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2016 Hyundai Tucson

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Tucson years

Owner complaints for the 2016 Hyundai Tucson are substantially higher than the model-year median of 180.5.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

832 reports with mileage · 785 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Power Train. Review the 516 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 423 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Structure. Review the 227 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

14 crash reports24 fire reports6 injury reports

Electrical System complaints

215 reports
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Mileage unknown · Mar 31, 2023
Electrical System

THE WINDOW ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE STOPPED WORKING AND WAS STUCK DOWN. I HAD TO HAVE A LARGE PIECE OF THE DOOR REPLACED BECAUSE OF THE WAY THAT HYUNDAI MANUFACTURES THE PART WHICH CAUSED IT TO BE A VERY COSTLY REPAIR AS WELL. LESS THAN 6 MONTHS LATER, THE BACK WINDOW ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE HAS THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM.

NHTSA ODI #11514851

Mileage unknown · Mar 28, 2023
Electrical System

2016 Hyundai Tucson was stolen on 3/23/2023 in Denver, CO. We were just at the dealership on 3/15/2023 in Edmond, OK and we were not notified of the issue of the vehicle being susceptible to being easily stolen due to the negligence of Hyundai. We were not offered a computer update or steering wheel lock. The dealership was negl…

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2016 Hyundai Tucson was stolen on 3/23/2023 in Denver, CO. We were just at the dealership on 3/15/2023 in Edmond, OK and we were not notified of the issue of the vehicle being susceptible to being easily stolen due to the negligence of Hyundai. We were not offered a computer update or steering wheel lock. The dealership was negligent in not informing us of the issue with the engine immobilizer. Now we’re dealing with the aftermath of a stolen vehicle that was recovered damaged due the the negligence of Hyundai. They should have to cover expenses associated with their negligence. They knew about the issue with the lack of engine immobilizer.

NHTSA ODI #11514280

Mileage unknown · Mar 26, 2023
Electrical SystemStructure

When doors are unlocked, driver door outside handle will not open the door. It can be opened from the inside. No safety concern currently. Problem was reproducible by dealer technician and he stated he has a similar issue and showed me to hit below the handle with my fist. This is not a fix! When we took our Tucson for a warra…

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When doors are unlocked, driver door outside handle will not open the door. It can be opened from the inside. No safety concern currently. Problem was reproducible by dealer technician and he stated he has a similar issue and showed me to hit below the handle with my fist. This is not a fix! When we took our Tucson for a warranty issue regarding the engine, we notified the technician of the problem and they failed to address the issue. This issue happened out of number-to-bumper warranty. I have read many forum articles by many owners that Hyundai will charge between &100 and $200 to diagnose the problem before fixing them charge for the component and labor to fix the issue. No warnings have appeared regarding the problem.

NHTSA ODI #11513879

Mileage unknown · Mar 22, 2023
Electrical SystemVisibility

In the past six months, three of the four window regulators on my 2016 Hyundai Tucson stopped working. Recently, one of my windows fell out while driving on the highway. Looks like this is a manufacturing defect as hundreds of complaints have been reported on the internet. The vehicle needs to be recalled as this seems to be a…

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In the past six months, three of the four window regulators on my 2016 Hyundai Tucson stopped working. Recently, one of my windows fell out while driving on the highway. Looks like this is a manufacturing defect as hundreds of complaints have been reported on the internet. The vehicle needs to be recalled as this seems to be a common problem in most 2016 Tucsons and poses significant risks while driving, especially on highways at high speeds. I’ve included some exact complaints for your reference here: https://www.vehiclehistory.com/questions/why-is-my-hyundai-tucson-2016-window-not-working-353123 I hope this problem gets resolved soon. Thank you.

NHTSA ODI #11513263

Mileage unknown · Nov 21, 2022
Electrical SystemVisibility

This vehicle model (Hyundai Tucson) is prone to breakdowns in power windows, especially front power windows, due to faulty gear in window regulator unit. Online forums are all complaining about this issue and the replacement part (regulator unit with motor) is being sold on Amazon and Ebay, a sure sign of high demand for the par…

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This vehicle model (Hyundai Tucson) is prone to breakdowns in power windows, especially front power windows, due to faulty gear in window regulator unit. Online forums are all complaining about this issue and the replacement part (regulator unit with motor) is being sold on Amazon and Ebay, a sure sign of high demand for the part. This is a dangerous safety issue as the first route of escape in an accident when door cannot be opened is the front windows. The cost to replace the part with labor is around $500 per window so many owners will rather live with the potentially dangerous issue without making repairs. There should be a recall issued by Hyundai to repair inoperable windows and to reimburse owners who have already made repairs.

NHTSA ODI #11494381

Mileage unknown · Nov 18, 2022
Electrical SystemVisibility

Without any warning, previous issues or unusual sounds, the REAR, passenger window would not roll up. I had a child in the backseat at the time, which was the first concern and the second being a security issue after the fact. In addition, after doing some research it sounds as though this is an ongoing issue with the Hyundai's …

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Without any warning, previous issues or unusual sounds, the REAR, passenger window would not roll up. I had a child in the backseat at the time, which was the first concern and the second being a security issue after the fact. In addition, after doing some research it sounds as though this is an ongoing issue with the Hyundai's (all windows) and should be considered for Manufacture Recall. Lastly(just as an "FYI")the replacement parts can not be found for the REAR window specifically which further confirms that the window motor &/or regulator in the Hyundai's are faulty.

