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, Electrical system, Aug 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal and the vehicle lunged forward. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that when the vehicle was stopped, after depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated and then lunged forward. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V628000 (Power Train, Electrical System); however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
Power train, Aug 9, 2024
Vehicle started to shake and lost acceleration. Gave engine Code P073F Unable to engage gear 1. Hyundai shows Recall Campaign for this issue but dealer refuses to acknowledge it, and says it needs new transmission. They state transmission damaged clutch rather than clutch damaged transmission.
Power train, Aug 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tuscon. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds the vehicle would begin sputtering and the transmission would begin slipping. The transmission would also slip when attempting to accelerate after being parked or idle. There were no warning lights. While driving approximately 45 MPH the vehicle suddenly began going in reverse. The contact immediately placed the vehicle in park to turn off the vehicle. After restarting the vehicle the contact attempted to drive it but failed to accelerate. The vehicle was only able to be driven in reverse. The contact reversed into the nearest parking lot. The vehicle was towed to a certified mechanic where it was diagnosed that the transmission failed. The transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000.
Other or unspecified, Aug 5, 2024
• temperature regulator stopped working •couldn’t use A/C in very hot months, couldn’t use heat in very cold months putting risk of freezing and overheating • independent service •No •No
Visibility/wiper, Aug 5, 2024
•Window regulator •Stops windows movement •Our independent service provider •No •No
Engine, Jul 30, 2024
I was driving in the main road with my grandkids and the vehicle just shut down . I bought it in November of 2023. I brought it back to carmax because it was hesitating and not acting properly and it was within my 90 day warranty and they said nothing was wrong . Motor seized and turbo no good a few months later and I owe 19000 on this car and they refuse to replace the motor since I’m second owner without a warranty they were suppose to give me . I had to get people to push my car to the side and wait 2 hours for a tow and now the garage says it’s 10-11000for a motor . Carmax just said they would pay for labor charges but that still leaves me with a hefty bill on top of what I owe . I told them to just take the car and give me another or pay for the motor and they refuse . My cars now sitting at my house because I can’t afford a motor . It’s a 1.6L motor with turbo . That price is a used motor :(
Structure, Jul 30, 2024
Have had to replace the regulator in all four windows. Seems to be a pretty common problem online. Reporting this so hopefully enough people say something that Hyundai has a recall and reimburses us for the repairs. Thanks
Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 23, 2024
At certain times my car doesn’t want to start. Like when there were carburetors in cars way back in the day, I literally have to pump the gas to make it start. And then once it does, it’s very hesitant to go on the road like it has no power. And then another time my car totally just shut down in the middle of traffic and would barely go, like it had no speed ability. This happens often my car is not under warranty. And it is not included in the recall with some kind of fuel pump situation. I had a mechanic look at it. He seems to think it’s something to do with the fuel pump. But unfortunately, I cannot afford the cost of repairing that, and he didn’t seem quite certain as well.
Structure, Jul 21, 2024
I have a 2016 Hyundai Tucson Limited. I have had both front windows Regulators break within the past year. I had the drivers side repaired but, was hoping there would be a recall before I spent $800 to repair the other one. But Hyundai should own up to this issue and have a recall, If they want return customers. Time to step up Hyundai
Structure, Jul 15, 2024
The driver's side back door will not open from the inside or outside. There was no warning or damage down to cause this, just one day it would not open. From research on the internet this is a common problem with a 2016 Tucson and is due from the lock actuator and is not being recalled. This is a huge safety risk if someone needed to exit the backseat quickly.
Electrical system, Structure, Jul 10, 2024
I own a 2016 Hyundai Tucson and have noticed that NONE of the doors other than the driver door will open either from the inside or outside. I have small children that I drive to and from school, activities. If we were to get into a wreck or were to run off rode into a body of water my children could drown or die due to doors not opening. This seems to be a very common issue with Hyundai and needs to be addressed and recalled and fixed by dealership immediately!
