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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

Power Train complaints

516 reports
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Mileage unknown · Dec 6, 2023
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train

Vehicle has 101k miles on it, just over the 100k Hyundai warranty. Vehicle began shaking and sputtering while driving, and check engine light illuminated, I was able to get it to a local mechanic. Mechanic said it had multiple codes (P300, P302, and P304). They did a compression test and said the engine has internal failure a…

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Vehicle has 101k miles on it, just over the 100k Hyundai warranty. Vehicle began shaking and sputtering while driving, and check engine light illuminated, I was able to get it to a local mechanic. Mechanic said it had multiple codes (P300, P302, and P304). They did a compression test and said the engine has internal failure and should be replaced; quoted 13k to replace. I had it towed to the Hyundai dealership where I bought it, and they are investigating it. The service manager told me even with perfect maintenance records, Hyundai will likely deny a goodwill claim to replace the engine. Looking at all these engine failure complaints for this year model, it is clear this is an ongoing problem and Hyundai needs to issue a recall.

NHTSA ODI #11558759

Mileage unknown · Dec 5, 2023
Power Train

Failing Transmission including inability to engage reverse and slipping gears while shifting.

NHTSA ODI #11558630

Mileage unknown · Nov 12, 2023
EnginePower Train

51k miles and engine went out on the highway. No lights or warnings until afterwards. We were able to safely pull over onto the shoulder and had the vehicle towed to the dealer for servicing.

NHTSA ODI #11554760

Mileage unknown · Oct 23, 2023
Power Train

I already had a recall scheduled 4 days before this accident but 2 days before the engine failure I heard a ticking in the engine , didn’t think much of it because the engine was still running ( 93k miles on the car) so I was going to tell the dealer the problem when I took it for the recall fix appointment but on the way home m…

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I already had a recall scheduled 4 days before this accident but 2 days before the engine failure I heard a ticking in the engine , didn’t think much of it because the engine was still running ( 93k miles on the car) so I was going to tell the dealer the problem when I took it for the recall fix appointment but on the way home my car instantly went from 70-30 in the middle of the highway I had the car towed to the Hyundai Dealer and they said rod had broke and said also something about the oil being dirty when I literally had the oil changed days before , but end result my 2nd owners warranty didn’t cover the vehicle even with rod failures being a recurring problem with my trim. They told me a new engine would be 13,500k while still owing 10k on the vechile has but me in a difficult situation

NHTSA ODI #11551283

Mileage unknown · Sep 4, 2023
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train

I bought a used 2016 Hyundai Tucson locally. Had the car 3 days, & both rear window actuators had to be replaced. Had the car a week, oil pump/pan seal failed. Then the rear seal fail. Then the boot on the right CV joint failed. The aAC started blowing hot on the passenger side, while cold on the driver side, but I DON’T have du…

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I bought a used 2016 Hyundai Tucson locally. Had the car 3 days, & both rear window actuators had to be replaced. Had the car a week, oil pump/pan seal failed. Then the rear seal fail. Then the boot on the right CV joint failed. The aAC started blowing hot on the passenger side, while cold on the driver side, but I DON’T have dual controls for the temperature & it’s full. Bluetooth randomly connects/disconnects. Gas gauge is inaccurate says 40 miles left & then suddenly your light is on & it says you’ve 20. REPEATEDLY replaced my brake light bulbs/front turn signal bulbs, several times within a few months of each other, often on the same side. Having my phone plugged into the charging ports, the phone often overheats to the point of being too hot to touch. Even placed out of the sun’s rays, & shaded. Must pull front passenger door 2x externally before it will open. RR passenger door you can pull all day/push from inside /outside, doesn’t matter, WON’T OPEN.The car is equipped with a CVT, which allows you to shift manually if needed. Then the transmission refused to shift automatically. No codes would show. Today car died on me in the middle of the road, while I was turning, check engine is on, & car refuses to start. I was almost hit by cross traffic from both directions. A few people drove around me, before two very nice young men pushed my car out of the middle of the road onto the shoulder of a county road, on a holiday weekend. If not for a Good Samaritan, I’d have been walking 6 miles home in the dark. I’m almost 50, & a woman, & diabetic. The car has plenty of oil & coolant. Tried putting the car in neutral, still won’t start. Air filter is clean. Battery is good. Says it has gas; 40 miles til empty. Car tries to turn over but won’t catch. Tachometer will barely register to the line above zero, & even giving it gas makes NO difference. Have been told it is the timing & transmission. Dealer won’t honor extended warranty. Car has “just” passed Hyundai warranty.

