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, Jan 10, 2023, fire
While driving on an interstate the engine lost power and I pulled over to the shoulder. Popped the hood and the engine cover was blown back and the engine was on fire! Had 3 passengers, dog, and luggage in the car. Was able to get most out before the fire spread. Left family stranded hours from home on side of interstate. Unsure of exact cause of the engine fire. Fire spread to entire car before fire department came to put it out.
Visibility, Jan 9, 2023
The vechicle was recalled for door locks that failed to work. Within weeks 3 of the automatic windows failed. One of the windows won't stay closed and can be easily opened by anyone simply pressing on the window and pushing it down. Its impossible to lock the vehicle for protection. The other windows won't roll down its impossible to use them to exit the vehicle in an emergency.
Engine, Jan 2, 2023, fire
I was driving my vehicle on Highway 45 North in Spring Tx and my engine caught on fire while driving, my Tucson was on fire and started smoking i had to pull over and getvhelpp
Engine, Dec 29, 2022
Engine knocking and loosing power under acceleration.
Visibility, Dec 27, 2022
The windows stop working. Mine has been replaced twice with 15K miles. when you cant roll up your windows it leaves you exposed to be car jacked in a big city, or objects to fly in the car, which could hurt the driver.
Latches/locks/linkages, Dec 21, 2022
The contact's husband owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that the rear passenger’s side door was unable to open from inside or outside the vehicle. Additionally, the driver's side rear passenger door was also unable to open. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 45,000.
Power train, Engine, Dec 19, 2022
Inability to move the vehicle while in traffic, other 2016 Hyundai Tucsons have a recall for this problem. However, mine does not under my VIN, and the same exact thing is happening as described in 2016 Hyundai Tucson powertrain recall. (16V628000). My car doesn’t want to go when I stop at stoplights right away, leading to a risk of an accident. No warning signs prior to problem. Noticed a few weeks after purchasing my car in October of 2021.others in car have noticed as long with maintenance people have driven it.
Engine, Dec 18, 2022
While driving on the highway, traveling about 70mph, check engine light comes on and car looses power. No previous warning signals, smells, smoke, exhaust, drive behavior. Dealership said the piston ring on cylinder 2 is almost completely broken and the repair is a full engine replacement. Dealership has quoted me $18,000 for the repair, which is what I paid when I bought it used in 2019. At this point, I'm dealing with catastrophic engine failure and Hyundai won't do anything about their faulty product and is seeking to take full advantage. Insurance won't cover it and the car is out of warranty. I have never owned a worse car than this Hyundai. It's the final straw in a list of issues I've had with the car since I purchased it.
Power train, Dec 14, 2022
Transmission is defective. Car wanted to override my foot braking at lights & stop signs. The potential for the car to force me into traffic or a vehicle or wall in front of me made for a hazardous situation. Coconut Creek Hyundai Service Department (via [XXX]) stated the transmission had an internal failure & must be replaced. I do not know if the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others have inspected the transmission -- I am only aware that Coconut Creek Hyundai Service Department has inspected it. There were no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. It first appeared in early November 2022. I tried to make an appointment & could not so I took it to the dealership on November 8, 2022. I bought this car from Coconut Creel Hyundai as Certified Used on September 6, 2019. Coconut Creek Hyundai in Coconut Creek, FL 33073 has had my car since Nov. 8, 2022. They replaced the defective transmission with another defective transmission the 1st week of December. I have had to pay out of my pocket for a rental car. Today is December 14, 2022. The least Hyundai can do is provide a car for me. The dealership has not done so. Hyundai USA (Case #: [XXX]) has not. My warranty only covers 10 days at $35.00 per day. A rental that I can use cost $40/day. I waited until December 1, 2022 to rent hoping my car would be fixed within a reasonable amount of time. My 10 days & my patience with this corporate pass the buck attitude has ended. I have no idea if the dealership got another new transmission or if they have installed it. This dealership has major communication issues. HyundaiUSA has lost a 3-time Hyundai owner. I just hung up with supervisor [XXX] from HyundaiUSA & she cannot authorize payment for a rental car nor speak to my case manager ([XXX]) about rental car payment/reimbursement. I have been without my car since Nov. 8, 2022. I stopped using my car Nov. 3, 2022 because it was too dangerous to do so. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Power train, Engine, Dec 13, 2022
