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, Mar 11, 2021
THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR AND FRONT DRIVER DOOR ON MY VEHICLE WILL NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. KEY FOB HAS NEW BATTERIES AND CAN HEAR THE LOCKS ENGAGING/ DISENGAGING, HOWEVER THE DOORS WILL NOT OPEN. HUGE SAFETY ISSUE , THIS MUST BE ADDRESSED IMMEDIATELY. UPON READING ONLINE, NUMEROUS CUSTOMERS HAVE THE SAME EXACT ISSUE , HYUNDAI HAS DONE NOTHING. MUST BE A RECALL NOW , COST TO REPAIR IS OVER $2,000. THIS PROBLEM CAN LEAD TO SERIOUS PHYSICAL INJURY OR DEATH.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Mar 10, 2021
THE PASSENGER SIDE BACK DOOR WILL NOT OPEN WHEN CAR IS UNLOCKED. THE DOOR WILL NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE EITHER. THE HANDLE HAS TO BE PULLED FORCEFULLY SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE THE DOOR WILL OPEN.
Steering, Electrical system, Service brakes, Mar 10, 2021
THE CAR SEEMS TO BE ACTING AS IF THERE IS AN ELECTRICAL FAULT. ALL OF THE SAFETY SENSORS ON THE CAR ARE FLASHING AND THE POWER STEERING DOES NOT WORK. MY WIFE AND I CURRENTLY ARE STATIONED OVERSEAS IN ITALY AND THE HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP SAID TO TAKE IT TO HYUANDAI FOR REPAIR. THE HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP HERE REFUSES TO TOUCH IT OR EVEN REPLY TO US. THE VEHICLE IS NOT DRIVEABLE.
Structure, Mar 9, 2021
DOORS WILL NOT OPEN. I SEE FROM READING ONLINR THIS IS A MAJOR ISSUE. THIS HAS TO BE A BIG SAFTY ISSUE. I HAVE A BACJ DOOR THAT WILL.NOT OPEN AT ALL.AND NOW MY FRONT DOOR CAN NOT OPEN FROM THE OUTSIDE.
Structure, Mar 9, 2021
THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR COULD NOT BE OPENED FROM THE OUTSIDE, EVEN THOUGH THE HANDLE WAS NOT STUCK. SPRINGFIELD HYUNDAI IN SPRINGFIELD, PA INSPECTED AND CONFIRMED THE PROBLEM, BUT DID NOT FIX BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. ANOTHER SHOP REPLACED THE DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR.
Electrical system, Mar 7, 2021
MY 2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON FRONT PASSENGER DOOR WILL NOT OPEN FROM THE OUTSIDE. I HAVE TO OPEN IT FROM THE INSIDE. MY BACK RIGHT PASSENGER DOOR WAS NOT ABLE TO OPEN FROM EITHER INSIDE OR OUTSIDE AND I HAD TO HAVE IT REPLACED AT THE DEALERSHIP. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE, AND IT APPEARS THAT THIS HAPPENS A LOT WITH THIS MAKE AND MODEL. NHTSA SHOULD REALLY LOOK INTO THIS AND ISSUE A RECALL.
Structure, Mar 7, 2021
REAR DRIVER SIDE DOOR ACTUATOR NO LONGER WORKS. UNABLE TO OPEN DOOR AT ALL. CAR WAS PARKED.
Latches/locks/linkages, Mar 5, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT STATED THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE DOOR FAILED TO OPEN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SIDE DOORS WERE FAULTY AND FAILED TO OPEN. THE CONTACT CALLED LOCAL FOX ANN ARBOR HYUNDAI (3975 JACKSON RD, ANN ARBOR, MI 48103, (734) 663-7770) AND THE DEALER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 106,000.*DT*JB
Latches/locks/linkages, Mar 5, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER'S SIDE REAR DOOR FAILED TO OPERATE AS NEEDED. THE DOOR FAILED TO OPEN FROM OUTSIDE OR INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT HAD TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO INFORMED HER THAT THE DEFECT WAS A SAFETY ISSUE. THE CONTACT WAS REFERRED TO NHTSA FOR ASSISTANCE. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Structure, Mar 3, 2021
REAR DRIVER DOOR STOPPED OPENING FROM INSIDE AND OUTSIDE EVEN THOUGH THE HANDLE MOVES FREELY AND THE LOCKS ARE FUNCTIONING (CHILD SAFETY IS NOT ENGAGED). A FEW MONTHS AFTER THAT DOOR STOPPED WORKING THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR OUTSIDE HANDLE FAILS TO OPEN 9 TIMES OUT OF 10 BUT LOCKS STILL FUNCTION. EVERYTHING ELSE ABOUT THE DOORS WORK FINE AND THERE HAS BEEN NO TRAUMA TO THE VEHICLE.
