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.
Structure, Oct 21, 2022
On Oct. 14, 2022 I had to take my car in to repair/replace front passenger side window regulator. The window no longer would go up and down. $807.51. Yesterday, Oct. 20 my driver's side front window failed. Another $807 repair. I am a senior citizen (woman) on a fixed income also experiencing recent Ian hurricane damage and repairs. Am I to expect the rest of the windows to fail? Do I have some recourse with Hyundai?
Other or unspecified, Oct 16, 2022
Passenger Front door will not open from exterior upon unlocking. Can only open door from inside vehicle by reaching over and releasing inside lever.
Engine, Oct 11, 2022
Car suddenly lost significant acceleration power in normal conditions. According to Hyundai dealer inspection, the rod bearing failed and pressure in the engine was lost. Safety risk was causing an accident because of loss of power. No accident occurred due to being so close to the right shoulder. This would have been far more dangerous if this was on a 6-7 lane highway causing major accidents due to being an obstacle to normal traffic flow. No warning lights or lamps were displayed before incident.
Electrical system, Oct 9, 2022
Window stuck in down position - forums full of this defect with repairs costing $500+ per window; windows protect you from weather and debris and when stuck up or down present a safety hazard.
Other or unspecified, Oct 6, 2022
Rear passenger door became unable to be opened. Started out as only a some times issue, but the door can no longer be opened at all. I had a previous car, same year, make, and model that had the same thing happen to both rear passenger doors. Both times it happened the car was still under warranty so I did not have to pay to fix it. That car was totaled and now I have this one. This car is no longer under warranty now though. So this is the 3rd time this problem has happened between 2 cars that I have had that are the same year, make, and model
Engine, Oct 3, 2022
i have taken my car in to dealership a few times over the last couple years,Complaining about excessive oil burning and loss of power.The last time,The dealership told me the catalyc converter was clogged.I had it repaired but asked Dealership,If engine doesnt get repaired itll happen again.they told me its fine and engine was fine.Well,It isn't fine and went and spoke to a few auto repair shops and they told me if car is under warranty,Car needs to go back to dealershipto have engine looked at and repaired..I feel I'm definitely getting the run-around.I can not keep replacing a catalyc converter every year and the problem not being fixed.the situation of losing power while driving is putting myself and family at risk.this is very concerning and life threatening.Im still well within my warranty and feel unsafe and ripped off.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 30, 2022
Car is burning engine oil at the rate of one quart a week after normal city driving. Usual and frquent oil changes and almost dry when going in for every 3000 miles oil change. Took to a private (non-Hyndai) mechanic shop Christian brothers in Colorado and told that perhaps that my car had some engine damage or problems due to burn of engine oil and not leaking. Next car began to have engine check light go on and off with never staying on for more than one day. Called Hyundai dealership and told that light had to be on solid and complete for inspection. This week car starting misfiring and dragging when acclerating. Black smoke coming out of exhaust and check engine light illuminated and stayed on. Could not get into delaership until November of 2022 and currently September of 2022. Once again took car to Christian Brothers for diagnostics and told car was full of carbon and misfiring and told unsafe to drive and would not work on car as they believed that engine was damaged/defective and needed to be replaced. Made appointment with PLanet Hyundai in Golden, Colorado where I purchased the car brand new. October 20th is my appointment and car will need to be towed. Undriveable and needing car to work to see my autistic clients in their homes. Final event with engine and misfiring happened at 104,000 just past the warranty time even though no one would look at the car despite my former complaints and concerns prior to the warranty expiration.
Engine, Sep 29, 2022
last June at about 82k miles my car started making a knocking noise while in town. Decided to drive the short distance home and right as I pulled in the driveway the engine light flashed briefly but didn't stay on. First thing I did was check the oil and there was no oil in the engine at all. Called all around to dealers and since this was in the middle of the pandemic it was a nightmare and I had to wait like 4 weeks and get the car towed twice to a shop that had the shortest wait. The car had regular oil changes and wasn't overdue for an oil change. There was no oil spots that would suggest it had been leaking and zero smoke to show it was burning off the engine at any time, there also was no check oil light that came on at any time to warn that the oil was low. I wasn't able to be provided a loaner until they could diagnose the vehicle and confirm it wasn't my negligence. Turns out this is a regular issue with this model/engine. I can't imagine what it would have been like had I been driving 70mph down the freeway. Now the engine is at 101k miles and it came with only a 10k 12 month warranty and it is now going through a quart of oil every 1k miles it seems. Have an appointment AGAIN to have it looked at in but not until the first of November. So now I have to check my oil all the time to make sure it doesn't run dry again...
