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.
Electrical system, Dec 27, 2021
electrical issues and/or hardware issues with rear windows. understand the issue to be electrical motor and/or window regulator. One window fixed but other to be repaired. in driving, window starts to sag and persons outside the vehicle have attempted to gain entrance through the sagging window. for the repaired window, the dealer inspected and was to repair except the price seemed too high and was only for the window regulator. taken to a glass/auto body shop who indicated both motor and regulator needed to be replaced and charged what the dealer was going to charge for only the replacement of the regulator. the within days after one window fixed, the other window refused to close all the way and the issue of someone trying to gain entrance occurred.
Engine, Dec 22, 2021
I was at a stoplight waiting to turn right. When there was a safe break in traffic I began the right turn, but the engine made a clunking noise and stopped accelerating in the middle of the road. At this point, cars were getting close to me and my car wasn't speeding up, so I turned on my hazard lights and managed to inch onto the shoulder. I had my 5 month old baby in the car with me, so his safety, my safety, and the safety of others on the road were at risk. We took the car to our local Hyundai dealership and they said they couldn't diagnose the issue unless they took the engine apart. They checked all of the fluid levels and electrical connections, the battery, all of that was normal but we didn't have the $500+ they wanted to take the engine apart, so that did not get checked. This car had less than 100,000 miles on it and was in great shape. We had it for less than a year and did not even drive it every day. There were no warning lights or messages or anything to let me know that there was a problem. The engine starting making that clunking noise about five minutes before it died. I was on the highway and got off the nearest exit to check for problems but the car stopped moving before I could get someplace safe to take a look. Other than that, there was no indication of any issue, and no issues spotted during any routine maintenance/oil changes.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Dec 14, 2021
Sensor default, ABS on dashboard, acceleration on dashboard, oil lights default on dashboard, electrical problems, and radio default. My vehicle is still under warranty however im trying to figure out will warranty cover for all of the problems within my vehicle.
Engine, Dec 13, 2021
I had the same problem over and over again. Did not show any used oil at that time. Between oil changes, the car was 2.5 quarts low again. There is no evidence of leaks and no smell or smoke from the exhaust no lights indicating the is a problem. My engine is beyond repairs and must be replaced. The car is housed in my daughter's garage because I am unable to pay for a rebuilt or new engine.
Structure, Dec 13, 2021
Passenger side door failing to unlock fully, not openable from the outside under many circumstances. This seems to be a common problem with the 2016 Hyundai Tucson. Hyundai needs to issue a recall for this safety issue.
Engine, Dec 12, 2021
Started having issues with acceleration after getting gas. Thought it may have been bad gas. Took to independent mechanic who changed all spark plugs, coil packs, catalytic converter. Next month during regular oil change (every 3000 miles), tech told me that I was low on oil and that it looked as if the engine was burning oil. He stated that he had seen multiple engines from Tuscons burning oil and to get in touch with dealer.
Engine, Dec 2, 2021
While driving on the freeway in high traffic, my vehicle suddenly shut off. I re-started it and exited the freeway and drove to a mechanic. Mechanic said vehicle was almost completely out of oil , but there was no visible oil leak. He heard a engine knock and after investigating, found the engine was consuming large amounts of oil and caused damage to the engine. There were no warning indications.
Structure, Dec 1, 2021
First the passenger side rear door would not unlock or open; was repaired for a very high amount and I was told it wasn't covered; now the same thing with the driver's side rear door; online forums show this as a very common problem with Hyundai Tucson 2016. This is a safety issue - door cannot be used to exit the vehicle from the inside or outside at the malfunctioning (non-functioning) door.
Structure, Nov 30, 2021
My third door has stopped opening from the outside. This is a known issue to Hyundai about these cars and it is a safety issue.
Electrical system, Nov 24, 2021
My back door on the driver's side does not open from the inside or out. I had the same issue with my driver's door but would open from the outside. I went to the dealership and replaced the door latch assembly. I am not under warranty, so it cost me alot to get fixed. Just one month later the backdoor stopped working completely. I got a letter in the mail form Hyundai saying this is a known issue and if your warranty has expired they'll fix it at no cost, that doesn't help me at all. This is a safety issue and needs to be a recall. I am worried the other doors will stop working. It is not affordable to get fixed.