Power train, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Mar 2, 2021
ORIGINALLY WHEN I PURCHASED MY CAR I COMPLAINED TO THE DEALER ABOUT MY RADIO GOING BLACK AND THEY CLAIMED IT WAS DUE TO THE COLD AND BRUSHED IT OFF. NOW RECENTLY I HAD THE SAME ISSUE BUT NOW AS I WAS DRIVING STRAIGHT ON THE HIGHWAY ALL OF THE LIGHTS ON THE DASH KEEP FLICKERING ON AND OFF TELLING ME TO CHECK EVERY SYSTEM. MY CAR SIGNALS/HAZARDS WILL NOT WORK. SPEEDOMETER WILL NOT WORK ALONG WITH BLIND SPOT RECOGNITION AND OTHER THINGS.
Steering, Structure, Mar 2, 2021
THE VEHICLE IS LESS THAN 5 YEARS OLD AND I WAS TOLD THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. IT CLICKS WHEN EVER THE STEERING WHEEL IS TURNED. I WAS TOLD IT IS FINE TO DRIVE IT UNTIL I GET IT REPAIRED BUT AFTER READING WHAT COULD HAPPEN THAT DOESN'T SEEM TRUE. I HAVE HAD THE BACK PASSENGER DOOR LATCH REPLACED BECAUSE IT WOULDN'T OPEN FROM THE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE. NOW TO OPEN MY FROM PASSENGER DOOR YOU HAVE TO PULL THE DOOR HANDLE 3 TIMES TO GET IT TO OPEN. MY DRIVERS SIDE DOOR WON'T OPEN FROM THE OUTSIDE. AND THE DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW WILL GO UP AND DOWN WHEN TRYING TO PUT JUST UP OR DOWN.*DT*JB
Other or unspecified, Mar 2, 2021
CHILD SAFETY LOCK SWITCH NOT OPERATIONAL ON PASSENGER REAR SEAT. CANNOT OPEN THE DOOR FROM INSIDE OR OUTSIDE. CANNOT OPEN DOOD TO CHANGE SWITCH POSITION
Electrical system, Feb 28, 2021
MY BACK PASSENGER DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR IS FAILING. I AM UNABLE TO OPEN MY DOOR FROM THE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE AFTER THE DOOR HAS BEEN LOCKED. ONCE YOU HIT THE UNLOCK BUTTON, THERE IS A TINY PART IN THE LOCK ACTUATOR THAT IS NOT FULLY RETURNING TO THE LEFT WHICH LEAVES THAT SPECIFIC DOOR STILL LOCKED. IT TAKES SEVERAL PULLS/PUSHES ON THE DOOR TO GET IT OPEN AGAIN AND SOMETIMES IT CAN TAKE DAYS BEFORE I CAN GET IT TO OPEN AGAIN. MY HUSBAND WAS ABLE TO TAKE THE DOOR PANEL OFF TO SEE THE FUNCTIONALITY OF THE ACTUATOR AND WAS ABLE TO SEE THE PART WAS FAILING WHEN HE WOULD TRY TO UNLOCK THE DOOR WITH THE KEY FOIB/UNLOCK BUTTON. BASED ON MY RESEARCH THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH HYUNDAI TUCSONS BUT HYUNDAI HAS NOT ISSUED A RECALL AND WILL CHARGE A DIAGNOSTIC FEE OF $100 PLUS COST OF LABOR AND PART TO REPAIR. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN FOR MY PASSENGERS AND SHOULD BE AN ISSUE HYUNDAI MAKES RIGHT. THIS ISSUE IS OCCURRING REGARDLESS IF MY VEHICLE IS RUNNING OR NOT.
Other or unspecified, Feb 25, 2021
THE DOOR LOCKING MECHANISM IS FAULTY. I AM UNABLE TO OPEN A PASSENGER DOOR FROM THE OUTSIDE OR THE INSIDE, REGARDLESS OF CHILD LOCK POSITION. I HAVE TWO CHILDREN, A 2 YEAR OLD AND A 7 MONTH OLD. THE FAULTY PART IS A WIDESPREAD ISSUE AMONG TUSCON'S AND IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH OR A VEHICULAR FIRE, I WOULD BE UNABLE TO ACCESS MY CHILD BECAUSE THE DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN.
Structure, Feb 24, 2021
MY BACK PASSENGER DOOR WON'T OPEN FROM THE INSIDE OR THE OUTSIDE. YOU CAN HEAR THE POWER LOCK WORKING, BUT THE DOOR WON'T OPEN. THE PROBLEM STARTED OUT GRADUALLY WHERE THE DOOR WOULDN'T OPEN UNLESS YOU PULLED THE HANDLE MORE THAN ONCE AND NOW IT WON'T OPEN AT ALL. IT'S VERY DANGEROUS FOR PEOPLE IN THE BACK SEAT BECAUSE THEY CAN'T GET OUT IN AN EMERGENCY THROUGH THAT DOOR.
