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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 3, 2022
EngineFuel/propulsion System

3 safety concerns with the vehicle- 1) - the front passenger side door will not open from time to time when unlocked- you need to crank on the out side and inside handle at times to get the door to open. This is a concern if I were to ever get into an accident. The locking mechanism has had to be repaired on both rear doors f…

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3 safety concerns with the vehicle- 1) - the front passenger side door will not open from time to time when unlocked- you need to crank on the out side and inside handle at times to get the door to open. This is a concern if I were to ever get into an accident. The locking mechanism has had to be repaired on both rear doors for the same issue- potentially keeping a passenger from exiting the vehicle in the case of an emergency. 2) the car jerks when accelerating from a complete stop every single time you drive - and you have to put your foot way down (like slamming down) on the gas pedal in order to get up to the right speed… (I have never had to do this in the other 4 vehicles we own - only in the Hyundai) 3) oil consumption concern. The car is using way too much oil then it should. I change the oil every 5000 miles and it is going into Hyundai 2/4/2022 in West Allis, WI for an oil change - (and to get the passenger door fixed) I had to add oil on 2/2/2022 because the oil level warning light came on - and it was almost empty. I’ll be requesting an oil consumption test. This should be covered by Hyundai due to this being a safety concern with the engine. This has been the worst vehicle e have ever owned. I have 3 daughters that drive this vehicle and it scares me thinking that if one were to ever get into an accident that they or one of their friends would be seriously injured - for either A- not being able to get out of the vehicle or B- the engine starting on fire due to the oil consumption problem.

NHTSA ODI #11450097

Mileage unknown · Feb 2, 2022
Engine

1. January 7, 2022 my vehicle began to lose engine power, as I began to try and find a place to pull over safely, the car stalled. It would not immediately start again for several hours. It had to be pushed out of the way. The engine failed due to wear of connecting rod bearings with no previous indication of engine issues. 2.…

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1. January 7, 2022 my vehicle began to lose engine power, as I began to try and find a place to pull over safely, the car stalled. It would not immediately start again for several hours. It had to be pushed out of the way. The engine failed due to wear of connecting rod bearings with no previous indication of engine issues. 2. Due to the sudden stall and having to push the vehicle to a safe location, myself and passengers could have easily been hit by another vehicle. 3. A dealership has confirmed the failed rod bearings. 4. The vehicle's engine has been inspected and photos taken by the dealership and submitted to Hyundai corporate. 5. It was not until the car stalled that the oil light illuminated. When I started the car back up several hours later, all lights were gone and no error codes were present. There was no previous warning lights before this incident.

NHTSA ODI #11449916

Mileage unknown · Jan 23, 2022
Engine

The engine has Rod Bearing failure. The engine is a Gamma GDI 1.6 L engine- the same engine that was recalled from the Veloster, for this problem but the Tuscon was not included in the recall. Hyundai has stated they recalled the Gamma GDI 1.6 L due to metal shavings being left in the engine during production that overtime creat…

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The engine has Rod Bearing failure. The engine is a Gamma GDI 1.6 L engine- the same engine that was recalled from the Veloster, for this problem but the Tuscon was not included in the recall. Hyundai has stated they recalled the Gamma GDI 1.6 L due to metal shavings being left in the engine during production that overtime created wear on the rod bearings leading to failure and engine failure. (Which is exactly what is wrong with my vehicle) Hyundai has said they will not fix my engine, and that it is out of warranty. It has been inspected by 2 local mechanics who have confirmed the diagnosis, I have called Hyundai corporate and the local Hyundai dealerships who have provided no help and requested $250 to even look at my vehicle. The oil light came on right before the engine started knocking and it was taken directly to a mechanic. I purchased this vehicle 1 year ago from a reputable used car dealership who will not help me either, the vehicle is now out of warranty, and I still owe $17,000 on the loan. A new engine is $10,000. Hyundai needs to step up and fix this issue.

NHTSA ODI #11448518

Mileage unknown · Jan 21, 2022
Engine

Failed intake valve/compression valve. It is currently at the dealer I bought it from. I was driving in traffic and it had no power at all. I was almost rear ended several times trying to coast off the road. The dealer took the engine apart and put it back together 3 times and informed me that it will need a new motor. There wer…

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Failed intake valve/compression valve. It is currently at the dealer I bought it from. I was driving in traffic and it had no power at all. I was almost rear ended several times trying to coast off the road. The dealer took the engine apart and put it back together 3 times and informed me that it will need a new motor. There were no warnings at all before this happened. The dealer nor Hyundia has tried to work with me on the cost. The purchase price was $14,000 and they want to charge $8000 for a new motor. I am still paying for the SUV that isnt running.