Electrical system, Sep 28, 2022
Window motors, modules and regulators go out frequently (shortly after warranty ends). This usually happens one window after another in short time & is a very costly fix of $500+ per window.
Other or unspecified, Sep 24, 2022
Window regulators inoperative on front left window and passenger window on 2016 Hyundai Tucson with only 23,635 miles. Windows remained in down position creating a dangerous driving condition. Prior to this, windows were only opened occasionally for drive up banking or pharmacy drive up.
Engine, Sep 22, 2022
My 2016 Hyundai Tuscon 1.6 liter Turbo threw a rod when I was driving home. All service lights turned on and we pulled over immediately just in time for the car to shut off completely. We had to push the car into a parking spot and saw that all of the oil had fallen out of the bottom. I have approximately 113k miles on the car. I have been religious with my service and maintenance. It was late at night and we were on a 2 lane levy road. Thank goodness the second the lights came on we were in front of 1 of the 2 spots in a 9 mile stretch to pull off. This was extremely scary and dangerous. We had the car towed to the nearest shop where they inspected it and let me know that they have seen several other Hyundai's come through with the same issue and they directed me to take it to the closest Hyundai Dealership so they could take care of it. It has been at Dublin Hyundai where they looked it over and neglected to cover the issue. It is still there now. Dublin Hyundai confirmed that I do need a new motor. They said that they will not cover it due to "Extreme Neglect" due to the Car Fax report. I am currently seeking out the rest of my maintenance records that were not reported. There are a total of 10 oil changes over the course of the past 5 years not reported but that have most definitely been done. There were no symptoms of this problem prior to the failure. This is my third Hyundai in a row and I have never had any issues prior. I have always been a happy Hyundai owner until now. I am beyond disappointed with the way that this case has been handled and would greatly appreciate assistance in learning my next steps to a resolution of repair or replacement.
Other or unspecified, Sep 20, 2022
Three out of the four window regulators quit working over a two year period not all at once. The window motor and regulator still work, they just strip at the gear to lift them.
Engine, Sep 16, 2022
The Vehicle is a 2016 Hyundai Limited 1.6 Turbo. Back around the first part of May, we were driving down the interstate when the vehicle lost power, the check engine light came on, and the engine began to vibrate. The engine is also burning oil. There were no warning signs prior to the incident and the lights did not come on until the incident occurred. We took it to a dealership and they did a compression test. I was told, I would need a new engine. There has since been a recall on Hyundai engines, having the same issues mine has, but they did not include my vehicle in the recall. The 1.6 Turbo engine that my vehicle has, seems to be the same engine as the Hyundai Veloster which has been recalled. They also included the 2017 Hyundai Tucson in this recall. The vehicle in its current state is not safe to drive as it loses power while you are driving. This vehicle is available for inspection upon request.
Electrical system, Sep 12, 2022
The main power switch to the power windows is not operating properly. After extensive research into the problem I have noticed this is a frequent issue on the 2016 Hyundai Tucson. A severe thunderstorm had started and when I tried to put the passenger side rear window up it would not work. Now the front passenger window is doing the same thing. The individual switches work but not the main switch on the driverside door. It brings the window down but will not go back up. I have to use the actual window switch on that door to raise them back up. I have not been to the dealer yet about this issue but feel there needs to be a recall for this item as 100's of other owners are complaining of the same issue on Hynudai forum sites. The 2016 Hyundai Tucson model has been the center of several other recalls and I feel this needs to be addressed as soon as possible.
Latches/locks/linkages, Sep 10, 2022
Driver Door and right rear door are having issues opening. Unable to open right rear passenger door at all which is a safety concern. Hyundai dealer stated nothing was wrong when I first reported the front door handle issues
Power train, Electrical system, Sep 7, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the RPM increased; however, the vehicle failed to respond. There was no warning light illuminated. There was an update performed on the transmission control module before; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing; however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V628000 (Power Train, Electrical System) however, the VIN was not included. The approximate failure mileage was 5,000.
