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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 And Engine Cooling complaints

10 reports
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90,000 miles · Jan 7, 2026
EngineEngine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that after coming to a complete stop, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle went into LIMP Mode. In addition, the vehicle failed to accelerate above 30 MPH. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken…

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The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that after coming to a complete stop, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle went into LIMP Mode. In addition, the vehicle failed to accelerate above 30 MPH. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to several dealers. The contact was informed that the unknown hoses and the dipstick melted inside due to the engine overheating. The contact stated that the catalytic converter was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that the catalytic converter had been replaced three times since the first failure. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact was adding engine oil every two weeks. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The failure was a recurring failure, and the contact drove the vehicle intermittently due to the safety concerns. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

NHTSA ODI #11709514

Mileage unknown · Nov 17, 2025
Engine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle stalled, and there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine. The check engine warning lig…

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The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle stalled, and there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to Auto Zone, and a scanner was used to diagnose the vehicle. And it was determined that the catalytic converter had failed. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle with oil intrusion into the catalytic converter. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil, and an abnormal sound was coming from the engine. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled again. The contact was adding seven quarts of oil for every 3,000 miles driven. In addition, the catalytic converter failed to function as intended. No warning light was illuminated. The contact was concerned that the engine could fail. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI #11699943

113,000 miles · Jul 7, 2025
EngineEngine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at 55 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power and started vibrating abnormally. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact pulled over and was able to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehic…

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The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at 55 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power and started vibrating abnormally. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact pulled over and was able to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed and the contact was advised that the ignition coils, water pump, spark plugs, valve, oil filter, and the engine were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 113,000.

NHTSA ODI #11671795

65,000 miles · Aug 19, 2024
Engine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that there was a knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that the low oil and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle had been taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the engine oil had been total…

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The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that there was a knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that the low oil and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle had been taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the engine oil had been totally consumed. The contact was made aware of coolant intrusion into the engine and that the pistons were misfiring. The mechanic stated that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the Extended Warranty on the vehicle did not cover excessive oil consumption. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 65,000.

NHTSA ODI #11609418

90,000 miles · Feb 9, 2024
Engine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving 25 MPH, the vehicle stalled. There was a rattling sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle then entered LIMP Mode. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The driver was able to drive to the side of the road. The vehicle was …

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The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving 25 MPH, the vehicle stalled. There was a rattling sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle then entered LIMP Mode. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The driver was able to drive to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine had seized due to rod bearing failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer informed the contact there was no warranty coverage on the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact about an Extended Warranty coverage. The manufacturer was contacted and declined to authorize the repair. The contact stated that the failure was related to TSB Number: 22-01-023H-2 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

NHTSA ODI #11571030

Mileage unknown · Mar 30, 2023
EngineEngine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle almost stalled. The contact heard an abnormal popping sound. The contact stated that the vehicle began to lose motive power. The accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to respond. The contact then smelled an…

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The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle almost stalled. The contact heard an abnormal popping sound. The contact stated that the vehicle began to lose motive power. The accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to respond. The contact then smelled an abnormal burning odor. The contact stated that when she attempted to depress the brake pedal, the pedal became very stiff. The contact stated that the check engine and battery warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to pull off the roadway and the vehicle stalled. The contact had difficulty shifting the vehicle into park(P) and was unable to restart the vehicle. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V226000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI #11514680

133,000 miles · Aug 12, 2022
EngineEngine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle hesitated to respond while the RPM gauge was at 5000 RPM. Additionally, the vehicle emitted an abnormally loud sound and there was smoke coming from underneath the hood. The contac…

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The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle hesitated to respond while the RPM gauge was at 5000 RPM. Additionally, the vehicle emitted an abnormally loud sound and there was smoke coming from underneath the hood. The contact veered to the side of the road and noticed a trail of coolant and oil leak on the highway. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 133,000.

NHTSA ODI #11478967

140,963 miles · Jul 15, 2022
Engine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would stall upon depression of the accelerator pedal without warning. The contact initially took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where the catalytic converter, spark plugs, and coil packs were replaced. Eight month…

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The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would stall upon depression of the accelerator pedal without warning. The contact initially took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where the catalytic converter, spark plugs, and coil packs were replaced. Eight months later, the failure returned and the same mechanic informed her that the evaporated oil had melted the catalytic converter and referred her to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer on three separate occasions and each time the catalytic converter was replaced; however, despite the numerous replacements, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 140,963.

NHTSA ODI #11474156

94,000 miles · Aug 30, 2021
Engine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate over 20 MPH while driving. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and was diagnosed with a dirty catalytic converter. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent …

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The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate over 20 MPH while driving. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and was diagnosed with a dirty catalytic converter. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 94,000.

NHTSA ODI #11431023

70,000 miles · Aug 6, 2021
Engine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle experienced slow acceleration. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the catalytic converter, sparks plugs, and ignition coils needed to be replac…

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The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle experienced slow acceleration. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the catalytic converter, sparks plugs, and ignition coils needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The local dealer requested additionally testing on the engine. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

NHTSA ODI #11428075

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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