IllustrationThe contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that the passenger’s side rear door failed to open without warning. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 68,880. The VIN was invalid.
2016 Hyundai Tucson
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most Tucson years
Owner complaints for the 2016 Hyundai Tucson are substantially higher than the model-year median of 180.5.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Tucson years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
3990–25K
12925–50K
16050–75K
8375–100K
56100–150K
5150K+
832 reports with mileage · 785 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Power Train. Review the 516 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Engine. Review the 423 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Structure. Review the 227 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
14 crash reports24 fire reports6 injury reports
Latches/locks/linkages complaints
157 reportsThe contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact attempted to open the rear driver’s side door from the inside and the door failed to open. The contact exited the vehicle from the rear passenger’s side door. The next day the contact attempted to open the door and the rear drive…
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The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact attempted to open the rear driver’s side door from the inside and the door failed to open. The contact exited the vehicle from the rear passenger’s side door. The next day the contact attempted to open the door and the rear driver’s and passenger’s side door would not open. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000.
Both of my rear doors will not open. It started with the rear passenger side door and as of two days ago now my rear driver side door will not open either. I am also having some problems with my driver door, sometimes it won’t open until the second try. I searched online and this seems to be a common problem. This is a safety co…
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Both of my rear doors will not open. It started with the rear passenger side door and as of two days ago now my rear driver side door will not open either. I am also having some problems with my driver door, sometimes it won’t open until the second try. I searched online and this seems to be a common problem. This is a safety concern, I am not sure how there isn’t a recall for this.
Back rear doors do not unlock. No matter how many times you press the unlock button they just do not unlock. Nothing has been done to the doors or just started out of no where. This is a huge safety problem. If there is a crash or emergency there's no way for the back doors to open. It started with one door and now the second …
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Back rear doors do not unlock. No matter how many times you press the unlock button they just do not unlock. Nothing has been done to the doors or just started out of no where. This is a huge safety problem. If there is a crash or emergency there's no way for the back doors to open. It started with one door and now the second is doing the same thing. You have to either push the door in trying to get in or pull the door towards you if your trying to get out. I looked into this and there are several other complaints about the same thing.
Once my car door is unlocked from the outside it WILL NOT open! My son also owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson and the SAME thing is happening. I have been hearing of this happening for many, many more Hyundai owners. IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE as one is unable to get into the car or get out of the car. This could pose a risk in the event tha…
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Once my car door is unlocked from the outside it WILL NOT open! My son also owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson and the SAME thing is happening. I have been hearing of this happening for many, many more Hyundai owners. IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE as one is unable to get into the car or get out of the car. This could pose a risk in the event that my granddaughter is stuck in the car under dangerous circumstances or that I am or if someone with a physical limitation is in the car...needing to quickly exit the car OR even to quickly gain entrance to the car. I have read other owners' posts about the blasé, even bored, responses from Hyundai and that just diagnosing the issue costs around $100. Also, even if the car is still in warranty and the item is replaced, one still has to pay for labor! It will also cost around $4000 to get all 4 doors repaired. RIDICULOUS!! While this is a major inconvenience, it also puts the driver and passengers in DANGEROUS risk of injury just to get out of the car! Hyundai HAS AN OBLIGATION TO MAKE THEIR VEHICLES SAFE. This should be a safety recall and 100% covered by Hyundai. Thank you
We have had 3 doors malfunction to the point where they can't be opened (even from the inside) and need to be repaired. This is a safety issue because it could prevent safe exit from the car in the event of an accident. This is a commonly reported issue with 2016 Tucsons and should be the subject of a recall. For more informati…
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We have had 3 doors malfunction to the point where they can't be opened (even from the inside) and need to be repaired. This is a safety issue because it could prevent safe exit from the car in the event of an accident. This is a commonly reported issue with 2016 Tucsons and should be the subject of a recall. For more information see here: https://www.hyundai-forums.com/threads/rear-passenger-door-wont-open.603329/page-4
Very common problem in the 2016 Hyundai Tucson that is a safety hazard. The locking mechanism becomes unresponsive and the doors can only be unlocked from within. The driver door in this vehicle specifically can no longer be unlocked from the outside. In case of an emergency situation the driver would ne be able to be pulled by …
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Very common problem in the 2016 Hyundai Tucson that is a safety hazard. The locking mechanism becomes unresponsive and the doors can only be unlocked from within. The driver door in this vehicle specifically can no longer be unlocked from the outside. In case of an emergency situation the driver would ne be able to be pulled by opening the door, the window must be broken or someone else must enter the vehicle to unlock the driver side door from within, assuming the doors are unlocked.
