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, Jul 1, 2025
Was driving down busy road when engine suddenly knocked violently and shut off rendering car inoperable. Inspection revealed low oil, despite not being due for an oil change after and no visible/identifiable leaks. Investigation by mechanic resulted in being told that numerous Hyundai engines like this are having the same problems and need total engine replacements. The call only had 70,000. Dealership said they see one a week.
Other or unspecified, Jun 22, 2025
Acceleration issues especially after coming stop. When proceeding to accelerate you can push pedal multiple times before the car jerks into movement.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 18, 2025
The vehicle does not accelerate entering roadway, transmission replaced in 2022, catalytic convertor replaced in 2024. Several instances occurred when entering highway vehicle lost power and failed to merge safely, ultimately requiring hasty exit to roadside to avoid collision. The vehicle was purchased used but has been a safety risk since purchase date. Originally diagnosed transmission, then catalytic convertor, then knock control sensor. Engine oil is replaced more often than routine maintenance and refilled in between oil changes. Autonation Hyundai Mall of Georgia originally assisted with transmission replacement Feb 2022, catalytic convertor was replaced in Mar 2024. The vehicle has been parked for considerable time while insurance and car payments continue. In Feb 2025 my daughter was driving and was nearly rear ended when vehicle failed to accelerate, it has primarily parked since that time while exploring repairs. Car fails [XXX] enroute to game. Last quote to repair catalytic convertor was Total Automotive in Gainesville Ga. around 19 May 2025. I believe this vehicle poses a significant safety risk due to acceleration delays, all attempts to resolve have been unsuccessful. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Service brakes, Jun 17, 2025
I received a email about a recall my vehicle has I made an appointment with the Hyundai dealership which sent the email. Hyundai Wesley Chapel in Tampa FL and I took it in on 6/16/2025 at 10am and waited an hour. The service advisor came to me and advised me that my vehicle was purchased in Puerto Rico and cannot be serviced because they don’t have the parts. This is unacceptable and don’t understand why they went through the trouble of sending me an email regarding this recall to waste my day at the dealership.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 9, 2025
Misfire, excessive oil consumption, engine knocking, loss of power/acceleration, gas smell, excessive gas consumption
Engine, Jun 2, 2025
Was driving down busy city road when engine suddenly knocked violently and shut off rendering car inoperable as traffic had to go around my disabled vehicle. Inspection revealed low oil, despite filling 4 weeks prior after change and no visible/identifiable leaks. Investigation by mechanic resulted in being told that numerous Hyundai engines like this are having the same problems and need total engine replacements. They said that they "see this at least once a week in these Hyundai's and Kia's". There were no warning lights or anything prior to the event.
Power train, Engine, May 31, 2025
I’ve been having ongoing issues with my 2016 Hyundai Tucson where the car struggles to accelerate, especially after stopping at red lights or pulling out into traffic. Sometimes, when I press the gas pedal, the car either hesitates badly or doesn’t move at all. A few times it’s completely stalled while trying to make turns or cross intersections, which has been really scary and dangerous. I did some research and found there was a known recall for this exact problem related to the Transmission Control Module software and the dual-clutch transmission. The symptoms described in the recall match mine perfectly, but when I checked my VIN, my vehicle isn’t included. I haven’t taken it to the dealer yet because I’m worried I’ll have to pay out of pocket for something that I believe is part of a known manufacturer issue.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, May 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the brake pedal inadvertently engaged, with the ABS warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed and it was determined that the hydraulic unit assembly for the ABS module had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
Engine, May 20, 2025
Excessive oil consumption
Visibility/wiper, May 15, 2025
The regulators and motors for the automatic windows have failed. The windows do not remain in the closed position causing the window to slide open. The front passenger window motor failed first and the driver's window failed shortly after. Both regulators and motors were replaced by the dealer in April 2024. The back passenger side window failed in December 2024 and has not been replaced. If needed, the faulty mechanism could be provided for inspection. Failure of the closing mechanism for the windows means they can easily be opened from outside. A malicious person could break into the vehicle simply by sliding the window down. To my knowledge, no one has inspected the regulators or motors. Two other 2016 Hyundai Tucson owners I know have also had their window regulators and motors replaced. There was no warning to the automatic window failure.
Other or unspecified, Engine, May 11, 2025
My 2016 tuscon has been giving be problems. I went to the dealership awhile back and told them that the oil has been burning having and that there's a perk when I start my car. They did an oil change and told me that I needed to lube the gears up first before running it. I assumed it was because my warranty was ending and because I was a girl, that was a quick go away problem. Well eastward today. I put oil in the engine at least once a week or more. The car is in the shop, and the machanics at pep boys are saying this is a reoccurring problem for this type of car. Also that all 2016 are made with the same engine pretty much so they should all be recalled. They quoted me 10 grand for a used engine. I'm taking it to hyundai, the pep boys told me that it's the same issues as the other recalls
Engine, May 7, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving at approximately 15 MPH, the vehicle stalled and shuddered. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle remained at the residence. A dealer was contacted and made the contact aware of an unknown NHTSA Campaign Number; however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.
