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.
Power train, Oct 19, 2024
I bought my 2016 Tuscon brand new. Ever since I bought the vehicle, I've complained to the dealer about the transmission slipping. They have told me that this issue is common but there is nothing they can do. Now it seems to be getting worse so I decided to look up the problem and found out a recall notice was issued for some 2016 Tuscons but mine wasn't included. My Tuscon has the exact same problem as described in the recall issued by Hyundai. I"ve almost been in accidents because you press on the gas to go and it hesitates,l. What can I do? My Vin number is [XXX] . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical system, Oct 19, 2024
Purchased a 2016 Hyundai Tucson with approx. 79,000. Was driving with all windows down one day. From the driver side window switch panel, I attempted to roll up the rear, left window.. The window would not roll up. The window rolls down when using the driver’s window switches for the left, rear window, but will not roll up. The rear left window switch will operate the window up and down only. Discovered this problem when going through a drive through car wash and the window would not roll up. Needless to say, the interior of my car got a good cleaning that day.
Steering, Oct 19, 2024
Purchased a used 2016 Hyundai Tucson, approx. 79,000 miles. A few weeks later I noticed a rattling in the steering column when driving over railroad tracks, rough roads, etc. When sitting stationary, I could rock the steering wheel back and forth and got a clunking sound. Took to the dealership, they wanted $250 just to diagnose. Did my own investigating. With the car turned on I would hold the steering wheel with one hand and hold the steering shaft with the other and work them in opposite directions. This replicated the clunking and knocking noise I would hear while driving. I determined it was a faulty upper pinch bolt. Replaced the bold and all noise went away. Fast forward a few months later and the sound returned. Slightly at first, then the sound became very pronounced again. Tightened pinch bolt again, went away. Seems to either be a problem with the shaft itself or the upper pinch bolt. Either way, my fear is the steering shaft is going to loosen and fall off of the steering column resulting in a loss of steering and potential accident. Hyundai dealership seems to act clueless about issue.
Electrical system, Oct 12, 2024
Passenger window regulator went out, then my window and my back passenger window went out and now I have 2 windows that cannot stay up and have paper holding them up.
Other or unspecified, Oct 11, 2024
Driver side door window stopped working. Not able to close or operate window. Hyundai dealer diagnostic found window regulator inoperable/needs replacement. Two (2) local Hyundai dealers have ordered the regulator and are still waiting for part. Dealer one not able to get regulator after 18 days; Dealer two hoping part will be in after 10 days of ordering.
Structure, Oct 10, 2024
In December 2023 I purchased my first car, a 2016 Hyundai Tucsan Limited Edition. The car had approx. 70k miles. After only 9 months, I noticed I was unable to gain access into the rear passenger side door. I quickly ruled out child locks, faulty fuses, and any other issues as directed in the owners manual. The window is still functional. As of today, 10/10/24 Ive had no luck being able to open the door. The mechanic stated it was an issue with the locking mechanism and quoted us for over $1400/$4000. He stated this is a common occurrence with this model. I find this issue with my newly purchased car, that I keep serviced and in perfect condition to be unacceptable. It is a major safety issue for me and my family. I am in school and work full time and I can not afford this type of repair. This type of issue should be recalled.
Other or unspecified, Oct 7, 2024
This is the 2nd window regulator that I’m aware of this car is failing. 3 months ago before buying the car from the dealer they replace the rear passenger side regulator because the window won’t roll down or up. Now 2 weeks ago the front passenger side window stop working and I’m afraid that is the same situation as so many people compliant about this issue on forums and videos online. Also I used to have a 2010 hyundai Tucson and have a problem with the rear passenger door not opening because the latch mechanism and the actuator. Now this 2016 Hyundai Tucson under this VIN number is experiencing the same problem due to a faulty design and cheap plastic products. This car has only over 61000 and can’t believe it have this many issues in the short amount of time. Definitely Hyundai needs to make a recall campaign for this components considering they’re key elements to an egress means of the car on emergency situation. Please help us so many owners to get a response for these issues. Thank you very much.
Other or unspecified, Oct 3, 2024
Left rear door lock will not Release when exterior or interior latch handle Is pulled to open door
Other or unspecified, Oct 3, 2024
Right front window motor runs but window does not go up or down
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Oct 3, 2024
My backup, my reverse is not working after 30 minutes the car is running.
Engine, Oct 1, 2024
Random engine failure. Our safety was put at risk because our car randomly stopped working while going 70 miles per hour on the interstate. The problem was confirmed by an independent service center. The vehicle has been inspected by an independent service center. Our check engine light came on and within 10 minutes our car was completely broke down on the side of the road.