NHTSA ODI #11494071

Mileage unknown · Nov 9, 2022
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion System

There have been several incidents where my Hyundai Tucson could have caused a major accident with another vehicle. The first time, I was driving down a hill and I barely could control the car. It began to jerk and I had to gradually steer it into another lane out of traffic. Another time, the oil just began to spout out from u…

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There have been several incidents where my Hyundai Tucson could have caused a major accident with another vehicle. The first time, I was driving down a hill and I barely could control the car. It began to jerk and I had to gradually steer it into another lane out of traffic. Another time, the oil just began to spout out from under the car while I was driving. It's still difficult keeping oil in the car, but the mechanic says there's no leak. Lastly. my engine light has been blinking off and on , and the mechanic changed the spark plugs and a number 2 coil, but I am still having engine problems. I was given the engine code P1326 from their diagnosis. Since purchasing the car with only about 43000 miles, I have had to replace the transmission, catalytic converter. get a tune up, spark plugs and a coil, and get the drivers side window fixed. All of this has come to over $5000, and now I'm told the engine needs to be replaced. Something about the camshaft.

NHTSA ODI #11492863

Mileage unknown · Nov 6, 2022
Electrical System

When locking all doors and then unlocking doors the passenger door will not open from the outside. You can open it from the inside however in an accident or fire, no one could open this door. Very dangerous and I have seen numerous complaints about the door locking/latch issues

NHTSA ODI #11492473

Mileage unknown · Oct 9, 2022
Electrical System

Window stuck in down position - forums full of this defect with repairs costing $500+ per window; windows protect you from weather and debris and when stuck up or down present a safety hazard.

NHTSA ODI #11488547

Mileage unknown · Sep 28, 2022
Electrical System

Window motors, modules and regulators go out frequently (shortly after warranty ends). This usually happens one window after another in short time & is a very costly fix of $500+ per window.

NHTSA ODI #11486904

Official recalls

5

20V543000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module

Sep 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury or crash.

Remedy: 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.

16V842000 · Electrical System:wiring; Trailer Hitches

Nov 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."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the trailer brake lights stay illuminated while being used, other drivers may be confused, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Trailer Hitches

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."

Consequence: If the trailer brake lights stay illuminated while being used, other drivers may be confused, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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.

Electrical System:wiring

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."

Consequence: If the trailer brake lights stay illuminated while being used, other drivers may be confused, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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.

16V628000 · Electrical System:software; 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Inability to move the vehicle while in traffic may increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Electrical System:software

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.

Consequence: Inability to move the vehicle while in traffic may increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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.

Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm)

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.

Consequence: Inability to move the vehicle while in traffic may increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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.

16V348000 · Latches/locks/linkages:hood:latch

May 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

16V147000 · Exterior Lighting:tail Lights

Mar 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."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Failure to illuminate the trailer's turn signal lights would prevent the communication of the driver's intent, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

DP22003 · Loss Of Motive Power

Opened Sep 12, 2022 · Closed Dec 12, 2023

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complaints were provided which alleged that the oil drain pans lack sufficient structural integrity and are susceptible to cracking. The petition itself can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI number 11481745. On September 12, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Defect Petition (DP22-003) to evaluate the Petitioners’ request. The Petitioners have provided additional complaints within four supplemental letters dated January 31, 2023, March 21, 2023, May 23, 2023, and August 4, 2023. ODI’s evaluation included the review and analysis of the complaints and supporting information submitted by the Petitioners, as well as additional complaints submitted directly to NHTSA which referenced either the oil drain plug or a crack in the oil pan. After reviewing the available data, ODI has not identified evidence that would support opening a defect investigation into the oil drain pan assemblies of the subject vehicles. Based on a review of the available information, a loss of motive power resulting from an oil drain plug back out has not occurred between the initial sale of a vehicle and the completion of its first oil change. If during an oil change service, a technician fails to remove the existing drain plug gasket before installing a new gasket, it is likely that a proper seal between the drain plug and the oil pan will not be made. An improper seal between the drain plug and oil pan could lead to the backing out on the drain plug, resulting in the sudden loss of oil while driving. Additionally, the provided examples of oil pan cracks were localized to the immediate vicinity of the oil drain plug and/or appeared to be the result of direct-contact with a tool during servicing.  There is no information to support that a vehicle-based defect exists relating to the oil pan assembly, and instead the documented incidents are related to the failure to follow the proper maintenance procedures during oil change service. In October 2023, Hyundai published a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) that provided detailed instructions for oil change service on its gasoline powered vehicles, specifically highlighting the need to remove and replace the existing drain plug gasket prior to reinstalling the drain plug. After a thorough review of the material submitted by the petitioner, the information already in NHTSA's possession, and the potential risks to motor vehicle safety implicated by the petitioners' allegations, NHTSA does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. Therefore, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA’s reasons for denial of the petition will be published. The reference numbers for the complaints to NHTSA cited by the petitioner can be found in the petition submission documents in the public file for DP22-003. To review those complaints and the additional complaints ODI added to its evaluation which are cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

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