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, Apr 20, 2022, fire
While climbing the hill on Highway 5 south, the engine RPM dropped so I was moving the car to the shoulder, and while moving, black smoke came out of the engine hood and stopped the car on the shoulder, and then, the fire began to rise under the engine hood. An insurance company investigation determined all losses. Geico Claim #0547433700101042
Structure, Apr 19, 2022
Passenger rear door will not open from inside or outside. no damage or accident has occurred. door just quit opening.
Latches/locks/linkages, Apr 18, 2022
Passenger door has to be forced open when unlocked. Once opened the door works fine. Door works fine from inside. This is a safety issue because if n an accident happens and can't get in the driver's side, rescue workers couldn't get into the passenger side. I've read many customer complaints for the same issue with all doors. This should be a recall.
Latches/locks/linkages, Apr 17, 2022
The rear doors on both driver and passenger side will not open. They will not open from the outside or inside. This is a safety concern since I have children in car seats. I am not able to secure my children in their seats. My children are not able to exit my vehicle safely. If I were to be in a collision, first responders would not have access to my children. This is not the first Hyundai Tucson to have this problem as from further research, hundreds or owners have complained of this exact problem. Someone should be held responsible and accountable.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 14, 2022, crash
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while coming to a stop at approximately 2 MPH at a traffic light, the vehicle rolled forward, failing to come to a complete stop, and collided with the rear bumper of the vehicle in front. The contact stated that the "four-way braking" warning light and another unknown light were illuminated. The contact stated that there was damage to the rear bumper of the vehicle in front. The police were called but no report was written and there were no injuries. The contact had driven the vehicle to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with an issue with the ABS related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V543000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and needed to be taken to a manufacturer dealer for repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 59,000.
Engine, Apr 7, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the oil level warning light was flickering. The contact stopped and checked the oil level and continued to drive. While driving, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle before the engine seized. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 92,976.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 7, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that the brake pedal made an abnormally loud grinding sound while depressed. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to her residence. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic the next day. The independent mechanic diagnosed that the vehicle rear brakes had failed; and both the rear brakes and rotors were replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.
Latches/locks/linkages, Apr 4, 2022
Multiple door latches failing all within the past 6 months, UNABLE to open from inside or outside. Rear doors both failed within weeks of each other. Front driver's side door is now beginning to stick, which is how the other failing doors began to initially fail. If you Google this issue, you will see it is a common problem for 2016 Hyundai Tucson model. This is a critical issue as all door latch assemblies are failing at the same time on my vehicle, which will make it nearly inoperable, as well as a safety issue if I or my 3 children are unable to enter or exit the vehicle. I took the vehicle to a local ASE certified repair shop and they stated that the cables inside the latch assembly become stretched or compromised. They were able to perform a temporary fix, but they said in order to completely fix the issue, the entire latch assembly needs replaced. The temporary fix did not even last for 3 days and cost me $300. Cost for the assembly part alone for one door is approximately $200. If you add that to labor, I will be spending nearly $1,600 to replace all 4 door latch assemblies. This should not be the consumer's responsibility as it is an ongoing issue for this make and model year. I have submitted a complaint for recall directly to Hyundai US, but this is a critical issue, and something needs to be done immediately!
Power train, Engine, Mar 31, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to merge into traffic, the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate above 40 MPH while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 85,000.
Latches/locks/linkages, Mar 29, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, she attempted to open the front passenger's side door using the driver's side power door lock switch however, the door failed to unlock. The contact engaged the front passenger's side door lock switch but the door failed to unlock. The contact also stated that the door would not unlock from the outside. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact continued to manipulate the door switches until the front passenger's side door unlocked. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Structure, Mar 29, 2022
Rear passenger door will not open from inside or outside when clearly unlocked. Safety concern if must exit vehicle quickly in case of emergency.
Other or unspecified, Mar 21, 2022
While exiting from interstate the car lights all went out and the car stopped and nothing would work. After a little time the car started and warning lights were on dash. I drove home and then the light would not shut off and I had to manually go turn them off. The new morning the car started and no warning lights were on. Now the radio turns off on it on and the cruse control is not setting. Also the drivers side window stops in when going up.
