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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 · Nov 21, 2024
Engine

9/11/24 the 2016 Hyundai Tucson had a knock in the engine, the car was towed to beaverton Hyundai for inspection and I was told that it was Rod Bearing failure that caused engine failure and that this was a known issue for Hyundais Theta II engines and it would be $18k repair. Hyundai just settled a billion dollar class action l…

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9/11/24 the 2016 Hyundai Tucson had a knock in the engine, the car was towed to beaverton Hyundai for inspection and I was told that it was Rod Bearing failure that caused engine failure and that this was a known issue for Hyundais Theta II engines and it would be $18k repair. Hyundai just settled a billion dollar class action lawsuit for rod bearing failure where check engine and oil lights failed to illuminate. I asked for a PA to be submitted to Hyundai motors America, as suggested by my usual shop Dick’s Hillsboro Hyundai(whom didn’t have availability soon enough). The PA was denied stating “this is normal wear for a vehicle at 70k miles and it’s out of warranty.” This repair is not a cause my the consumer, but by a manufacturer defect. And I should not be expected to replace the engine at $15k after paying $20k 3 years ago when I bought the car. Hyundai is being negligent.

NHTSA ODI #11626648

Mileage unknown · Nov 15, 2024
Electrical SystemEngineService Brakes

Three weeks ago my dash board lit up like an orange Christmas Tree, with "ABS failure" warnings. I found the Hyundai recall notice in our car file. It said that when the dash warnings appeared, the danger of an engine fire was imminent and that should contact the Dealer that I bought the car from (Hyundai Motors- Naples, Flo…

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Three weeks ago my dash board lit up like an orange Christmas Tree, with "ABS failure" warnings. I found the Hyundai recall notice in our car file. It said that when the dash warnings appeared, the danger of an engine fire was imminent and that should contact the Dealer that I bought the car from (Hyundai Motors- Naples, Florida-USA). I did so. personally. An appt. was scheduled. This morning (Fri. 11/15/24)upon arrival, a pleasant young woman informed me that Hyundai sent out lots of notices like this, but they didn't apply to my vehicle. I showed her the recall notice with my car's Vin number printed on it. She went back to her boss who told her "We fixed that for him three years ago," Now, I am not certain of anything, but I NEVER brought the car in for an ABS system fix three years ago. I didn't know that I even had an "ABS" system until three weeks back, when the dash board lit up. Politely, I asked the young woman to bring my car back out, as we were done. She offered to make another appointment to "look" at the dash indicators." I said" No, we are done." So, now what do I do? Is the car safe to drive or not? I own and operate an older Hyundai Santa Fe as well. I would be appreciative of your advice. Thank you in advance for your cooperation. The Tucson is a good car. I just don't want it to blow up on me. [XXX] , Florida-USA INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11625605

Mileage unknown · Nov 7, 2024
Engine

While stopped at a traffic light trying to make a left turn. I pressed the gas pedal and I did not move. The engine revved up then kicked into second gear. The delay in shifting gears almost caused a crash. This has been an ongoing issue since I purchased the vehicle and surprisingly has not caused an accident yet. It alway…

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While stopped at a traffic light trying to make a left turn. I pressed the gas pedal and I did not move. The engine revved up then kicked into second gear. The delay in shifting gears almost caused a crash. This has been an ongoing issue since I purchased the vehicle and surprisingly has not caused an accident yet. It always seems to happen when I am waiting to make a left turn, stopped at a traffic light or stopped at a stop sign. There has to be a underlying issue with this type of engine. I am not the only one that complains about this issue. I feel like it is only a matter of time until this causes an accident. I do anticipate this happening while I am driving and try to give myself enough time when making a left turn for a slight delay in shifting into first gear.

NHTSA ODI #11623930

Mileage unknown · Nov 1, 2024
EnginePower TrainVehicle Speed Control

When accelerating, like taking off from a red light or through a turn, my car begins to shake like it’s unable to change gears correctly, and sometimes leads to the car stalling in the middle of the street and intersection putting my in danger of being hit from other drivers. It’s also happened that when I press the gas after be…

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When accelerating, like taking off from a red light or through a turn, my car begins to shake like it’s unable to change gears correctly, and sometimes leads to the car stalling in the middle of the street and intersection putting my in danger of being hit from other drivers. It’s also happened that when I press the gas after being stopped at a light, my car RPM goes up but I don’t move and then the car jolts forward quickly. This has been happening for years and when I take it to Hyundai they tell me “that’s just how the car runs” which seems incredibly unsafe.

