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.
Latches/locks/linkages, Aug 22, 2022
Rear drivers side door latch stopped working unprovoked. The door was working fine and was parked for the night. The next morning the rear drivers side door would not open from inside or outside upon unlocking doors. This is a safety concern due to the fact that in the event of an accident emergency services would have a difficult time accessing the rear passenger area of the vehicle delaying any medical attention that would possibly be needed in the event of an accident.
Power train, Service brakes, Engine, Aug 19, 2022
I have made multiple complaints to Jenkins Hyundai of leesburg about my car hesitating and not going like it should and almost causing multiple accidents because it wouldn’t go when it should. However, they stated nothing was out of the ordinary and to just drive it in sport mode. Well I’m December of 2020, the turbo went out while driving home. They then wouldn’t fix it until I had a friend state that her dad worked at a diff location and that it was covered under warranty. They told me they had to do an investigation to see if it was covered under warranty or not. They kept my car for a few weeks before I got a phone call on New Year’s Eve stating my car was ready for pick up. Meanwhile, there was an active recall with the brakes from September of 2020, that they in fact did not fix while having my vehicle there. Fast forward to June 9, 2022, and my turbo went out again and there is water mixed with the oil in my car. I have made multiple reports along with others on the transmission issues and now making a report on the turbo. These vehicles are not safe, I don’t understand why they have not been recalled for these issues.
Electrical system, Visibility/wiper, Aug 19, 2022
Right Rear Tail Light Wiring Harness has short. Since right turn single bulb replaced twice, Passenger side rear door window stripped the Teflon Gear on door Interior panel and door handle is not operational! Since problem started, passenger door handle and window is non Operational, Drivers side door and Window is Not Operational! 2016 Hyundai Tucson with 31,000 miles! Dealership, Billingsley Hyundai and Ford refuse to repair saying it’s out Of Warrenty February’22! Vehicle has an electrical short and has had since 2019 when Right Turn Signal bulb continues to burn out!
Latches/locks/linkages, Aug 18, 2022
Door locks do not unlock. Cannot get out of the car from inside and cannot get in to the car from the outside.
Exterior lighting, Aug 16, 2022
i have a 2016 hyundai tucson and now that the vehicle is almost paid for, i am having issue with the blinker. when i put the let or right blinker on it stops blinking, also, my car smells like something is burning. i take good care of my car, i do routine maintenance on it when it is require, i have regular oil changes. i am taking to a hyundai shop this weekend
Power train, Engine, Aug 14, 2022
While driving the car started making a clicking noise. Then shortly after the noise started, the car would no accelerate over 40mph. Once pulled over after this, we discovered that there was no oil in the engine. There have been no signs of oil loss and we also get our cars oil changed regularly and we were towards the end and already had an oil changed scheduled. There were also no warring lights that ever became illuminated while this all happened so we had no idea of the issues until the car was already seizing up. This seems to be a common issue with 2016 Hyundai Tucson’s
Engine, Aug 13, 2022
My car would not accelerate over 20mph took into dealership in 5/2021 with 75,000 miles I was told I needed a new Catalyst converter I replaced it. My oil started leaking in 10/2021 was told my oil pan gasket needed resealed I completed it. In April of 2022 I was recommended to get oil pan gasket resealed still. In July of 2022 my car slows down then stop on expressway. It starts back up I’m only able to go 20m0ph on the expressway this is not safe at alll with my children in the car it was very scary. Dealership finally has an appointment 8/9 diagnoses car 8/11 stating my Catalyst Converter is clogged and need replacement that caused my car to stop and slow down as well as I need oil pan gasket burning oil/leaking oil. This is a safety problem the car is not 10yrs old and has less than 100,00 miles to stop without warning lightsss or anything on a moving fast expressway could have caused me and my kids life. This issue need to be taken serious and inspected because I continue to have the same issues with the car a little over a year!!
Other or unspecified, Aug 13, 2022
Rear driver side door will not open from the inside or outside while unlocked.
Engine, Engine and engine cooling, Aug 12, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle hesitated to respond while the RPM gauge was at 5000 RPM. Additionally, the vehicle emitted an abnormally loud sound and there was smoke coming from underneath the hood. The contact veered to the side of the road and noticed a trail of coolant and oil leak on the highway. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 133,000.
Engine, Aug 10, 2022
My car seemed to be lagging severely when accelerating and then started coughing when accelerating and the check oil light came on even though I had plenty of oil and had just had it changed. I took it into the dealership and they said that the check engine light was also flashing just so fast I couldn’t see it. Several engine cylinders were apparently misfiring but it wasn’t covered by warranty. They installed new spark plugs and cleaned something to do with the fuel system and told me that would “be the starting place” several hundred dollars in. It worked fine. Fast forward 4 months I take it in for its regular oil change and mention how it’s been lagging again and here we go again. Same issue. According to my local mechanic a lot of these engines end up needing to be replaced completely to resolve the issue.