First, in 2019, my front driver’s side door stopped working. I could only open it from the inside if I kept my doors unlocked and eventually couldn’t open it at all and I had to crawl in and out of the passenger seat when it wasn’t working. The dealership repaired it because it was under warranty but I still had to pay for every…
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First, in 2019, my front driver’s side door stopped working. I could only open it from the inside if I kept my doors unlocked and eventually couldn’t open it at all and I had to crawl in and out of the passenger seat when it wasn’t working. The dealership repaired it because it was under warranty but I still had to pay for everything but the part. Now, In 2021 my front passenger door is doing the same thing. What’s worse? My rear passenger door won’t open AT ALL. I have two children and I have to pull them out of the window on occasion. We had to pull over on the freeway in an emergency and I had to PULL MY CHILDREN OUT OF THE WINDOW. If we’re in an accident I’m terrified of what will happen since we can’t use half of the doors. This is a major safety issue and I’m terrified for my family to use this vehicle. Since my warranty expired 3 months before the second and third door had the issue, it’s going to cost me over $1400 to get this repaired. I’m a single mother of two and this is causing hardship in addition to the safety issue. I’m getting it repaired and I can update with the invoice of the repairs.
In late 2020 my airbag had to be replaced for numerous malfunctions, at the same time my passenger side front door would not open on the first try with the key fob. 8 months later, now my driver door is doing the same thing and I'm no longer under warranty. It's ridiculous this isn't a recall with so many similar complaints. My …
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In late 2020 my airbag had to be replaced for numerous malfunctions, at the same time my passenger side front door would not open on the first try with the key fob. 8 months later, now my driver door is doing the same thing and I'm no longer under warranty. It's ridiculous this isn't a recall with so many similar complaints. My doors unlock but still won't open until I tug on it numerous times. If it stops working completely it is a real safety hazard.
Rear passenger door will not open from inside or out. This happened with no warning. Grandchild was in rear seat and could not get out. This is a safety issue. The door actuators should be recalled.
Official recalls
520V543000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module
Sep 4, 2020
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) recalled certain 2019-2021 Tucson vehicles on September 4, 2020. On December 30, 2020, Hyundai expanded the recall population, and added certain 2016-2018 Tucson vehicles. The Anti-lock Brake Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) could corrode internally and cause an electrical short, possibly resulting in an engine compartment fire.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury or crash.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the HECU fuse. For 2019-2021 model years, the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) software will also be updated. Recall repairs will be performed free of charge. Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures as a precaution until the recall repair is complete. The recall began November 2, 2020. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 195.
16V842000 · Electrical System:wiring; Trailer Hitches
Nov 21, 2016
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Tucson vehicles manufactured May 19, 2015, to November 14, 2016, and 2017 Santa Fe vehicles manufactured November 28, 2015, to November 14, 2016. The affected vehicles may be equipped with an accessory trailer hitch wiring harness that, due to a malfunction of the tow hitch module, may result, in the trailer brake lights being constantly illuminated. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the trailer brake lights stay illuminated while being used, other drivers may be confused, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected accessory trailer hitch wiring harnesses, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 13, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 153.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Trailer Hitches
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Tucson vehicles manufactured May 19, 2015, to November 14, 2016, and 2017 Santa Fe vehicles manufactured November 28, 2015, to November 14, 2016. The affected vehicles may be equipped with an accessory trailer hitch wiring harness that, due to a malfunction of the tow hitch module, may result, in the trailer brake lights being constantly illuminated. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence: If the trailer brake lights stay illuminated while being used, other drivers may be confused, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected accessory trailer hitch wiring harnesses, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 13, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 153.
Electrical System:wiring
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Tucson vehicles manufactured May 19, 2015, to November 14, 2016, and 2017 Santa Fe vehicles manufactured November 28, 2015, to November 14, 2016. The affected vehicles may be equipped with an accessory trailer hitch wiring harness that, due to a malfunction of the tow hitch module, may result, in the trailer brake lights being constantly illuminated. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence: If the trailer brake lights stay illuminated while being used, other drivers may be confused, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected accessory trailer hitch wiring harnesses, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 13, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 153.
