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, Sep 26, 2025
Dear NHTSA, I am submitting this complaint to report a recurring issue with oil consumption in my Hyundai vehicle, which I understand is a known problem affecting this particular engine type and model. I am the original owner and have been a loyal Hyundai customer for many years. I have followed all recommended maintenance, including regular oil changes. Despite this, my vehicle has developed excessive oil consumption that has not been resolved through standard service procedures. The dealership has contacted Hyundai for approval to perform a combustion chamber cleaning, but based on my research and feedback from other owners, this procedure does not effectively address the root cause of the issue. My concern is that this problem may be indicative of a broader mechanical defect that could impact engine performance and safety. My 10-year warranty is nearing expiration, and I am worried that delays in resolving this issue may result in the loss of warranty coverage for necessary repairs. I believe this issue warrants further investigation, as it appears to be affecting multiple vehicles with the same engine configuration. I respectfully request that NHTSA review this matter and consider whether a broader safety investigation is warranted. Thank you for your attention. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other or unspecified, Sep 25, 2025
The rear doors cannot be opened from the inside or outside after the door is locked then unlocked. This is very dangerous for rear seat passengers. There are a lot of complaints online of this problem.
Engine, Sep 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to coast to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000.
Electrical system, Engine, Sep 13, 2025
For about a year I have had issues with my car not accelerating in stop and go traffic. I push the gas pedal and it moves a little then will not go for about 20 seconds. Sometimes the engine will flutter. I have taken it to Hyundai and was told no diagnostic codes show and they can't find anything wrong despite bringing the reports from my auto shop of these things occuring. My car is going in yet again this week because this issue continues to get worse and I have almost caused several accidents in traffic due to not being able to drive. There is a recall however Hyundai says my car is not in the recall despite the same issues the recall is for. I have all routine service done when needed and have taken care of this vehicle but I feel like Hyundai should step up because this is very dangerous not only for myself but other commuters as well.The Hyundai dealership literally said they just have the sign on their building they don't support these issues
Structure, Sep 11, 2025
The back passenger door will not open from inside or outside. The front passenger door will not open from outside or inside. The warranty will not cover this as they are saying it it wear and tear. Hyundai has confirmed they know there is an issue with the doors but refuse a recall to fix this.
Steering, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Sep 10, 2025
I leased a 2016 hyundai tucson from Metcalf Auto Plaza [XXX]. Every week since then i have had to return the car for repairs. It got to a point where Neil suggested he can trade it for another but each and every vehicle i test drove to replace my car was NOT ready to be on the road but according to them every car had just got out the shop. Instead of trying to have issues resolved the mechanics decide to make "jokes" as if your pain and suffering is a joke. Since i did not want a trade in and wanted my car fixed instead Neil tried to tell me that this was my final offer which i declined because why not just fix my car? I went to talk to Neil in person September 9, 2025 about getting my car fixed and the frustrations i am having because having to return the car weekly and i havent had it for a month is outrageous. [XXX] i was driving the hyundai on the highway with my children in the car and the electricity to the car completely cut off but came right back on, i got off the highway and the car did it again and this time the wheel locked up and i almost wrecked the car. I called metcalf and the only thing they could tell me was they can tow my car to metcalf but me and my children had to find our own means of transportation. Every time i called to have my car serviced and told them about what i would hear and feel they could NEVER make the car "do it again". I am beyond frustrated, upset and terrified because i have been telling them about smoking coming from the engine, rattling noise etc. My kids lives were put in danger and the only thing they could say was "i apologize and we can tow the car to the shop". Did not care if we had transportation and have never offered to give us any after continously getting stranded in the car. Now the car is towed to their shop once again and the car wouldnt even turn over for me to get it out of the middle of the street. I was blocking traffic and had to have the police block INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Sep 3, 2025
In April of 2024, I bought my 2016 Hyundai Tucson for a certified dealership in FL. Within 2 months the car began shaking and I had to take it to have spark plugs replaced which cost several hundred dollars. Shortly after that in November 2024, I was driving on the highway to school when I got an ‘engine overheating alert’ and immediately pulled over to turn off the car. After waiting for a few minutes to let it cool down and noticing that the coolant was very low, I added some more coolant in and tried to restart the car, but it would not turn on. I had to get a tow truck to a repair shop to which they informed me that the headgasket had blown and it would cost about $12,000 to replace it. Ever since, my car has been towed to multiple Hyundai dealerships and repair shops when I sought after answers as to what happened and one told me that the engine was known for eating oil too quickly, causing it to blow. I bought the car only for $16,000 and would have to pay about the same amount just to fix the engine and reading multiple reports online have shown from other others having the same exact issues with no answers and being stuck. We have had it sitting in our garage ever since and still do not know what to do.