Electrical system, Structure, Other or unspecified, Feb 24, 2021
THE REAR DRIVER DOOR IS STUCK CLOSED NO MATTER WHAT I DO. AFTER LOOKING ONLINE, IT SEEMS LIKE MULTIPLE PEOPLE ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE WITH THE DOOR ACTUATOR GOING OUT. NOW IF PEOPLE ARE IN MY BACK SEAT, PEOPLE ARE STUCK AND HAVE TO GO OUT THE OTHER DOOR. MY FEAR NOW IS THE OTHER DOOR WILL GO OUT ALSO AND SOMEONE WILL BE STUCK IN THE BACK OF MY CAR.
Structure, Feb 22, 2021
REAR PASSENGER DOOR IS LOCKED FROM THE INSIDE AND OUT. THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN AND NEEDS TO BE RECALLED. ALL THE LOCKS ON THE DOOR NEED TO BE UPGRADED AND REPAIRED NOT JUST REPLACED BY THE SAME FAULTY LOCKS.
Power train, Feb 22, 2021
WHEN PULLING OUT OF PARKING AREA, OR STARTING UP FROM A COMPLETE STOP AT A LIGHT OR STOP SIGN, WHEN I PRESS THE GAS OF THE VEHICLE , IT HESITATES . IT ALMOST SEEMS LIKE IT’S GOING TO CUT OUT AND THEN IT CATCHES AND LOUNGES FORWARD. I NOTICED IT FROM THE TIME I PURCHASED IT.
Other or unspecified, Feb 20, 2021
REAR PASSENGER SIDE DOOR WILL NO LONGER OPEN FROM THE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE.
Electrical system, Structure, Other or unspecified, Feb 20, 2021
2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON REAR PASSENGER DOOR WILL NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE. THIS HAPPENED JANUARY 2021. I WAS WAITING FOR THE ENTIRE FIRE RECALL TO COME UP WITH A FIX SO I COULD TAKE IT IN AT THE SAME TIME. NOW, THE FRONT DRIVER DOOR WILL NOT OPEN FROM THE OUTSIDE, ONLY THE INSIDE. HYUNDAI IS SAYING IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY AND I WILL NEED TO PAY FOR BOTH. QUICK RESEARCH ONLINE SHOWS ME THAT THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE ALSO EXPERIENCING THIS PROBLEM. THIS SHOULD BE EVALUATED AS IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE IF MY CAR CATCHES FIRE BEFORE THERE CAN BE A FIX FOR THE RECALL AND MYSELF OR MY PASSENGERS ARE UNABLE TO GET OUT OF THE CAR IF IT IS ON FIRE.
Structure, Feb 19, 2021
AFTER PICKING MY GRANDSON UP FROM SURGERY ON BOTH LEGS WENT TO GET HIM OUT OF THE CAR AND NEITHER OF THE DOORS IN THE REAR WOULD OPEN THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH HYUNDAI THAT HAS NOT BEEN ADDRESSED THEY SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THIS THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION SPECIALLY IN A PLACE LIKE FLORIDA WHERE WE HAVE BODIES OF WATER ALL OVER NEXT TO THE ROADS IN AN EMERGENCYYOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO GET OUT
Service brakes, Engine, Feb 16, 2021
THE RECALL INFORMATION SAID THAT FOR MY MODEL YEAR OF VEHICLE THE SERVICE PROCEDURE HASN'T BEEN DEVELOPED YET. THE RECALL WAS IN EARLY SEPT.; IT'S NOW ALMOST THE END OF FEBRUARY. WHAT IS A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME? YOU SAID IF THEY DON'T RESOLVE IT IN A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME TO FILE A COMPLAINT.
Other or unspecified, Feb 12, 2021
MY REAR PASSENGER DOOR DOESN'T OPEN FROM THE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE. NOT MATTER WHAT I DO. I HAVE DONE SOME RESEARCH AND THIS IS EXTREMELY COMMON. WHY IS THIS NOT ON RECALL. I ALSO HAVE A PROBLEM WHEN I TRY TO OPEN. THE FRONT DRIVER DOOR. I HAVE TO PUMP THE HANDLE A FEW TIMES AND THEN IT RELEASES. I CALLED ABOUT THE WARRANTY AND TO GET IT FIXED BUT WAS 8 DAYS LATE BUT UNDER MILEAGE. THEY REFUSED TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 12, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V543000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT CALLED AN UNKNOWN DEALER AND IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.