Engine, Sep 27, 2024
Ongoing engine problems with an oil consumption issue for the duration of first having the car (2021-2024). That is common with this year of Hyundai. Hyundai Dealership won’t replace engine until warranty is up and you are left with a car that doesn’t run and a quote for a $14k engine.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 26, 2024
I had my top engine block (not sure why not a full engine replacement) replaced under warranty June 2023. Shortly after the fix my AC unit stopped working. Once I got my AC unit fixed, about 1.5 months after my engine was not performing. My car would not turn over and when it did, it was in limp mode and would not run properly. I had it towed to dealership who could not find the issue until after they took out of the bay and went to move it, it wouldn't start. They replaced the crankshaft positioning sensor and it wasn't covered under the extended warranty. The top engine block only has 10k warranty which is fast approaching. Took car home and when accelerated past 60 car shakes and when i brake car shakes. Now car cabin smells of gas. All cars with KM are having multiple issues. Dealership not calling back regarding gas issue and has not responded to if they touched my tires. Local Mechanic said all my wheels were unbalanced.
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Sep 26, 2024
I had multiple occasions where the car would blink lates and make screaming noises when acceleration. The vehicle never had a smooth process of stopping and going. When stopped at a light, you could press the acceleration and it idle or not speed up than rev the RMPs and start to catch speed. It was very unsafe, I tried several attempts years ago at getting the vehicle maintenanced but only got rotors repaired from shaking and two other shops stating it was a recall and they could not service or fix the vehicle.
Other or unspecified, Sep 23, 2024
The vehicle hesitates sometimes starting from stop/idle and sometimes even when the gas paddle is completely pressed it doesn’t proceed and stalls in middle of road or red light and may take more attempts to get it to move further. I read online that there was a safety recall on this same model in 2016 for this exact same problem but I never received recall on my vehicle from Hyundai.
Other or unspecified, Sep 13, 2024
The window regular failed is to weak don't last long Have replaced all 4 and replacing the back one again
Other or unspecified, Sep 10, 2024
Rear doors not opening regardless of door latch being engaged from the inside or outside handles. Due to being unable to open the rear doors, safety of rear passengers in non-emergency and emergency situations is significantly compromised. A formal recall has not been issued, yet in doing a quick internet search, this issue has been prevalent for years, which is very concerning.
Engine, Sep 9, 2024
-FIRST DIAGNOSED AS ROD BEARING FAILURE BY INDEPENDENT SERVICE CENTER. SECOND DIAGNOSIS OF ROD BEARING FAILURE MADE BY HYUNDIA DEALERSHIP. -COULD NOT ACCELERATE IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC, COULD NOT MOVE MY CAR TO SAFETY, TOW TRUCK HAD TO BE CALLED TO MOVE VEHICLE TO SAFETY, FURTHER TOWED TO INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP AND THEN TOWED TO HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP. WAS REQUIRED TO PUT MYSELF IN DANGER (IN MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC) TO GET HELP. NO WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON, NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, AND NO LOW OIL LIGHT CAME ON. -CURRENTLY AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AT HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP. -MANUFACTURER DECLINED TO HELP SINCE NO RECALL LISTED FOR MY VEHICLE AND SINCE OUTSIDE WARRANTY PERIOD, THOUGH ALMOST ALL OTHER ENGINE MODELS FOR MY VEHICLE HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR THE EXACT SAME DIAGNOSIS (ROD BEARING FAILURE). -NO WARNING LAMPS WHATSOEVER TO NOTIFY ME OF ANYTHING BEING WRONG-BEFORE, DURING, OR AFTER MY CAR LOST ACCELERATION.
Latches/locks/linkages, Sep 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked at the residence, the rear doors on the driver’s and passenger’s sides were not opening as needed after several attempts of locking and unlocking the doors. The vehicle was not towed to a dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 25,000.
Electrical system, Sep 6, 2024
All four window regulators have failed. The plastic gear has totally disintegrated and has had to be replaced. I have noticed that this has been reported by customers numerous times. I hope that we may be reimbursed for the failure of the part since it is very, very common among these models. I have retained all receipts for parts and labor.
Other or unspecified, Sep 4, 2024
The car door handles are failing to work properly. Initially (June 2024), the passenger side front door required the handle to be pumped twice before it would open. The door would open correctly from the inside only. That problem was corrected. Now (Aug 2024), the driver side rear door handle has failed and the door cannot be opened from the outside or inside. The precise nature of that issue will be determined tomorrow. In June, I was told by the service advisor at Jenkins Hyundai of Ocala [Florida] that Hyundai is aware of an issue with the functioning of door handles (i.e., the actuator) and has extended the warranty from five to ten years for this issue. I my judgment, this is a major safety issue if a door cannot be opened.
Power train, Sep 3, 2024
loss of power, transmission slipping. unable to get car to move creating hazard. happened 5 times. Diagnosed by dealer as systemic transmission component failure and known issue. many of the same complaints on internet, Code p1921
Other or unspecified, Aug 30, 2024
Front passenger regulator went out. 1 month later rear passenger and driver rear regulator went out. Currently only have 1 potenworking window with a child under the age of 18 that riders in this vehicle a primary vehicle. Extremely unsafe if there was an emergecy.. Seeing others online having same issue.
Electrical system, Aug 29, 2024
Driver window won’t go up & front passenger window won’t go down.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that there was a knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that the low oil and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle had been taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the engine oil had been totally consumed. The contact was made aware of coolant intrusion into the engine and that the pistons were misfiring. The mechanic stated that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the Extended Warranty on the vehicle did not cover excessive oil consumption. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 65,000.