NHTSA ODI #11448411

107,727 miles · Jan 19, 2022
Engine

The contact's son owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while his son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, and the dealer replaced the spark plugs; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was then …

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The contact's son owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while his son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, and the dealer replaced the spark plugs; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was then towed to Wiesner Hyundai (1645 Interstate 45 N, Conroe, TX 77304) and diagnosed with engine failure, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact to take the vehicle to a dealer. The failure mileage was 107,727.

NHTSA ODI #11448053

Mileage unknown · Jan 13, 2022
EngineUnknown Or Other

This same oil leak issue has been addressed at least 6 times and is worse than its ever been. 1-16-20 9-12-20 1-8-21 1-22-21 5-17-21 9-10-21 The Oil pan was replaced on 09-10-21 at 109,331 miles. At around 2,000 mile after this service noticed oil spots again in my driveway, it seems to be leaking in the same spot. I called …

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This same oil leak issue has been addressed at least 6 times and is worse than its ever been. 1-16-20 9-12-20 1-8-21 1-22-21 5-17-21 9-10-21 The Oil pan was replaced on 09-10-21 at 109,331 miles. At around 2,000 mile after this service noticed oil spots again in my driveway, it seems to be leaking in the same spot. I called for an appointment on November 1 to have it looked at and you were about a month out, so I had to make an appointment for November 29th. The problem seems to be getting worse and I dont feel comfotable driving it. I called service twice in the last week and was advised to leave it in case an appointment opens up. Please see service history, check, and advise. I have a college visit with my son in Maryland on November 15 and had to rent a vehicle.

NHTSA ODI #11447362

Mileage unknown · Jan 11, 2022
Engine

The Engine block overheated and seized causing a connecting rod to break and eject from the bottom of the vehicle. I was driving down a highway when this happened with no indication or check light of the problem on the dashboard. I heard a snapping noise which was the connecting rod breaking and then ejecting out of the engine a…

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The Engine block overheated and seized causing a connecting rod to break and eject from the bottom of the vehicle. I was driving down a highway when this happened with no indication or check light of the problem on the dashboard. I heard a snapping noise which was the connecting rod breaking and then ejecting out of the engine and then the engine smoked, and the car immediately lost acceleration on a packed highway and had I not responded quickly - I would have caused a serious accident. I had the car towed to a repair shop initially and they diagnosed it as engine seizure with massive engine failure and they told me to send it to Hyundai dealer in Algonquin IL, which was where they confirmed the diagnosis - it seemed suspicious to me as I have had all maintenance done with Hyundai besides my tires. They told me the engine overheated and seized which caused the connecting rods to snap, I had visited my dealership recently the prior month for an oil change and they did not indicate any major problems with my vehicle. The car had to be towed to my local dealership McGrath City Hyundai as I have no way to drive to the other dealership as it was so far way. I'm waiting now almost half a year for an engine replacement and no word from the manufacturer or dealership on this matter.

NHTSA ODI #11447080

75,000 miles · Jan 6, 2022
EngineFire

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at 65 - 70 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and there was smoke coming from the bottom of the vehicle. Additionally, the vehicle made abnormal sounds. Upon the vehicle being placed onto the tow truck, there was oil leaking from underneath the vehicle…

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The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at 65 - 70 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and there was smoke coming from the bottom of the vehicle. Additionally, the vehicle made abnormal sounds. Upon the vehicle being placed onto the tow truck, there was oil leaking from underneath the vehicle onto the ground. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and diagnosed with rod bearing failure in the lower part of the engine, which caused a hole in the engine block. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

NHTSA ODI #11446511

39,055 miles · Jan 6, 2022
EngineLatches/locks/linkagesService Brakes

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving 55-60 mph, she heard an abnormal noise. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that she was able to park on the side of the road before the vehicle was seized. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to h…

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The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving 55-60 mph, she heard an abnormal noise. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that she was able to park on the side of the road before the vehicle was seized. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to her residence. The vehicle was then towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the engine to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, started to experience failure with the brakes. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer and was informed that the VIN was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V543000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulics). The dealer completed the recall repair however, the failure with the brakes recurred. Additionally, the rear driver’s side door failed to open. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 39,055.

NHTSA ODI #11446469

92,933 miles · Jan 3, 2022
Engine

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while his daughter was driving 25 MPH, she heard an abnormal noise. The contact stated multiple unknown warning lights were illuminated. The driver was able to park on the side of the road. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to another daughters'…

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The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while his daughter was driving 25 MPH, she heard an abnormal noise. The contact stated multiple unknown warning lights were illuminated. The driver was able to park on the side of the road. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to another daughters' apartment. The contact spoke to the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The dealer had the vehicle towed to their location to be diagnosed which was still pending. The vehicle was not repaired but was pending repairs. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 92,933.

NHTSA ODI #11445924

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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