Other or unspecified, Aug 30, 2025
The rear doors stopped opening. Could be a failed lock actuator or the lock is sticking. This is a safety hazard, especially when traveling with a child in the car
Power train, Aug 26, 2025
The car will fail to accelerate when turning at a stop and starting at times. It’s very dangerous b/c you can be at a complete stop on the highway and try to start going and the car will sputter out. There is no doubt that something is wrong with the transmission and has been for a year but didn’t register until 12,000 miles later.the car only has 70,000 miles in it. I kept taking it to Hyundai to be looked at and they kept telling me it was just how the dual clutch transmission works. Now a year later they say it’s registering as a problem but don’t want to cover it under the warranty b/c I’m a second owner. If I was the original owner, it would be covered. If you look at the history of this year and make, you can see there have been issues with this car. I am extremely upset they aren’t willing to cover the cost. This is my [XXX] daughter’s car and this has been extremely dangerous to drive. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 21, 2025
1. "Transmission or ECU" 2. There is a lag and sometimes almost stall when accelerating from a stop. I was turning into a lane from a stop sign and the car decided to not move for 3-4 seconds after pressing accelerator. If people had come around the blind corner when that happened I would have been T boned. 3. All four people living in my house...... and our mechanic. Yes 4.No, because were not paying for something that has had a recall. 5. We inherited this car from my grandmother and she knows nothing about cars so she never thought anything was wrong. Since the day we got it, it has been doing the same thing "DCT CONTROL LOGIC UPDATE & P0128 DTC LOGIC UPDATE (RECALL 149)" #17-01-023
Power train, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Aug 14, 2025
i bought the car used, i took it in for diagnostics on my transmission. they claimed i needed a new one, not claiming i need a new clutch. my car’s model and year match the DCT recall problems. but not the vin. when my car was in the heat or accelerating it had the same issues listed. i believe this is a manufacturing issue.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Aug 14, 2025, fire
My catalytic converter caught on fire a couple months back then I hit a code for the knock sensor replaced it and it started to act up again I can’t go over 49 burning oil took it to Hyundai now they are saying my engine is going out and I’m still panting carmart got the car
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 6, 2025
original owner. Car shook badly and hesitated losing speed at 61k. dealership replaced all or four ignition coils and spark plugs. Car started and burning oil at 61,000 despite regular oil changes at 3500. Mostly done by the dealership. Car has been burning oil uses 1 quart every 500 miles. All four window regulators have stopped working. I replaced one.
Power train, Aug 5, 2025
1. December 2024: Hyundai dealership diagnosed my transmission as defective (unable to shift properly) and recommended a full replacement. Despite this, they assured me the vehicle was "safe to drive" without disclosing risks. - Unedited dealer text: "The tech said he doesn’t think it will break down or leave you stranded, he just can’t get it to shift correctly." - No warnings were given about prolonged use, highway driving, or potential failure. 2. Post-Repair Damage: After relying on Hyundai’s advice, the transmission worsened, causing additional damage (e.g., radiator failure). 3. Recall Negligence: My VIN was wrongly excluded from Recall 16V-628 (transmission control issues), despite exhibiting identical symptoms. They didn't cover repairs, despite their technician confirming the defect. The safety impacts are as follows: - Sudden loss of power while driving (e.g., inability to accelerate or shift). - Increased crash risk due to erratic transmission behavior. - Hyundai’s failure to warn put me and other drivers in danger. I am requesting: - Investigate why my VIN was excluded from Recall 16V-628. - Force Hyundai to reimburse repairs and extend recall coverage. - Require Hyundai to issue clear safety warnings after faulty repairs. Attached is the following: - The radiator repair invoice. - Proof of text from Hyundai. - Proof of my Vin being excluded from recall. - Quote for my transmission repair.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 4, 2025
I have been dealing with ongoing engine performance problems for over a year. My Tucson consumes oil at an abnormal rate, and I constantly have to refill it. There is also sluggish acceleration, and the Check Engine Light has stayed on despite multiple inspections and maintenance efforts. I’ve seen hundreds of complaints about this exact issue from other Hyundai owners. I also found that an NHTSA investigation is ongoing, yet Hyundai continues to deny responsibility, often blaming the issue on the owner. I believe this is a safety concern and a manufacturer defect that needs to be addressed before more drivers experience full engine failure. Please investigate this further and include my VIN in any future action or recall.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 3, 2025
The reason of this complain is due to excessive oil consumption which now damaged my catalytic converter against Hyundai Motors America. The complained started 2021 where we noticed that the low oil engine light up after only 1500 miles from last oil change. We submitted the complained with dealer (Carlsbad and Escondido CA) and my car failed 3 consecutive oil consumption test and Hyundai performed an engine cleaning, claiming it was going to fix the problem. This happened when the vehicle was still under warranty. At the time they said that if this did not fix the problem, they were still going to fix the car since the issue happened under warranty. The engine cleaning DID NOT fixed the problem, my car no longer has warranty and my catalytic converter fails and makes the vehicle inoperable in highway (engine ceases to accelerate) . We submitted a complain with Hyundai corporate and they denied fixing our car since the vehicle was no longer under warranty. I would like to ask for them to fix the engine and catalytic converter make the car operable again.