Similar to the recall for Hyundai's newest vehicles with its dual clutch system, and to its recall for the 2016 Tucson my vehicle will be unresponsive when we accelerate, delayed or no acceleration, jerking, shuddering, shaking, and stalling. Not sure if this issue was covered under [XXX] et al, v. Hyundai Motor America. We had been complaining of the way my 2016 Hyundai Tucson ([XXX]) was driving since Apr 2019 (32,299 miles), and again Mar 2021 (44,857 miles), and on both instances we were told that was normal operation because of the car's dual clutch system. Now that the car has passed the warranty period (5 year/60,000 miles), Hyundai is telling us we have to replace the dual clutch, and that they're not covering it because the vehicle is now outside of the warranty period. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Other or unspecified, Dec 9, 2022
Driver side door doesn't unlock using KeyFob or by pressing the button to unlock. It takes several attempts before door opens which causes a great concern for safety especially in areas that will require me to hurry and get into my vehicle if I'm alone or after putting my grandson in his carseat. There were no warnings to this happening and it is available for inspection upon request. At this time my car is not under warranty due to warranty running out and I can not afford to pay out of pocket. Please advise what can be done.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Forward collision avoidance, Dec 9, 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. Yesterday, December 8th, 2022, I was driving on the highway on the 3rd lane and while driving the call did a shocking jump and all of a sudden the speed went down to 20mph, I panic of course because all the cars where going fast, it was a nightmare for me to change lanes because I couldnt manipulate the speed of my car.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Dec 2, 2022
The contact’s daughter owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that his daughter took the vehicle for routine maintenance for an oil change however, the contact’s daughter was informed that gasoline was seen in the oil. No warning light was illuminated. The contact then stated that he took the vehicle to the dealer where it was diagnosed that no fuel was seen in the oil. The contact then stated that he took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that gasoline was in the oil. The contact was concerned for his daughter’s safety while driving the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000. The VIN was not included.
Electrical system, Visibility, Nov 21, 2022
This vehicle model (Hyundai Tucson) is prone to breakdowns in power windows, especially front power windows, due to faulty gear in window regulator unit. Online forums are all complaining about this issue and the replacement part (regulator unit with motor) is being sold on Amazon and Ebay, a sure sign of high demand for the part. This is a dangerous safety issue as the first route of escape in an accident when door cannot be opened is the front windows. The cost to replace the part with labor is around $500 per window so many owners will rather live with the potentially dangerous issue without making repairs. There should be a recall issued by Hyundai to repair inoperable windows and to reimburse owners who have already made repairs.
Electrical system, Visibility, Nov 18, 2022
Without any warning, previous issues or unusual sounds, the REAR, passenger window would not roll up. I had a child in the backseat at the time, which was the first concern and the second being a security issue after the fact. In addition, after doing some research it sounds as though this is an ongoing issue with the Hyundai's (all windows) and should be considered for Manufacture Recall. Lastly(just as an "FYI")the replacement parts can not be found for the REAR window specifically which further confirms that the window motor &/or regulator in the Hyundai's are faulty.
Power train, Nov 14, 2022
Car having issues accelerating, switching gears and will not move when gear is in reverse.