Electrical system, Aug 9, 2022
Window motors and regulators are prone to failure. All 4 of the window motors/regulators have failed within the past year. Apparently the regulator is made of plastic and falls apart easily. As a result, the windows can no longer be operated, and they can be moved up and down by hand from the exterior of the vehicle. Safety is at risk because the integrity of the windows are compromised. In some cases windows will fall down during normal operation of the vehicle. No warning lamps were illuminated during this failure. Note another complaint here: https://www.hyundai-forums.com/threads/window-regulator-2016-hyundai-tucson.671843/
Latches/locks/linkages, Aug 9, 2022
Door handles on vehicle not working. When you go to pull back on the door handle it won’t open. I couldn’t get my Nephew out of the car. Very frightening. Had to crawl through the hatch to get to him. It started one day with my driver door and I had to pull back at least twice or more before it opens. Now the front passenger’s side door will not open unless pulling the handle from inside to let them in. Back doors are not wanting to open from outside. The day my Nephew was trapped no door would open. Thank god the hatch opened. This is a serious safety issue. Makes me nervous that one day I won’t be able to open my car doors from the inside too. I had trouble with that yesterday on the front passenger door. I don’t have kids and it’s just me a single lady that lives 5 minutes from work. I typically don’t have kids in my vehicle, this was the first time. Made me look like a bad auntie putting my brother’s child in danger. There is hardly any wear on my vehicle, so there must be an issue with the door handles in general.
Latches/locks/linkages, Aug 8, 2022
3 of the 4 doors of my 2016 Hyundai Tucson are suddenly unable to be opened from the outside or the inside. There has been no damage to the vehicle. The driver door is able to be opened at this time. This is a major safety issue as passengers are not able to exit the vehicle in the case of an emergency/children passengers are not able to be removed from the vehicle. This seems to be a widespread issue for 2016 Hyundai Tucson customers. Internet thread included below: https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/Discussion-t57988_ds1084478
Latches/locks/linkages, Aug 6, 2022
The passenger door will not open after being unlocked
Seats, Aug 5, 2022
While driving, the driver seat adjusted causing my seat to move up to the steering wheel. At the time I was on the expressway. I was too terrified to scream, I had to pull over to catch my breathe before I could continue driving to get home. I took my car to Hyundai and the service man stated that it didn't happen when he drove it and that they didn't find anything wrong. I filed a complaint before and never heard anything back. The car seat still adjusts. I don't drive it as much now.
Steering, Aug 4, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, a clicking noise was present coming from the steering column while turning the steering wheel in either direction. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who indicated the ticking noise was caused by loosened steering column bolts. The bolts were re-torqued and the failure was remedied. The contact indicated that approximately 40,000 miles later the ticking noise reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer who diagnosed that the steering column bolts had loosened again. The bolts were again re-torqued and the failure was remedied. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 14,037. The consumer stated the 2nd occurrence happened on 07/20/2022 at 55,053 miles.
Other or unspecified, Aug 4, 2022
All 4 window regulators have failed. The first two were replaced by dealer, but now are refusing to replace other two. Windows will not stay shut. Have them wedged up with small pieces of carpet. The back two doors will not open either. They said they are fixing those.
Air bags, Aug 3, 2022
Air Bag light is staying on constantly. Took it to the dealer and said it is the Air bag control module. Not covered under extended warranty. Called Hyundai and they said not covered since vehicle is at 69,000 miles. Noticed Hyundai has recalls for air bag modules on other vehicles.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 30, 2022
I have been finding when going for an oil change, the mechanic is stating that my vehicle has no oil in it, no signs of a leak, and this has occurred multiple times in last couple months. Now I check oil once a week and finding more often then not my oil is low and I need to add oil. not once has any warning light come on. What irritates me most is if this seems to be occurring with others - Hyundai needs to do something about this. Who knows how long I drove with low to no oil in my vehicle before knowing I had this problem. Can't imagine the damage done to my engine!
Latches/locks/linkages, Jul 30, 2022
Back passenger door will not open from time to time from the outside or inside. It unlocks and everything but you have to keep trying before it opens. I looked this up and it is common for the 2016 Hyundai Tucson. This is a defect that can be dangerous under certain circumstances.
Latches/locks/linkages, Jul 28, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that after locking the front passenger’s side door, the door was seized in the closed position and could not be opened when unlocked. The contact indicated that extreme force was needed to pull the door handle while attempting open the door. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 52,000.
Latches/locks/linkages, Jul 28, 2022
Both rear doors do not open from the outside or inside, no child lock engaged. Usually takes several tries locking/unlocking to get door open. In the event of a crash, passengers would not be able to exit the vehicle. Not inspected, and no warning lamps.
Latches/locks/linkages, Jul 28, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that the driver's side rear door was unable to be opened from inside or outside the vehicle. The dealer was made aware of the failure and scheduled an upcoming appointment for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 81,000.
Latches/locks/linkages, Jul 23, 2022
Rear passenger door will not open from outside or inside after unlocking. Basically, the door stays locked. Only after repetitive banging on the door handle (outside) will it sometimes open (more often it just stay locked - it may be days and dozens of attempts before it haphazardly opens). Additionally, the front drivers side door does not open on the first pull from the outside (it requires at least 2 pulls - sometimes as many as 4 pulls to finally open). Finally, the front passenger door is experiencing similar problems where it may take a second pull to open the door (this door only recently started having this problem and it opens normally most of the time). It can't be a coincidence that 3 out of the 4 doors on this vehicle are having problems with the door locks. So far the front doors open fine from the inside but the rear drivers side door is a serious safety hazard as I have a 3 yr child that sits in the back seat regularly. A simple google search brings up dozens of links and articles where owners of the same model vehicle are complaining of the exact same problem. It's obvious that this is a common issue with this vehicle but so far no recall even acknowledgement by the manufacturer has been issued. This is a safety issue - PLEASE HELP
Steering, Jul 20, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was a rattling noise and vibration coming from the steering wheel. Additionally, while parking and turning the steering wheel in either direction, there was a clicking noise coming from the steering column. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the intermediate steering shaft was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 64,000.