Other or unspecified, Jul 22, 2025
All Windows regulators failed one after another. They make sound when trying to close but nothing happens. The windows get stucked.
Other or unspecified, Jul 21, 2025
Door latch - after a few attempts of trying to open my rear passenger door. The handle does not seem to function properly and I’ve seen that a lot of 2016s Tuscon have this issue with their doors
Service brakes, Jul 19, 2025
Brakes locks and the vehicle do not move. Vehicle was parked. Recently I noticed that the vehicle was breaking by itself instead of keep moving. Until today the vehicle brakes lock and do not move.
Engine, Jul 16, 2025
Me and my daughter were headed back home from a family trip and we were stranded on the side of the road luckily we had family tailing us!! My engine light came on while we were still in the city in Savannah so we stopped by an autozone and changed the spark plugs so the engine light stopped blinking but when we got about 20 miles from home it stopped going we had to pull over it started smoking and it was really hot but the temperature had never moved we had it towed home!! I keep my maintenance up regularly on my car I had 2 mechanics check it out they both said the piston is breaking the spark plugs and it’s something down in the motor that’s doing it I should not have any motor issues at all with my car!! Especially when I do my part at keeping it up I was quoted 7,738 to fix my car which I don’t have both mechanics said the engine in those cars are no good and it’s been recalls on them just not my model it’s not right I’m out of a car and no way to work or no way for my kids to get around they have to ride in Lyfts and Ubers with strangers I feel like my car should be fixed because I did my part at keeping it up and I’m still out of car and frustrated due to the companies negligence!!
Other or unspecified, Jul 16, 2025
-Power window failures of all 4 windows. -Windows will not open and close which creates a safety issue in case of an accident that renders the doors inoperable and escape is needed via windows. Also, if the driver is pulled over, the car windows do not work which makes the driver have to open the door which puts both the driver and police officer at risk. -Both a dealer service center and an independent service center has confirmed the problem. -Component was inspected by both a dealer maintenance shop and an independent repair shop. -There were no warnings.
Engine, Jul 11, 2025
total engine failure. per dealership mechanic, random misfires on all cylinders with a dead miss on 4
Electrical system, Lane departure, Forward collision avoidance, Jul 11, 2025
While driving I noticed my ABS, Traction Control, AEB, and a couple of other lights came on. Upon restarting my car it was still there but the lights went away on their own after a few minutes of driving. They have been periodically turning and and off as I've driven the past couple of days. I went to the local mechanic shop who performed a diagnostic and found it to be a faulty left rear wheel speed sensor. When researching online, I've come across many people with the same make, model, and year as my car that have experienced this issue.
Engine, Engine and engine cooling, Jul 7, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at 55 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power and started vibrating abnormally. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact pulled over and was able to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed and the contact was advised that the ignition coils, water pump, spark plugs, valve, oil filter, and the engine were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 113,000.
Engine, Jul 7, 2025
Engine has rod knock and low power due to rod bearing failure. There was never an illuminated oil light or message of any sort prior to failure. this vehicle has had oil changes regularly and never been an issue till now. With Hyundai not having a recall on this engine, and seeing many other reviews about this same issue it is a very dangerous issue leaving people stranded and loosing power in times where serious harm issues could occur and this issue is very costly being that the engine will have to be replaced. As a consumer taking care of the vehicle and still the engine failing due to the lack of integrity of Hyundai I believe Hyundai should step up and make it right and take care of the people who have spent there hard earned money on these cars and are now left in the dark.