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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

Engine complaints

423 reports
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Mileage unknown · Feb 18, 2022
Engine

The engine has been consuming too much oil for a few months now. Most recently, an oil change was done on 2/17/2022 after driving 879 miles by an independent mechanic, and there was only 2.5 quarts of oil left. This occurred after the Hyundai dealer said that it passed an oil consumption test. Also on two occasions, the dashboar…

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The engine has been consuming too much oil for a few months now. Most recently, an oil change was done on 2/17/2022 after driving 879 miles by an independent mechanic, and there was only 2.5 quarts of oil left. This occurred after the Hyundai dealer said that it passed an oil consumption test. Also on two occasions, the dashboard lights and headlights went out while driving, then came back on moments after. This has not been replicated. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request.

NHTSA ODI #11452867

100,000 miles · Feb 18, 2022
Engine

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact’s son stated that while stopped, there was a knocking sound coming from the engine. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted via the telephone and informed of the failure; the dealer suggested that the vehicle be bro…

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The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact’s son stated that while stopped, there was a knocking sound coming from the engine. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted via the telephone and informed of the failure; the dealer suggested that the vehicle be brought to the dealer for assistance. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

NHTSA ODI #11452722

Mileage unknown · Feb 17, 2022
EngineUnknown Or OtherFire

On Friday, September 11, 2022, I had just returned from running errands. I parked the car, which had no warning lights on whatsoever, and exited the vehicle. A few seconds later, smoke started streaming out from under the hood. I popped the hood but did not open it, and started toward the house to get some water, thinking that s…

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On Friday, September 11, 2022, I had just returned from running errands. I parked the car, which had no warning lights on whatsoever, and exited the vehicle. A few seconds later, smoke started streaming out from under the hood. I popped the hood but did not open it, and started toward the house to get some water, thinking that something was overheated. Before I had taken ten steps, flames were shooting out from the hood. I called 911, but before the fire department arrived, part of my house also caught fire. It has been inspected by the fire marshal and my insurance company.

NHTSA ODI #11452621

Mileage unknown · Feb 14, 2022
EngineUnknown Or OtherCrash

Car started eating oil after 110K miles. Seems as if 2 quarts low in 3,000 miles between oil changes. Started carrying extra oil and checking level during and after long trips. at 140,000 miles the turbo charger failed and engine failed in the middle of pulling out of a parking lot. No lights on instrument panel ever lit up …

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Car started eating oil after 110K miles. Seems as if 2 quarts low in 3,000 miles between oil changes. Started carrying extra oil and checking level during and after long trips. at 140,000 miles the turbo charger failed and engine failed in the middle of pulling out of a parking lot. No lights on instrument panel ever lit up until 40 miles before the engine failed. Oil light never came on as engine oil was burned up in the turbo. Car is now dead and needs a new engine. Internet posts show numerous Hyundai owners with the 1.9 liter turbo engine experiencing the same problem.

NHTSA ODI #11451895

Mileage unknown · Feb 11, 2022
Engine

Car was driving fine. I started going up a moderate hill and car stalled out with no warning, right in the middle of a busy highway. Was able to get finally get it started to pull onto side of road, it had a loud knocking sound and engine light and oil light came on that time. I had it towed to my mechanic who said it had absolu…

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Car was driving fine. I started going up a moderate hill and car stalled out with no warning, right in the middle of a busy highway. Was able to get finally get it started to pull onto side of road, it had a loud knocking sound and engine light and oil light came on that time. I had it towed to my mechanic who said it had absolutely no oil. I have not found any evidence of oil leaking in my driveway or parking lot at work. It never gave any warning that engine needed serviced or oil was low. It now needs a total engine replacement. I am the second owner so of course I have no warranty. Car has 81,000 miles on it, had 75,000 when I bought it 4 months ago. Never dreamed I would be dealing with replacing an engine after 4 months. Since this has happened, I have read so many complaints of these cars doing the exact same thing to so many owners, I have lost count. A recall needs to be done, Hyundai needs to own up and address whatever flaw is causing this problem over and over again. Had I been on the interstate ( where I was heading) or driving in city traffic, I could have been killed. This problem is not just frustrating, it is also dangerous.

