Engine, Jan 17, 2023
Engine failure while going 70mph on the highway - huge safety issue! Spark plugs totally covered in oil and the engine has major known oil consumption issues. Also 3 of our 4 door actuators broke - huge safety issues as we have kids in our back seats in car seats. This form doesn't have enough room for the letter I have composed about the specifics of the situations. Hyundai has known issues with their engines and some are under recall. We were told ours is not under recall and they will not fix it or help at all to fix it even though many of their engines have/had the same issues as ours and those engines are under recall.
Power train, Jan 16, 2023
Put the car in Drive and car failed to move with motor revving. Car finally moved about 20 mph max. Attempted to shift the car in and out of gear as well as shut it off and problem still existed. Got it home and made arrangements for tow truck to haul to dealer. In moving it the next day to prepare for tow truck the transmission worked normally and drove it to the dealer. Dealer could not duplicate the problem so they said there hands were essentially tied. Did and internet search on 2016 Tuscon DCT transmission problems and found the problem is very common. Hyundai attempted to address it with a computer update which this car has had. Many people have been placed in very dangerous situations with this problem. No warning lights were displayed despite the car being essentially undriveable . This is a known safety issue which should be addressed by the manufacturer. A car that suddenly becomes undriveable in traffic or leaving you stranded in the middle of nowhere is definitely a safety issue.
Engine, Jan 11, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle entered drive-safe mode with the check engine warning light illuminated. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was discovered that the engine was extremely low on oil. The contact was informed that the knock sensor and spark plugs needed to be replaced. Upon retrieving the vehicle, the contact noticed that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for an oil change and the mechanic informed him that the oil consumption issue was related to an unstated TSB. The mechanic referred the contact to the manufacturer to report the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed. The manufacturer then referred him to another dealer for an oil consumption test. Once at the dealer, the vehicle did not pass the oil consumption test. The contact was also informed that the pistons were failing; however, the engine could not be replaced under warranty until the engine completely failed. The vehicle was not repaired and remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was 72,856.