Other or unspecified, Sep 6, 2022
Regulators and motor breaking in all windows without use. I can’t get a safety inspection with them not working. Many complaints on the internet. If I can’t get a safety inspection, this should constitute a recall.
Engine, Aug 31, 2022
My engine started stalling on me and has loss of power then out of nowhere I started getting a knocking noise which was followed by a check engine light. I had a oil light flashing before this occurred but oil level was good. Changed oil and filter and noise persisted along with stalling making it hard to drive anywhere safely. I haven't had it taken anywhere because I see this is a known issue on hyundai vehicles and newer models have recalls out on them. My vehicle only has 38,000 miles and shouldn't be having engine issues already.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 29, 2022
Vacuum pump was recalled back in 2019 - T3C: TL Tucson Vacuum Pump (19-01-010H). My car was “repaired” to fix the seal/cap. However, today the vacuum pump needs to be replaced. The engine light, brake assist and traction control lights all came on and stayed on. After talking with Hyundai it appears as though back when the recall occurred, the minimum was repaired and proper replacement of the part was not taken. Hyundai says they are no longer required to remedy the problem because they already addressed the recall back in 2019. Is there any action enforceable to take toward Hyundai to honor a complete repair of the recall rather than just slap a band-aid on it?
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 28, 2022, crash
While back out of my driveway in my 2016 hyundai tucson, it suddenly accelerated on its own out of control rendering me helpless and just along for the ride. Finally stopped while in reverse the car went across the street crashing violently into my neighbors boat and engine was still reving until I shut it off after the crash. Both my car and neighbors boat had major damage.
Latches/locks/linkages, Aug 28, 2022
Both the rear driver side and rear passenger side door lock actuators have failed, making it impossible to open either door from inside or outside the vehicle. This is very dangerous in general, but especially young children are in the backseat.
Engine, Aug 25, 2022
on multiple occasions the transmission failed to engage at slow speed then lunges forward when it does. it happens when your at a stop accelerate slowly to about 10 mph get off the accelerator then re-apply it. the engine revs but the transmission acts like it goes into neutral then catches a gear and lunges forward. It is unsafe because the driver behind you can hit you from behind, which almost happened to me, or you can hit the car in front of you when it lunges or worst hit a pedestrian because of the unpredictability of the transmission/ engine power engagement. The so called fix was a software issue that didn't fix it. mine still has it and when i told the dealer they said they couldn't duplicate the problem BUT it has happened so many times to me that i can make it fail. Hyundai should be accountable for this but no one ever listens to the consumer until its to late. it asks below when it happened but it started shortly after i purchased the car and happened multiple times. but the one i absolutely remember was when i had my daughters in the car right after my daughters birthday.
Latches/locks/linkages, Aug 24, 2022
Rear passenger door suddenly would not open from either the inside or outside. My child was in the car, and I could not get him out for some time. This was a safety concern even without an accident or emergency, and creates a potentially fatal situation if there is an accident or fire where a child would need to be retrieved from the vehicle. From internet searches, this is not an isolated incident, and should be addressed by the manufacturer. As a note, this is in addition to, and distinct from, the known issue of the front doors wearing out and not opening from the outside.
Engine, Aug 24, 2022
I have a 2016 hundai Tucson limited 1.6 l turbo and have had a lot of problems with this car when I merge on a highway I put the foot on the gas and the car doesn’t move even though I have the foot to the floor and when I’m in stop and go traffic the car jerks like it wants to stall I brought the car to the dealership and told them what the problem is they could not duplicate my issue and they said there is nothing wrong with it and also they didn’t find any codes on the computer, next week I’m bringing my car back to the dealership for the same problem and I bet that they are not going to find any problems again. I’ve been driving over 45 years and never had this problem with any other car’s that I have owned, I’m afraid that one of this days I’m going to get hit from behind. I hope that the manufacture puts a recall on these cars soon, I’m ready to sell my car and never ever buy another Hyundai again.
Service brakes, Engine, Aug 23, 2022
2 separate issues - oil is being consumed at alarming rate- not burning off and not leaking just disappearing at a rate of a quart every 200 miles -brake pedal is vibrating and clicking up while breaking, then goes straight to floor causing driver to release brake and then repress while stopping