Engine, Mar 18, 2022
Traveling with my family my vehicle just completely gave out at high speeds on the highway. I managed to safely navigate to the shoulder and wait in the freezing cold for a tow. Initially I was told the issue was due to lack of maintenance but upon further investigation it was uncovered that this was an unaddressed recall issue. The engine threw a rod bearing and caused damage to the rod, engine, battery, and spark plugs causing all to be replaced. There were no indications of what was about to happen prior to it happening. Thank God there weren’t more people on the road or that we weren’t in a different area.
Electrical system, Visibility, Latches/locks/linkages, Mar 11, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the front driver’s, front passenger’s, and rear driver’s side windows would independently lower without warning. The contact stated that each window regulators had gradually failed over time. The contact then stated that while driving at approximately 65 MPH, the passenger’s side front window shattered into tiny pieces and fell inside the vehicle. The contact was able to drive the vehicle home and had an independent mechanic come to her home to replace the front passenger’s side window. In addition, the contact stated that the rear passenger’s side door would fail to open from both inside and outside the vehicle. The contact had yet to notify either the dealer or the manufacturer of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.
Power train, Mar 11, 2022
My car has an unresponsive accelerator pedal, delayed or no acceleration, jerking, shuddering, shaking, and stalling. The defects cause dangerous and unsafe conditions, including failing to shift, stalling and delayed or unresponsive acceleration, especially from a stop. I have been stuck on major highways and have had to disconnect battery and wait just to get the car to restart and actually move. I have had to be towed just to get out of the way of traffic
Power train, Mar 7, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while at a complete stop, the vehicle would hesitate upon depression of the accelerator pedal as the wrench warning light would illuminate on the instrument panel. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where they changed the rear driver’s side tire and cleared the code; however, the hesitation persisted after the repair. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic where they replaced the engine booster as well as eight bolts that had been fractured on the intake manifold while the booster was being replaced. Despite the second repair, the failure persisted and the vehicle was taken back to the dealer. The contact was informed that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V543000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and would be towed to a dealer for further assistance. The dealer nor the manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired and remained in the possession of the independent mechanic. The failure mileage was 75,858.
Exterior lighting, Mar 7, 2022
I have had problems with two trailer hitch sending units causing brake lights to be constantly illuminated. Hyundai has issues a recall for my model year on this issue, but for some reason my VIN is not covered in the recall.
Engine, Mar 3, 2022
SINCE I PURCHASED THE CAR, THERE HAVE BEEN INTERMITTEN TIMES WHEN THE CAR HESITATES AND DOES NOT ACCELERATE AFTER BEING STUCK IN TRAFFIC. IT IS BOGGED DOWN AND DOES EVENTUALLY MOVE. WHEN THIS ORIGINALLY HAPPENED THE VECHILCE WAS BROUGHT IN TO THE DEALER AND THEY ADVISED THERE WAS A RECALL FOR TRANSMISSION PROGRAMMING AND THAT WAS DONE. PRIOR TO 100,000 MILES ON THE CAR, THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND I WAS TOLD THIS WOULD SOLVE THE PROBLEM. BUT IT DID NOT - THE BOGGING AND HESITATION HAPPENED LESS FREQUENTLY, BUT CONTINUED. IN 2021, I HAD TO REPLACE THE TURBO BECAUSE THE VECHILE WAS BOGGING DOWN AND THE CODES INDICATED IT WAS THE TURBO. AFTER THE TURBO WAS REPLACED, MY CAR BEGAN BURNING SIGNIFICANT AMOUNTS OF OIL. SOMETIMES, I COULD GO 2,000 miles, others only 1,000 and most recently 250-500 MILES BEFORE MY CAR WOULD START BOGGING AGAIN AND NEED 2 QUARTS OF OIL. AFTER FILLING MY CAR IN EARLY FEBRUARY WITH OIL AND DRIVING LESS THAN 100 MILES, MY CAR STARTED BOGGING AND SPUTTERING WHILE DRIVING AND MAKING AWFUL NOISE. THE CODES INDICATED IT NEEDED COILS, WHICH I HAD REPLACED BUT THE ENGINE HAS NO COMPRESSION. AFTER READING AND RESEARCHING THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THE 2016 TUCSON 1.6T AND A DEFECT THAT WAS CORRECTED IN THE ENGINE IN 2018. HYUNDAI SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS AND BE REQUIRED TO MAKE OWNERS WHOLE.