Power train, Jul 10, 2024
The vehicle intermittently fails to accelerate without warning or notification. The throttle pedal goes to the floor without the engine stalling or rev'ing but also fails to propel the vehicle. This has occurred when crossing lanes of on-coming traffic placing the operator in an EXTREMELY DANGEROUS situation. In addition, the vehicle also intermittently fails to go in reverse. These issues are most prevailant in warmer summer temperatures. Neither of these issues directly triggered a MIL light. MIL lights did occur independent from the cited issues but would typically self clear. On one occasion I was able to get a scan of the vehicle with an active MIL that yielded a P1921 Gear 2 System Motor Thermal Damage. Shortly after the scan, the code cleared and MIL went off. The conditions were NOT able to be reproduced by the dealership. They were also not able to clearly diagnose what would cause the P1921 fault. Their recommendation was to replace the entire transmission. ALL of the issues experience closely align with a issues cited in a class action law suit despite the vehicle not having any open recalls or TSBs.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jul 9, 2024
Oil consumption is excessive it has caused the engine to have a knocking noise even though routine oil changes have been up to date. Yes available for inspection. This may cause the engine to seize at any given point while in motion. No, I have not been able to take the vehicle to a dealership yet. No, vehicle has not been inspected. No, no check engine/warning light has turned on. Knocking noise began June 28th 2024.
Engine, Jun 26, 2024
The car started making noises. There were no warning lights and we drove to the Hyundai dealership in South Charleston, WV, where we were told it needs a new engine. The car is under warranty and Hyundai has denied the claim. Luckily we made it to the dealership before the car stopped. We had no indication there was a problem. We were traveling from out of state when this happened. An engine should not suddenly die with no warning. We have all the maintenance records.
Seat belts, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jun 19, 2024
Passenger door lock-right rear door will not unlock from outside or inside
Steering, Jun 17, 2024
Pronounced rattle from the steering column (not the wheel) when going over a rough surface. Vehicle has only 49,000 miles on it. Hyundai dealer checked and determined the rattle was not a safety issue and said a small plastic piece in the steering mechanism had broken and quoted a repair cost of over $1,000. I do not believe the dealership's diagnosis, nor its' safety assessment and believe they are simply avoiding a repair that should be covered under the vehicle's soon to expire warranty!
Electrical system, Jun 11, 2024
Three of the four windows will not roll up and down.
Other or unspecified, Jun 10, 2024
I can not get my rear left passenger door to open from either inside or outside.
Other or unspecified, Jun 8, 2024
The driver and driver passenger doors get stuck and will not open after you lock them so I cleave to climb over the passenger to lock the door or I have to keep the windows down to be able to unlock and open the door the door latches are getting stuck I went to Hyundai in Little Rock the said I was covered under warranty and they never fixed it nor called me to tell me the part came in and it’s ready to be fixed this is a major safety hazard because I could be in a dark place or running from someone and can’t get inside the car or have access inside the driver side to do anything
Other or unspecified, Jun 6, 2024
Rear doors will not open from inside or outside. This traps passengers if they are in the back seats. Back seats can only be accessed by climbing in from the front seats
Electrical system, Engine, Jun 1, 2024
Ever since I bought my vehicle off the lot, my oil has been burning and/or leaking from the engine. I have been having to put oil in every 2-3 weeks. Also as a result of the oil problem, the oil gets on the spark plugs and coils and erodes them causing them to burn out every 6 months. The first instance I had with this problem was on a road trip to Texas from Tennessee alone. All four spark plugs began faltering on the highway where the speed limit was 75mph, easily a dangerous situation for a malfunctioning engine. I had to pay to repair my vehicle the next day and it totaled to a little under $600. I have been checking for recalls on my specific vehicle for months but have seen none, despite there being similar recalls on other Hyundai vehicles. The electrical problem I’ve been experiencing is the windows start falling in to the doors or don’t roll down at all. Currently I have three windows with this problem, one of which I have had repaired.
Steering, Service brakes, Engine, May 28, 2024
Internal engine failure; no compression cylinder. My vehicle was affected by the Tucson Dual Clutch Transmission Reprogramming recall. In higher ambient temperatures and specific operating conditions, the transmission clutch application logic can result in a delayed engagement when accelerating from a stop, and the vehicle would not accelerate. Inability to move the vehicle in traffic. The car is well maintained and in excellent shape. They estimated the cost to replace the engine at $14,000! and Hyundai Dealer Larry Miller denied any help with the repair cost.
Other or unspecified, May 28, 2024
The passenger door window rolled down but would not come back up. I was able to grab the window and pull it up. This is a safety issue because anyone can just push the window down. Not too mention if an officer needed you to roll down the window you could not.
Other or unspecified, May 27, 2024
Right front window will not go up Regulator bad
Structure, May 24, 2024
Both rear doors will not open from inside or outside. This began 3 years ago, with intermittent opening issues. For the last six months, neither rear door will open from inside, or outside. With the THOUSANDS of complaints I have seen online, one would THINK our GOVERNMENT would DO SOMETHING!!!