Engine, Nov 11, 2022
The check engine light came on, on my dashboard, so I took my car to Honest-1 Auto Care (certified mechanic), on Oct 18 (I could get in faster with Honest-1.) The manager printed off a Hyundai Technical Service Bulletin, dated April 2022, entitled Engine Warranty Extension (TXXM). He explained that I needed a new engine, and that I had to take it to the Dealership. I drove directly to the Hyundai dealership. They were very busy that day, but the manager told me I could bring my car in for evaluation the following Saturday morning. I drove carefully, because my car didn't have a lot of acceleration. As I was driving to work, early on Oct 21, in the cold and in the dark, my car slowed down dramatically and completely stopped. I was able to restart it and coast into a nearby parking lot. Then my car was towed to the dealership, where it remains still, awaiting a new engine. I was lucky there wasn't much traffic the morning my car died. I still get upset, when I think of what might have happened, if my car had died on the interstate or in the middle of a dangerous intersection. At no time, did the dealership say this warning light/situation was potentially dangerous, even though I showed the manager the Hyundai Technical Service Bulletin.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 9, 2022
There have been several incidents where my Hyundai Tucson could have caused a major accident with another vehicle. The first time, I was driving down a hill and I barely could control the car. It began to jerk and I had to gradually steer it into another lane out of traffic. Another time, the oil just began to spout out from under the car while I was driving. It's still difficult keeping oil in the car, but the mechanic says there's no leak. Lastly. my engine light has been blinking off and on , and the mechanic changed the spark plugs and a number 2 coil, but I am still having engine problems. I was given the engine code P1326 from their diagnosis. Since purchasing the car with only about 43000 miles, I have had to replace the transmission, catalytic converter. get a tune up, spark plugs and a coil, and get the drivers side window fixed. All of this has come to over $5000, and now I'm told the engine needs to be replaced. Something about the camshaft.
Electrical system, Nov 6, 2022
When locking all doors and then unlocking doors the passenger door will not open from the outside. You can open it from the inside however in an accident or fire, no one could open this door. Very dangerous and I have seen numerous complaints about the door locking/latch issues
Visibility, Nov 3, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that on three separate occasions, the window regulator for the front driver’s, front passenger’s, and rear driver’s side windows failed to operate as designed. The contact also stated that once the window regulators failed, the window would slide down independently while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer after each failure and the window regulators were replaced out of pocket. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The vehicle was also out of warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 28,000. The contact has had all 4 window motors replaced as well as purchased an extended warranty for the vehicle. The contact has notified by Hyundai that other Tucson owners were experiencing the same issues.
Visibility/wiper, Nov 2, 2022
Window regulators failing on all windows. Drivers side is stuck open and will not close. All others are stuck closed and will not go down.
Power train, Oct 31, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle decelerated without warning. The contact stated that after several seconds the vehicle continued to operate normally. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed; however, the mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The failure persisted. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 2,400.
Engine, Oct 25, 2022, fire
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving at 30 MPH, the vehicle began to stall and he saw smoke coming out from underneath the hood of the vehicle. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road and quickly exited the vehicle. The contact waited several minutes. The contact stated that upon opening the hood of the vehicle, he saw flames. The contact was able to extinguish the fire by shutting the hood closed. The contact stated that in the process of exiting the vehicle, he bumped his knee and twisted his ankle and received care from his caregiver. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The engine was replaced under an unknown recall. However, the contact stated that after the repair, the vehicle was experiencing rough starts and the engine was misfiring while driving. The vehicle was taken to a second dealer, Ron Tonkin Hyundai (675 NE Burnside Rd, Gresham, OR 97030), where it was diagnosed that the cylinder was misfiring. The dealer replaced the fuel injector, the spark plugs, and the cylinder head, and completed an oil change. However, the engine was knocking upon starting the vehicle. The dealer informed the contact that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact that he would need to pay an Engine Control Unit (ECU) repair fee. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
Structure, Oct 24, 2022
Driver-side rear door fails to open from the inside or the outside. Currently, the passenger seated on that side of the vehicle has to enter and exit the vehicle using the door on the opposite side, which can easily be a safety issue. Thankfully, we have not been in an emergency incident or car accident where someone has had to use that door to get out of the car in a hurry. The failure to unlock the door and open seems to stem from an actuator mechanism that is faulty. (The same issue/complaint has been mentioned by other owners, including failure of more than one door latch, e.g. https://www.hyundai-forums.com/threads/help-16-tucson-limited-intermittent-door-unlock-fob-issue.690557/#post-6162832; https://www.carproblemzoo.com/hyundai/tucson/door-latch-problems.php, ) I contacted the local Hyundai dealer about this issue and was only able to get an appointment two months out (which will be tomorrow)! I will have more details regarding the repair associated with this issue after my appointment. But it seems like this should be a safety related recall given the potential danger of being trapped in a vehicle in the event of an emergency or an accident.
Other or unspecified, Oct 22, 2022
The window regulator spool has melted on all 4 windows. This vehicle has less than 65000 miles and this should not be an issue. This is a safety issue. We have read hundreds of comments online of the same issue.