NHTSA ODI #11451536

Mileage unknown · Feb 10, 2022
Engine

#1 - The door handles on all doors have started taking several pulls on the handle to open. The left passenger side is no longer able to be opened from the inside of the car. This moved to all doors and it takes numerous tries on the other 3 doors from the inside or outside to be able to get the doors opened. #2 - We bought…

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#1 - The door handles on all doors have started taking several pulls on the handle to open. The left passenger side is no longer able to be opened from the inside of the car. This moved to all doors and it takes numerous tries on the other 3 doors from the inside or outside to be able to get the doors opened. #2 - We bought this car used from the original owner with 99k miles on it. We know the owner personally and they did regular maintenance on the engine. After 6 months of owning and putting on 3000 miles on the vehicle the engine has blown. When we bought the car we changed all the fluids and did an initial oil flush and put in synthetic oil and did another oil change before the 3000 mile mark, again with synthetic oil. The check engine light came on while driving and oil light started flickering and the engine also started knocking. We had the vehicle towed to a mechanic and they said to contact Hyundai as they've had several blown engines that came through their shop and that Hyundai was doing a massive recall. Towed the car to Hyundai and they took 3 weeks to look at the car and said that due to poor maintenance the engine blew and they could replace the engine for $13k and this engine wasn't covered in the extended warranty. They took a video of the oil chamber and it had sledge and said no coverage due to poor maintenance and our VIN also wasn't on the recall list. After doing research it looks like several others are having issues with oil problems, sludge and blown engines.

NHTSA ODI #11451361

Mileage unknown · Feb 8, 2022
Engine

Engine failed and had to be replaced.

NHTSA ODI #11451089

Mileage unknown · Feb 8, 2022
Engine

We purchased a 2016 Hyundai Tuscon in July 2020 from Key Hyundai Milford Ct. We have become aware of serious engine problems with the vehicle such as, severe oil consumption, sudden stalling and loss of power at traffic stops, loud continuous rattling from the engine compartment. We took the vehicle to a mechanic her in Pittsbu…

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We purchased a 2016 Hyundai Tuscon in July 2020 from Key Hyundai Milford Ct. We have become aware of serious engine problems with the vehicle such as, severe oil consumption, sudden stalling and loss of power at traffic stops, loud continuous rattling from the engine compartment. We took the vehicle to a mechanic her in Pittsburgh where we now live and were told that there appears to be a serious problem with connecting rods and that we may end up having to replace the engine at our own expense. We have had this vehicle for only 3,00 miles and one and a half years, we were never notified of the engine issues. We were assured that the vehicle had been well maintained and was in perfect condition. We are writing to see if this its under the CT Lemon Law and/or if there specific remedies that we can pursue. We tried contacting the dealership but we received absolutely no assistance and washed their hands of any responsibility. Thank you in advance for any assistance that you can provide, [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ODI #11451013

Mileage unknown · Feb 8, 2022
Engine

Engine failure at approximately 80,000 miles. No oil observed in engine, dipstick smelled of burnt plastic, no grit or sludge observed on dipstick or exterior of engine, no smell of burnt oil or blue smoke from tailpipe. Audible engine slap, no check engine lights were illuminated in dash, oil light flickers on for less than…

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Engine failure at approximately 80,000 miles. No oil observed in engine, dipstick smelled of burnt plastic, no grit or sludge observed on dipstick or exterior of engine, no smell of burnt oil or blue smoke from tailpipe. Audible engine slap, no check engine lights were illuminated in dash, oil light flickers on for less than 3 seconds after engine turned over. Mechanic identified engine failure and also noted there was no oil in the engine, recommended we call Hyundai corporate office. Engine near seizure, as a result, if engine seizes, this could potentially bring the vehicle to an abrupt stop at highway speeds and can result in a catastrophic accident or engine fire. Engine still under warranty, dealership attempting to say engine failure caused by "sludge issue", but no proof of engine sludge found upon inspection. Oil change records provided to dealership upon request. Hyundai corporate was called, given the run-around.

NHTSA ODI #11450969

Mileage unknown · Feb 5, 2022
Engine

I purchased the car in June 2021and took the car back within the month due to the driver door having issues locking and unlocking. Today on 2/5/22 as i was driving my car on the express way my engine light,battery light and oil light came on and my car began to shake. As i got off the express way my car cut off in the middle of …

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I purchased the car in June 2021and took the car back within the month due to the driver door having issues locking and unlocking. Today on 2/5/22 as i was driving my car on the express way my engine light,battery light and oil light came on and my car began to shake. As i got off the express way my car cut off in the middle of traffic while i had 2 kids in the car in the city of Houston…. In October i was told that i was having oil consumption issues and was having to take my car back every 1,000 miles. And then was told that’ll it’ll be $900 to get a decombustion cleaning. I am unsure of why my car has stopped today. I’ll be back to let y’all know.

NHTSA ODI #11450623

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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