NHTSA ODI #11623056

Mileage unknown · Oct 24, 2024
Engine

There two incidents where I was driving in the highway and my car died mid driving. It put my life on risk twice. Took it to the mechanic and was told that my car was leaking oil and caused my car to have an engine misfire. My car is un drivable. There were no engine or oil lights that appeared prior to the incident and I always…

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There two incidents where I was driving in the highway and my car died mid driving. It put my life on risk twice. Took it to the mechanic and was told that my car was leaking oil and caused my car to have an engine misfire. My car is un drivable. There were no engine or oil lights that appeared prior to the incident and I always got my regular oil changes and had put in more oil myself. Hyundai refused to pay to the engine replacement even through this is a known issue. I’ve only had the car for two years and it’s under 100k miles.

NHTSA ODI #11621704

Mileage unknown · Oct 3, 2024
EnginePower TrainUnknown Or Other

My backup, my reverse is not working after 30 minutes the car is running.

NHTSA ODI #11617800

Mileage unknown · Oct 1, 2024
Engine

Random engine failure. Our safety was put at risk because our car randomly stopped working while going 70 miles per hour on the interstate. The problem was confirmed by an independent service center. The vehicle has been inspected by an independent service center. Our check engine light came on and within 10 minutes our car was …

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Random engine failure. Our safety was put at risk because our car randomly stopped working while going 70 miles per hour on the interstate. The problem was confirmed by an independent service center. The vehicle has been inspected by an independent service center. Our check engine light came on and within 10 minutes our car was completely broke down on the side of the road.

NHTSA ODI #11617484

Mileage unknown · Sep 27, 2024
Engine

Ongoing engine problems with an oil consumption issue for the duration of first having the car (2021-2024). That is common with this year of Hyundai. Hyundai Dealership won’t replace engine until warranty is up and you are left with a car that doesn’t run and a quote for a $14k engine.

NHTSA ODI #11616803

Mileage unknown · Sep 26, 2024
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemUnknown Or Other

I had my top engine block (not sure why not a full engine replacement) replaced under warranty June 2023. Shortly after the fix my AC unit stopped working. Once I got my AC unit fixed, about 1.5 months after my engine was not performing. My car would not turn over and when it did, it was in limp mode and would not run properl…

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I had my top engine block (not sure why not a full engine replacement) replaced under warranty June 2023. Shortly after the fix my AC unit stopped working. Once I got my AC unit fixed, about 1.5 months after my engine was not performing. My car would not turn over and when it did, it was in limp mode and would not run properly. I had it towed to dealership who could not find the issue until after they took out of the bay and went to move it, it wouldn't start. They replaced the crankshaft positioning sensor and it wasn't covered under the extended warranty. The top engine block only has 10k warranty which is fast approaching. Took car home and when accelerated past 60 car shakes and when i brake car shakes. Now car cabin smells of gas. All cars with KM are having multiple issues. Dealership not calling back regarding gas issue and has not responded to if they touched my tires. Local Mechanic said all my wheels were unbalanced.

NHTSA ODI #11616561

Mileage unknown · Sep 9, 2024
Engine

-FIRST DIAGNOSED AS ROD BEARING FAILURE BY INDEPENDENT SERVICE CENTER. SECOND DIAGNOSIS OF ROD BEARING FAILURE MADE BY HYUNDIA DEALERSHIP. -COULD NOT ACCELERATE IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC, COULD NOT MOVE MY CAR TO SAFETY, TOW TRUCK HAD TO BE CALLED TO MOVE VEHICLE TO SAFETY, FURTHER TOWED TO INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP AND THEN TOWED…

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-FIRST DIAGNOSED AS ROD BEARING FAILURE BY INDEPENDENT SERVICE CENTER. SECOND DIAGNOSIS OF ROD BEARING FAILURE MADE BY HYUNDIA DEALERSHIP. -COULD NOT ACCELERATE IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC, COULD NOT MOVE MY CAR TO SAFETY, TOW TRUCK HAD TO BE CALLED TO MOVE VEHICLE TO SAFETY, FURTHER TOWED TO INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP AND THEN TOWED TO HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP. WAS REQUIRED TO PUT MYSELF IN DANGER (IN MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC) TO GET HELP. NO WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON, NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, AND NO LOW OIL LIGHT CAME ON. -CURRENTLY AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AT HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP. -MANUFACTURER DECLINED TO HELP SINCE NO RECALL LISTED FOR MY VEHICLE AND SINCE OUTSIDE WARRANTY PERIOD, THOUGH ALMOST ALL OTHER ENGINE MODELS FOR MY VEHICLE HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR THE EXACT SAME DIAGNOSIS (ROD BEARING FAILURE). -NO WARNING LAMPS WHATSOEVER TO NOTIFY ME OF ANYTHING BEING WRONG-BEFORE, DURING, OR AFTER MY CAR LOST ACCELERATION.

NHTSA ODI #11613417

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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