16V628000 · Electrical System:software; Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
Aug 30, 2016
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2016 Tucson vehicles manufactured May 20, 2015 through May 31, 2016 and equipped with a 7-speed EcoShift Dual Clutch Transmission. Certain driving conditions and high temperatures may cause the vehicle to not move if the accelerator pedal is pressed and released repeatedly.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Inability to move the vehicle while in traffic may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will update the Transmission Control Module software, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on October 28, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for this recall is 149.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Electrical System:software
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2016 Tucson vehicles manufactured May 20, 2015 through May 31, 2016 and equipped with a 7-speed EcoShift Dual Clutch Transmission. Certain driving conditions and high temperatures may cause the vehicle to not move if the accelerator pedal is pressed and released repeatedly.
Consequence: Inability to move the vehicle while in traffic may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will update the Transmission Control Module software, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on October 28, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for this recall is 149.
Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2016 Tucson vehicles manufactured May 20, 2015 through May 31, 2016 and equipped with a 7-speed EcoShift Dual Clutch Transmission. Certain driving conditions and high temperatures may cause the vehicle to not move if the accelerator pedal is pressed and released repeatedly.
Consequence: Inability to move the vehicle while in traffic may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will update the Transmission Control Module software, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on October 28, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for this recall is 149.
16V348000 · Latches/locks/linkages:hood:latch
May 24, 2016
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2016 Tucson vehicles manufactured May 19, 2015 to March 14, 2016. In the affected vehicles, if the primary hood latch has been released, and the vehicle is driven, the secondary hood latch may not hold adequately secure the hood to prevent it from opening while the vehicle is in motion.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the primary hood latch is inadvertently released and the secondary latch cannot secure the hood, the hood may unexpectedly open while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the secondary hood latch, free of charge. The recall began on June 30, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 145.
16V147000 · Exterior Lighting:tail Lights
Mar 10, 2016
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2016 Hyundai Tucson vehicles manufactured May 26, 2015 to January 15, 2016 and equipped with an accessory trailer hitch harness either included with the accessory trailer hitch or sold as a service part. In the affected vehicles, when the vehicle's engine is running and the brake lights are illuminated, if the turn signal is activated, the trailer turn signal lights will either turn off or remain continuously illuminated (not flash). As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard Number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Failure to illuminate the trailer's turn signal lights would prevent the communication of the driver's intent, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will update the tow hitch harness, free of charge. The recall began on May 2, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9640. Hyundai's number for this recall is 142.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
1DP22003 · Loss Of Motive Power
Opened Sep 12, 2022 · Closed Dec 12, 2023
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complaints were provided which alleged that the oil drain pans lack sufficient structural integrity and are susceptible to cracking. The petition itself can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI number 11481745. On September 12, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Defect Petition (DP22-003) to evaluate the Petitioners’ request. The Petitioners have provided additional complaints within four supplemental letters dated January 31, 2023, March 21, 2023, May 23, 2023, and August 4, 2023. ODI’s evaluation included the review and analysis of the complaints and supporting information submitted by the Petitioners, as well as additional complaints submitted directly to NHTSA which referenced either the oil drain plug or a crack in the oil pan. After reviewing the available data, ODI has not identified evidence that would support opening a defect investigation into the oil drain pan assemblies of the subject vehicles. Based on a review of the available information, a loss of motive power resulting from an oil drain plug back out has not occurred between the initial sale of a vehicle and the completion of its first oil change. If during an oil change service, a technician fails to remove the existing drain plug gasket before installing a new gasket, it is likely that a proper seal between the drain plug and the oil pan will not be made. An improper seal between the drain plug and oil pan could lead to the backing out on the drain plug, resulting in the sudden loss of oil while driving. Additionally, the provided examples of oil pan cracks were localized to the immediate vicinity of the oil drain plug and/or appeared to be the result of direct-contact with a tool during servicing. There is no information to support that a vehicle-based defect exists relating to the oil pan assembly, and instead the documented incidents are related to the failure to follow the proper maintenance procedures during oil change service. In October 2023, Hyundai published a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) that provided detailed instructions for oil change service on its gasoline powered vehicles, specifically highlighting the need to remove and replace the existing drain plug gasket prior to reinstalling the drain plug. After a thorough review of the material submitted by the petitioner, the information already in NHTSA's possession, and the potential risks to motor vehicle safety implicated by the petitioners' allegations, NHTSA does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. Therefore, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA’s reasons for denial of the petition will be published. The reference numbers for the complaints to NHTSA cited by the petitioner can be found in the petition submission documents in the public file for DP22-003. To review those complaints and the additional complaints ODI added to its evaluation which are cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.