Other or unspecified, Feb 22, 2022
The drivers side door almost never opens, I have to open the passenger side door to gain entry into the vehicle. In addition, the drivers side window at times will not open. I am not sure if this is an electrical problem. On occasion, this also happens on the passenger side. I do not want to be trapped in my car or have my passengers trapped. Previously the drivers side back door would not open and the dealership replaced the latch. At times I still have issues with the door opening from the inside and out, despite being unlocked. Rear driver side door does not open. It is not locked, child locks are not on. After reading multiple online forums it appears Hyundai is aware of the issue and not creating a Recall for this issue. The lock actuator needs to be replaced, Hyundai is charging outrageous fees to have this resolved. This is a HUGE safety issue. If the vehicle is in an accident any person sitting in the front drivers side, front passenger side and back seatsof the vehicle would not be able to get out of the vehicle on the rear driver side of the vehicle. This is a huge safety concern if I were in an accident and could not open this door. I have seen DOZENS of other reports of people having this same issue and a recall should be issued immediately to fix this potential life threatening and dangerous issue.
Engine, Feb 18, 2022
The engine has been consuming too much oil for a few months now. Most recently, an oil change was done on 2/17/2022 after driving 879 miles by an independent mechanic, and there was only 2.5 quarts of oil left. This occurred after the Hyundai dealer said that it passed an oil consumption test. Also on two occasions, the dashboard lights and headlights went out while driving, then came back on moments after. This has not been replicated. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request.
Engine, Feb 18, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact’s son stated that while stopped, there was a knocking sound coming from the engine. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted via the telephone and informed of the failure; the dealer suggested that the vehicle be brought to the dealer for assistance. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 17, 2022, fire
On Friday, September 11, 2022, I had just returned from running errands. I parked the car, which had no warning lights on whatsoever, and exited the vehicle. A few seconds later, smoke started streaming out from under the hood. I popped the hood but did not open it, and started toward the house to get some water, thinking that something was overheated. Before I had taken ten steps, flames were shooting out from the hood. I called 911, but before the fire department arrived, part of my house also caught fire. It has been inspected by the fire marshal and my insurance company.
Other or unspecified, Feb 16, 2022
Rear driver side door does not open. It is not locked, child locks are not on. After reading multiple online forums it appears Hyundai is aware of the issue and not creating a Recall for this issue. The lock actuator needs to be replaced, Hyundai is charging outrageous fees to have this resolved. This is a HUGE safety issue. If the vehicle is in an accident any person sitting in the back seat of the vehicle would not be able to get out of the vehicle on the rear driver side of the vehicle. Why hasn't a recall been issued???
Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 14, 2022, crash
Car started eating oil after 110K miles. Seems as if 2 quarts low in 3,000 miles between oil changes. Started carrying extra oil and checking level during and after long trips. at 140,000 miles the turbo charger failed and engine failed in the middle of pulling out of a parking lot. No lights on instrument panel ever lit up until 40 miles before the engine failed. Oil light never came on as engine oil was burned up in the turbo. Car is now dead and needs a new engine. Internet posts show numerous Hyundai owners with the 1.9 liter turbo engine experiencing the same problem.
Engine, Feb 11, 2022
Car was driving fine. I started going up a moderate hill and car stalled out with no warning, right in the middle of a busy highway. Was able to get finally get it started to pull onto side of road, it had a loud knocking sound and engine light and oil light came on that time. I had it towed to my mechanic who said it had absolutely no oil. I have not found any evidence of oil leaking in my driveway or parking lot at work. It never gave any warning that engine needed serviced or oil was low. It now needs a total engine replacement. I am the second owner so of course I have no warranty. Car has 81,000 miles on it, had 75,000 when I bought it 4 months ago. Never dreamed I would be dealing with replacing an engine after 4 months. Since this has happened, I have read so many complaints of these cars doing the exact same thing to so many owners, I have lost count. A recall needs to be done, Hyundai needs to own up and address whatever flaw is causing this problem over and over again. Had I been on the interstate ( where I was heading) or driving in city traffic, I could have been killed. This problem is not just frustrating, it is also dangerous.