IllustrationRear passenger side door handle suddenly will not open from the inside or outside of the car. Only 34,000 miles on the car and rarely use the back seats or doors. Door handle worked fine and a short drive later no longer opens from inside or outside.
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 rear door will not open. The vehicle only has 52,000 miles and nothing was done to cause this failure. After research, his is a known issue with the Hyundai Tucson and could be a safety issue if passengers need to exit the vehicle quickly. The door actuator's in certain years of the Tucson are known to fail.
Rear passenger side door will no open from the inside or outside. Additionally, have to pull on the driver's side door forcefully at least three times in order to open when attempting to enter the vehicle. My safety and the safety of my passengers is in jeopardy if we are unable to exit or people are unable to properly enter th…
Read full complaint
Rear passenger side door will no open from the inside or outside. Additionally, have to pull on the driver's side door forcefully at least three times in order to open when attempting to enter the vehicle. My safety and the safety of my passengers is in jeopardy if we are unable to exit or people are unable to properly enter the vehicle in an emergency. There were no warnings provided by the vehicle before the issue began.
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that the passenger’s side rear door would not open when unlocked from either inside or outside the vehicle. The contact had not taken the vehicle to be diagnosed or repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaire…
Read full complaint
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that the passenger’s side rear door would not open when unlocked from either inside or outside the vehicle. The contact had not taken the vehicle to be diagnosed or repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000. The VIN was unavailable.
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that the driver’s side and both rear passenger’s side doors failed to open using the door handles from the outside with door locks unlocked. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was informed of …
Read full complaint
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that the driver’s side and both rear passenger’s side doors failed to open using the door handles from the outside with door locks unlocked. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and the contact was awaiting a response. The failure mileage was approximately 24,000.
My car is a 2016 hyundai tucson with about 24,000 miles on it and bought brand new. I have had multiple issues from the beginning. I would have issues with my car turning off then it would leave me in stuck and wouldn't excelerate and almost killed me multiple times so I had it in the shop for the third time. Finally, it was …
Read full complaint
My car is a 2016 hyundai tucson with about 24,000 miles on it and bought brand new. I have had multiple issues from the beginning. I would have issues with my car turning off then it would leave me in stuck and wouldn't excelerate and almost killed me multiple times so I had it in the shop for the third time. Finally, it was soo bad that they put a new transmission in under my almost expired 5 year warranty. My car has been doing better since the new transmission so that is good so far, but wanted to tell you since other ppl are struggling with this as well and should be a recall and we should not have to pay for it at all. Second complaint is that my car is NOW experiencing door lock issues which makes it a huge safety issue as well. It unlocks the actual button inside but the handle takes multiple pulls to open from the outside. So I had to crawl over to push the door open to get in the passenger side, sometimes it will NOT open at all which is very scary. It all sounds like these make and models are the pits when I google issues. So I am hoping to add this to a safety recall which it definitely should fall under one. Thank you for your time and consideration :)
The driver side window motor failed and window is stuck in the closed position. The front passenger window motor has failed and that window is stuck in the down position. Last, we are unable to open the driver side rear door where my daughter sits from the inside or outside. This is not only frustrating but a major safety iss…
Read full complaint
The driver side window motor failed and window is stuck in the closed position. The front passenger window motor has failed and that window is stuck in the down position. Last, we are unable to open the driver side rear door where my daughter sits from the inside or outside. This is not only frustrating but a major safety issue for occupants in the vehicle.
The back drivers side door will not open. Can not get child out of car in an emergency situation because the door can not be unlocked or opened. This seems to be a problem for other Hyundai Tuscons. There was no warning about this issue. I went to open the door to let my child out and the door could not be opened.
The Doors are failing. Eventually, the actuator fails and cables stretch due to use. The door cannot be opened from the inside nor the outside. In an emergency situation where a door needs to be opened from the exterior even when the doors are unlocked, an emergency responder would not be able to access the vehicle. Additionally…
Read full complaint
The Doors are failing. Eventually, the actuator fails and cables stretch due to use. The door cannot be opened from the inside nor the outside. In an emergency situation where a door needs to be opened from the exterior even when the doors are unlocked, an emergency responder would not be able to access the vehicle. Additionally, if the vehicle had an emergency situation where the occupants of the vehicle needed to disembark the vehicle, the vehicle doors do not open even though child locks are no engaged. This is a very serious and high risk of concern and issue and must be brought forward for review and resolved as soon as possible. Bringing this vehicle to the dealership for repairs does not always guarantee proper repair. If the actuators are at fault and that is being replaced with the same Original Equipment Manufacture parts, this is going to be an ongoing issue possibly deadly.
2016 Hyundai Tucson rear passenger door is stuck closed. When door has been unlocked, door cannot be opened either from the inside or the outside of the vehicle using the door handles. The Passenger becomes trapped inside the car and should something happen, they cannot exit the car immediately if needed. Someone on the outsid…
Read full complaint
2016 Hyundai Tucson rear passenger door is stuck closed. When door has been unlocked, door cannot be opened either from the inside or the outside of the vehicle using the door handles. The Passenger becomes trapped inside the car and should something happen, they cannot exit the car immediately if needed. Someone on the outside of the car is unable to open the door to assist any passenger trapped inside. A dealer or independent service has not yet reproduced or confirmed the problem and I will be contacting my dealer to have them address the issue. However, after researching this problem, I found numerous posts complaining that this fix is very costly and it is possible that all four doors will experience this same problem soon. At this time, no manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others have inspected the vehicle but based on the numerous complaints online, this issue should already be a recall on these vehicles. The only symptom was that the door did not open once it had been unlocked.
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.