Power train, Nov 23, 2021
A warning light indicating that a brake light is out has been active for over 4 years. The bulbs have been replaced and checked and the brake light outage persists. This is an electrical issue and poses a serious safety hazard. Secondly, when trying to accelerate, the engine will rev between 400-500rpms but the car won’t speed up for several seconds. Lately while pressing the gas pedal the engine is revving in the 500’s while the car actually DEcelerates from 70mph to 40mph while ON THE FREEWAY. This is a mega dangerous safety issue for myself and other drivers. A mechanic quoted us yesterday as needing a new transmission. The car is 6 years old. In my opinion, these issues coupled with the existing recalls make this car a true lemon.
Structure, Nov 23, 2021
Neither of the backdoors of the car will open from the inside or the outside. The first failure was the driver side backdoor which will not open even with force. Several months later the passenger side rear door is experiencing the same issue. I spoke with the local Hyundai dealership who confirmed that it is a well known issue, but they have been less than helpful with getting it repaired. They take my contact info and say someone will call me but they never do, when I call or go to the dealership in person the one guy who can help get the repair underway is never available, and they will not give me his direct contact info. This is a serious safety risk because there is no way to get to my children from either of the backdoors if there was an emergency, they have to be accessed and pulled over the center console to be removed from the car at all. Given the incredibly persistent issues with these latches failing in the Tucson, there is also no way to know when any of the other latches may fail and make it impossible to quickly escape the car.
Structure, Nov 15, 2021
Latch failure of all 4 doors, passenger side door in 2018, passenger rear door 2018 and again now (2021), driver door 2019, driver rear door 2019. The door latch fails and at first won’t open from the inside. After a few days or weeks, door will not open from outside or inside. This costs over $450 (labor not included) and is a HUGE safety concern! This should not happen in a 5 year old car, especially to ALL 4 DOORS, and one of the doors twice!
Engine, Nov 12, 2021
I need to let you know my 2016 Hyundai Tucson is using oil so bad it's getting out of control. No matter what we do it continues to happen. It has been using more has then it use to also. Its getting ridiculous. I love my car but I'm ready to go back to a different make all together if they don't do something to fix these issues. My Tucson is not the only one that does it. I have a family member who has to put a new engine in here due to this. I can not afford to buy my car and then turn around and have to put a new engine in it. Something needs done asap. I'm contacting a lawyer due to the many other issues not listed. Like it trying to die going down the highway. This has been going on since around June 2021
Engine, Nov 12, 2021
Purchased the car new. A year or so into ownership the car began to bog down upon acceleration for a dead stop (stop lights, etc). I voiced my concern multiple times when I took the car to the dealership for regular services. I was told this is just the way this turbo performs. No reason to be concerned. I almost got his a few times due to this issue. again voiced my concerns was told the same thing over and over again. The next issue was when i would turn the oil light would flicker on and off. Still was told probably nothing but a short somewhere. Then we checked the oil and it was down a quart. took it in to the dealership they changed the oil and said to just "keep an eye on it". 3 weeks later the engine completely failed and seized. Had to have the car towed, paid that out of pocket. That was in July. Still no repairs done, they say they do not have a loaner car to give me and if I want a rental I would have to pay for it out of pocket and once the repairs are done and I have my car back I could contact Hyundai to possibly be reimbursed. This is so ridiculous! This engine should have been a recall as far back as 2017! So all summer we had to drive our old backup vehicle which has no ac and is not a great commuter vehicle. Someone should have to pay for all this inconvenience and cost. The date the engine completely failed is the date I have proved as the incident date.