Other or unspecified, May 6, 2025
The window regulator for 3 of the 4 windows have failed, the first at approx. 80,000 miles, the second two at 113,000 miles. The windows were not being operated when the component failed and just randomly opened while driving and could not be closed via the switch. This caused distraction and difficulty driving as it was raining for the second incident. When observed, the plastic window regulators were degraded to the point that the plastic was a powder.
Other or unspecified, Apr 27, 2025
One of the back doors Will not open. Lock is stuck on. This is VERY Dangerous if need to get a child strapped IN/ OUT!!!! I googled this and see it's been a problem for many years on this make/model. HIGH FEES from dealers per door for their manufacturing Defect! Easy fit for a husband who will pull the door apart to fix the issue! Which MINE IS NOT!
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 22, 2025
Car started to not accelerate when pressing on gas pedal the RPMs would not raise or lower during this time it could be on a hill or on a flat surface at any type of stops whether it was a stop sign or a stoplight it didn't matter how much gas you gave the car it would not move and then it would start bouncing what I would describe as hopping the car would start jerking constantly until you released off the gas and gave it more gas until it would finally go this was happening on highways or on city streets while driving down a highway my engine made a funky sound and it turns out my engine rods blue I went to the dealership they told me my car was safe to drive I continued driving my car until it started not shifting this was 3 days after going to the dealership. I called the dealership back told them I was bringing my car to them due to the issues it was having. After several weeks the dealership told me my car needed a brand new engine and transmission due to engine rods breaking transmission went out and metal in the oil filter. Not even 6 months later my car is have the exact same issues and my dealership is not want to do anything to fix my car even with having a warranty to cover everything they fixed.
Engine, Apr 10, 2025
The engine sometimes stalls and does not accelerate in relation to the pressure applied to the gas pedal. This has caused me scenarios where I am waiting to make a left turn and putter into the lane of opposing traffic, instead of accelerating through the turn. Another symptom of the engine is burning engine oil excessively. I am not aware if the issues are related or not.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Apr 8, 2025
Excessive oil consumption which has then in turned caused my catalytic converter to go out.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 27, 2025
Fuel injectors no warning…went to get breaks checked, while they were checking them the engine light turned on after that they couldn’t get my car to start again.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Mar 10, 2025
car is in limp mode,will not accelerate.Oil consultant over a few years.Dealership has requested new engine twice and denied by Hyundai USA.i have to put flashers on just to get on highway so im not killed.I will drive down the street and back and my engine will be extremely hot for hours.I am limited to my hometown only.I can not go out of my hometown due to heat of engine and blowing hoses and water pumps which has happened.This car is a danger and I am in financial burden to high repairs and excuses from dealerships.i have spent over 16,000 dollars and 3 catalyc converters later due to clogging ,in result to oul consumption.This car is a lemon and has ruined my life for the last 3/4 years.lots of stress and financial expenses only to have the same problem
Suspension, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 8, 2025
Engine is burning oil and has been for sometime. Won’t Accelerate and sputters Tie rods are worn out. This car is a lemon and dangerous to drive
Engine, Mar 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shook abnormally with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact noticed an oil odor. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The contact's father, who is an independent mechanic, inspected the vehicle and diagnosed the vehicle with oil consumption and engine failure. The contact was advised that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was advised to monitor the exhaust for smoke and add oil daily. In addition, two days later the contact attempted to start the vehicle, and the vehicle started after several attempts. The was an abnormal oil odor entering the vehicle through the vents. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.
Structure, Feb 28, 2025
The door latch mechanisms are all faulty. I have read in many forums where this is a common issue with Hyundai models. The door latch on the back passenger door will not operate from inside or outside. The other three doors must be pulled on repeatedly in order to gain access. This creates a very dangerous situation of entrapment if there car were to catch fire or be in an accident. It’s almost impossible to get into the car from any door. The issue isn’t a locking issue either, doors will eventually open after repeated attempts.
Structure, Feb 28, 2025
Window is stuck down. Window does not roll up. The Hyundai Tucson doors are notorious for having problems from not unlocking, opening, to the windows not working. These are all safety hazards. The doors not unlocking or opening are covered under an extended warranty but the window issues, which are equally as problematic, have not been addressed and the dealership is price gouging customers for the fix.
Engine, Feb 25, 2025
I reported the vehicle to Dealer for above oil consumption, which they confirmed with service check of oil level. Vehicle often stammered and failed to accelerate upon purchase. This vehicle stammered and Engine began to smoke. Vehicle could started first, turned unit off. Vehicle is being towed to shop for diagnostic results.
Power train, Electrical system, Feb 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the transmission started slipping while accelerating. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V628000 (Power Train, Electrical System). The contact called an independent mechanic who provided a printout of a recall. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.