NHTSA ODI #11542439

Mileage unknown · Aug 26, 2023
EnginePower Train

I have been to multiple Hyundai dealerships, and opened about 3 to 4 Hyundai consumer cases; for WELL known engine problems. My vehicle has failed oil tests and combustion tests done by Hyundai dealers. Springfield Hyundai/ Genesis kept my vehicle for 5 months claiming they found issues with the engine that was consistent with t…

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I have been to multiple Hyundai dealerships, and opened about 3 to 4 Hyundai consumer cases; for WELL known engine problems. My vehicle has failed oil tests and combustion tests done by Hyundai dealers. Springfield Hyundai/ Genesis kept my vehicle for 5 months claiming they found issues with the engine that was consistent with the other vehicles recalled for obsessive oil consumption. After their findings, Hyundai corporate decided not to do any repairs, after 5 months! They claim my vehicle is out of warranty and can not carry through the goodwill repair/replacement. Hyundai corporate and I have proof of my engine complaints and failed oil tests before 100,000mi warranty expired (which is why Hyundai submitted a goodwill repair request on my behalf took the car in the first place). My vehicles VIN is not included in engine recall, nor the theft recall. My car has been driven away from the key fob multiple times through the years; indicating it can be stolen. My last communication with a Hyundai dealership, the service manager informed me that engines that have already failed can be submitted. Basically I and others that are trying to be proactive, will have to wait until the engine fails and possibly cause an accident, injuring or killing people!! Due to this fear myself and others have to check and get more frequent oil changes and travel with oil in the trunk to keep the engine from locking up on the highway. This vehicle continues stalling, hesitating, losing power, and loud knock engine noise. I have been complaining of the bad DCT system since 2017 (2nd complaint written to NHTSA). Before my limited warranty was expired I've been denied by corporate even when the dealership found issues and admitted Hyundai is screwing over thousands of people and I am just another one. I have every work order and oil change from day one, that indicates that I kept up with the maintenance of my vehicle. I believe Hyundai is not including VIN#s that should be included in recall

NHTSA ODI #11540950

Mileage unknown · Aug 14, 2023
EnginePower Train

I recently purchased a 2016 Hyundai Tucson, Limited 1.6T. After a few weeks of driving I noticed it would shake when at a stoplight. It also loses acceleration and 'skips' when making turns, going over speed bumps or just taking off from a complete stop. There have also been times that I press the accelerator pedal and the car d…

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I recently purchased a 2016 Hyundai Tucson, Limited 1.6T. After a few weeks of driving I noticed it would shake when at a stoplight. It also loses acceleration and 'skips' when making turns, going over speed bumps or just taking off from a complete stop. There have also been times that I press the accelerator pedal and the car doesn't move. After researching I discovered this is a known issue and Hyundai issued a Technical Service Bulletin (number 21-AT-014H) in August 2021 instead of a recall. My vehicle had less than 40K miles on it when I purchased it (from a non-Hyundai used dealership) I took my car to a Hyundai service center, when I explained the problems to a technician, he suspected he knew exactly what the problem was. I chose to have them perform a "judder" test to confirm and the tech was right, it did in fact fail the judder test. In order to fix this issue, I have to have the entire clutch assembly replaced for approximately $2500. This issue is a huge safety risk and I believe Hyundai should issue a recall and fix this issue at no charge to the vehicle owner. I have read hundreds of similar complaints, they know there is a problem, they know how to fix the problem, the financial burden should not fall on the consumer.

NHTSA ODI #11538466

Mileage unknown · Aug 9, 2023
Power Train

When coming from a stop and trying to accelerate the transmission slips and makes a strange noise. After a few seconds of releasing the gas pedal, it will drive again normally. It is intermittent and happens from either a full stop to first or first to second (while stuck in traffic). My vehicle should be included in the dual c…

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When coming from a stop and trying to accelerate the transmission slips and makes a strange noise. After a few seconds of releasing the gas pedal, it will drive again normally. It is intermittent and happens from either a full stop to first or first to second (while stuck in traffic). My vehicle should be included in the dual clutch transmission recall that is available for other vehicles.

NHTSA ODI #11537430

94,000 miles · Aug 4, 2023
EnginePower Train

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to reverse. After several attempts, the vehicle worked as designed. While approaching a stop, the vehicle was jerking. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failu…

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The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to reverse. After several attempts, the vehicle worked as designed. While approaching a stop, the vehicle was jerking. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 94,000.

NHTSA ODI #11536472

Mileage unknown · Jul 28, 2023
EnginePower Train

Excessive oil consumption NM, replaced catalytic converter twice. Losing power again. 122450 miles. Trans mission slipping, not shifting into higher gear. Gas mpg down to 19mpg. Unsafe on highway, loses speed and revs too high

NHTSA ODI #11534983

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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