Electrical system, Engine, Nov 11, 2021
While I was driving on the highway my check engine light started blinking. I immediately pulled off on the next exit 1/4 mile from when the light started blinking. After stopping completely off the exit the engine stalled and both the oil light and battery light popped on. I was not able to accelerate or drive it from there. An independent mechanic who towed it to their shop said there was no oil in the engine. This is impossible because I had plenty of time left before the next oil change. A week prior to this incident we took the car to the Hyundai dealership to fix a recall problem. There was no indication anything was wrong with the engine or car at the time they fixed the recall issue. Somehow the oil in the engine disappeared and there was no indication from any low oil lights, engine lights, or any other notification that there was an issue. It currently has been towed to the Hyundai dealership and awaiting their diagnostic and solution. A claim has been opened with Hyundai corporate since there is a recall opened for 2016 Hyundai Tuscons.
Visibility, Nov 5, 2021
I have had 2 window regulators go out within a month due to them using cheap plastic and it's reaction to hear I assume.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Other or unspecified, Oct 29, 2021
1) Front right driver headlight warning message, keeps illuminating. Mechanic, noticed wires are burning inside compartment. Safety issue burning wires may cause entire electrical system to burn out causing a fire and not having headlights. Vehicle being serviced 10/29/21 2) Driver Brake light message illuminated, replaced light 2 mo ago, as of today 10-28-21, brake light out again. Vehicle being serviced 10/29/21 3) Purchased vehicle 3/21. Vehicle will not accelerate, it will jerk causing a slow start, safety issue. Vehicle taken to mechanic covered thru warranty, he stated vehicle drove ok, still having same problem since 3/21
Steering, Electrical system, Air bags, Oct 25, 2021
MAJOR ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE VEHICLE MALFUNCTIONED INCLUDING SPEEDOMOTER, TACHOMETER, DEACTIVATION OF AIRBAGS AND INABILITY TO INDICATE WHICH GEAR THE VEHICLE WAS IN. SITUATION WAS REMEDIED WITH THE REPLACEMENT OF A SECONDARY VACUUM PUMP. WATER ENTRY INTO THE PUMP IS CAUSE OF ISSUE TO MAJOR ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS.
Latches/locks/linkages, Oct 20, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that the passenger’s side rear door would not open from the inside or the outside. The contact also stated that excessive force was needed to open the driver’s side front door. The dealer had been notified of the failure and the contact was provided the cost for a diagnostic test. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
Structure, Oct 20, 2021
Rear passenger door when unlocked will not open. I can open the door when unlocked by banging on door just below the outside door handle.
Structure, Oct 18, 2021
Rear door does not open. Can't be opened from the inside or outside. Apparently, similar problems from this model from other owners. Affects all doors.
Other or unspecified, Oct 17, 2021
Engine lost power while turning through a light at an intersection and the traction control light came on for a split second then off. Car the began violently shaking, shuddering and then decrease in power. Once stopped, engine would not regain acceleration or power. Was able to safely get off a very busy road. Car was towed to mechanic, diagnosed as bad engine. Spoke to local dealer who stated the 2016 engines have had many problems some vins (not mine) had additional warranty. Dealer advised to call Hyundai corporate and see if they could assist. Called Hyundai who stated my car is out of warranty and they cannot assist me as no engine recalls are open for my vin. I changed the cars oil and did all other necessary maintenance. The car burned oil excessively. Also had multiple issues with door latches, all 4 window regulators required replacement, turn signal and ac sensors went bad. Many problems for a car 5 years old and now undrivable. Hyundai knows of the problems but refuses to assist.
Latches/locks/linkages, Oct 14, 2021
The locks in the doors do not alway unlock and sometimes stick. When in a accident or and emergency I won’t be able to get my kids out of the back seat due to the doors not always wanting to open. The front door does not open till the third pull at times. The back doors take a good 15 hard pulls for the lock to open. It shows unlocked inside while not opening from the outside or inside. You just get lucky to it finally opening sometimes.
Structure, Oct 8, 2021
Our rear driver side door does not open from both inside and outside. I have seen that this is an extremely common issue with other Hyundai owners. I have three small children. This is extremely dangerous if there was ever an emergency situation, to have small children trapped back seats, unable to open the doors. I have read that other doors eventually fail too, which just compounds the extreme danger that this poses if an emergency comes up and one has to evacuate the vehicle. The issue seems to always be the door latch and cable not catching, so there is a consistency in what other people are experiencing. Please consider this an extreme safety issue and issue a recall.