IllustrationSimilar to other owners my car has been burning oil at a higher-than-normal rate. Because of this, there has been a carbon build-up causing my engine to start misfiring and stop working while driving on the interstate.
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.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Tucson years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
3990–25K
12925–50K
16050–75K
8375–100K
56100–150K
5150K+
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
Engine complaints
423 reportsWas driving on the highway and my car wouldn't go above 45mph, then check engine light and oil pressure lights came on. Pulled over on the shoulder and checked the oil and it was low oil by about 2 quarts. I checked the oil about 3 weeks prior and had no issues with oil loss and had no lights ever come on the dash prior. Had t…
Read full complaint
Was driving on the highway and my car wouldn't go above 45mph, then check engine light and oil pressure lights came on. Pulled over on the shoulder and checked the oil and it was low oil by about 2 quarts. I checked the oil about 3 weeks prior and had no issues with oil loss and had no lights ever come on the dash prior. Had to get towed home because the car was sputtering and would accelerate. The car is inoperable now and needs engine repair.
My engine has 98,000 miles and is burning two quarts of oil every 1000 miles. I have no visible oil leaks.
My car was having issues with the engine making a rattling sound and having difficulty accelerating. About a week after the symptoms came up, my car died on the side of the road. I am so lucky I was in a neighborhood and not on the freeway. No lights came on at all until 10-20 seconds before it died. I was able to get my car to …
Read full complaint
My car was having issues with the engine making a rattling sound and having difficulty accelerating. About a week after the symptoms came up, my car died on the side of the road. I am so lucky I was in a neighborhood and not on the freeway. No lights came on at all until 10-20 seconds before it died. I was able to get my car to the dealership and was told I'd need a new engine. Although I bought it used, I've only had this car for four months. I'm hoping Hyundai places the 2016 Tucson under recall as many others seems to have similar issues.
THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN WELL MAINTAINED. HAVE RECEIPTS FOR MOST ALL SERVICES. AT AROUND 90,000 MILES, THE CAR STARTED "BURNING OIL" AND NEEDED FREQUENT TOP OFFS. AT 108,000 MILES, I HAVE CAR SERVICED AND STARTED A ROAD TRIP. IN LESS THAN 40 MILES, IT STARTED TO SHUDDER AND MISS FIRE ON THE INTERSTATE. CAUSING LOSS OF POWER AND CO…
Read full complaint
THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN WELL MAINTAINED. HAVE RECEIPTS FOR MOST ALL SERVICES. AT AROUND 90,000 MILES, THE CAR STARTED "BURNING OIL" AND NEEDED FREQUENT TOP OFFS. AT 108,000 MILES, I HAVE CAR SERVICED AND STARTED A ROAD TRIP. IN LESS THAN 40 MILES, IT STARTED TO SHUDDER AND MISS FIRE ON THE INTERSTATE. CAUSING LOSS OF POWER AND CONTROL. FORTUNATELY, I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER SAFELY OFF INTERSTATE 40. I DID NOT DRIVE FURTHER AND HAD CAR TOWED BACK TO TOWN. AT DEALERSHIP, I WAS TOLD "ENGINE FAILURE" DUE TO 2ND CYLINDER LOSS OF COMPRESSION, AND NEW ENGINE IS ONLY OPTION. I WAS DENIED ANY SERVICE UNDER WARRANTY DUE TO BEING OVER 100,000 MILES. THE DEALERSHIP WILL NOT WORK WITH ME ON VARIANCE OR GOODWILL GESTURE. I HAVE SEEN IN ONLINE FORUMS THAT THIS IS HAPPENING TO OTHER OWNERS. THE VEHICLE WAS WELL MAINTAINED AND NEVER GAVE ANY HINT OF THE PENDING FAILURE. I AM FILING THIS AS FORMAL COMPLAINT AND SAFETY HAZARD WITH THIS VEHICLE.
I have 3 issues. #1. The transmission fails to shift only at certain times resulting in high RPM's on level road. #2. Engine has knocking noise at idle after having the engine knock sensor installed. #3 right, rear passenger door will not open from inside, or outside in spite of inside latch being manually opened or attemptin…
Read full complaint
I have 3 issues. #1. The transmission fails to shift only at certain times resulting in high RPM's on level road. #2. Engine has knocking noise at idle after having the engine knock sensor installed. #3 right, rear passenger door will not open from inside, or outside in spite of inside latch being manually opened or attempting to open with key fob activation.
The engine is consuming more than 1 quart of oil every 1000 miles. This began around 100000 miles at 1 quart per thousand miles and has since progressed to 1 quart every 500--800 miles. I found this problem when my oil pressure light came on as I was going around a curve. I checked my oil level and it was not visible on the stic…
Read full complaint
The engine is consuming more than 1 quart of oil every 1000 miles. This began around 100000 miles at 1 quart per thousand miles and has since progressed to 1 quart every 500--800 miles. I found this problem when my oil pressure light came on as I was going around a curve. I checked my oil level and it was not visible on the stick. My engine was 3 quarts low 3000 miles since the last oil change. This has been going on since April of 2021. My steering column makes a significant rattling noise and jiggles up and down when going over bumps. This has been going on since about the 80000 mile mark which was around April 2020. My local shop confirmed there was something likely worn out and needing replacement, perhaps the entire steering column.
My car has been consuming oil at a higher than normal rate. The engine light came on and they told me it was a PCV valve. My oil smells. I put in 2-4 quarts in-between a 3,000 mile oil change. Even though the recommended oil change for my engine is 4500 miles. So with a standard 5 quart oil change plus 3-5 more quarts, my car is…
Read full complaint
My car has been consuming oil at a higher than normal rate. The engine light came on and they told me it was a PCV valve. My oil smells. I put in 2-4 quarts in-between a 3,000 mile oil change. Even though the recommended oil change for my engine is 4500 miles. So with a standard 5 quart oil change plus 3-5 more quarts, my car is consuming 7-10 quarts every 3,000 miles. This is not normal. I have started the Oil Consumption Test with Hyundai in NW Arkansas at Crain Hyundai and was told my powertrain warranty is now up to 120,000 mile warranty. I did not know this Hyindai Corp. never informed me. Also, I have paid out of pocket for every new oil change I've needed for the last 20,000 miles and oil in-between. Yesterday, while I saw the dipstick was under the L the tech told me it was within normal range. How is this possible? My car has gone into Limp Mode a few times because of the oil problem.
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer due to excessive oil leaking. The contact stated that the vehicle was diagnosed with an engine failure and the contact was informed that the engine needed to be rebuilt. The vehicle was repaired under warranty however, the failur…
Read full complaint
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer due to excessive oil leaking. The contact stated that the vehicle was diagnosed with an engine failure and the contact was informed that the engine needed to be rebuilt. The vehicle was repaired under warranty however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not diagnosed after the recent failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 99,000.
I have a 2016 Hyundai Tucson and under warrantee they replaced the transmission. But it has never been right. Hyundai has had a multitude of problems with this transmission and it should have been recalled, but was not! Now it has problems again and I've asked Hyundai corporate for help but all they say is its up to the goodwi…
Read full complaint
I have a 2016 Hyundai Tucson and under warrantee they replaced the transmission. But it has never been right. Hyundai has had a multitude of problems with this transmission and it should have been recalled, but was not! Now it has problems again and I've asked Hyundai corporate for help but all they say is its up to the goodwill (translation generosity) of the Hyundai dealer in Charlotte. So I am screwed. I need help contacting the government agency that can do something to help me.
Official recalls
520V543000 · 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
1DP22003 · 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.