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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

Structure complaints

227 reports
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Mileage unknown · May 18, 2021
Structure

The passenger side front and rear doors can no longer be opened either from the inside or outside even when th vehicle is unlocked. The mechanism that activates the latches seems to be working as it can be heard on both doors, but the latches themselves seem to fail frequently. This results in a safety hazard since exiting the v…

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The passenger side front and rear doors can no longer be opened either from the inside or outside even when th vehicle is unlocked. The mechanism that activates the latches seems to be working as it can be heard on both doors, but the latches themselves seem to fail frequently. This results in a safety hazard since exiting the vehicle in case of an accident where the the only side that's not blocked is the right one becomes impossible except by crawling through the door windows which may not fit the occupant(s).

NHTSA ODI #11417694

Mileage unknown · May 14, 2021
Structure

BOTH REAR DOORS WILL NOT OPEN NEITHER FROM THE OUTSIDE OR THE INSIDE, THE DOOR ACTUATORS FAILED 3 MONTHS APART. I'M VERY CONCERN CHILDERN ARE INVOLVED, AND I AM NOT SAFETY CONFIDENT WITH THE OTHER TWO FRONT DOORS! THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY MATTER - HYUNDAI HAS DONE NOTHING TO CORRECT THE ISSUE EXCEPT REPLACE THE ACTUATORS WIT…

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BOTH REAR DOORS WILL NOT OPEN NEITHER FROM THE OUTSIDE OR THE INSIDE, THE DOOR ACTUATORS FAILED 3 MONTHS APART. I'M VERY CONCERN CHILDERN ARE INVOLVED, AND I AM NOT SAFETY CONFIDENT WITH THE OTHER TWO FRONT DOORS! THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY MATTER - HYUNDAI HAS DONE NOTHING TO CORRECT THE ISSUE EXCEPT REPLACE THE ACTUATORS WITH THE SAME STYLE FAULTY ACTUATORS THAT WILL FAIL AGAIN - THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE FOR SAFETY OF MY FAMILY

NHTSA ODI #11416526

28,110 miles · May 13, 2021
Structure

DOORS WON'T OPEN. DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR IS FAULTY. CURRENT REPLACEMENT DOES NOT FIX... AND PROBLEM REPEATS. HYUNDAI NEEDS TO FIX AND RECALL. THIS IS A WIDE SPREAD PROBLEM FOR THIS CAR AND A CRAZY SAFETY ISSUE!

NHTSA ODI #11416445

82,000 miles · May 8, 2021
Structure

THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR DOOR SUDDENLY WOULD NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE. THE CHILD LOCK WAS DISENGAGED, AND NO AMOUNT OF LOCKING/UNLOCKING WOULD FIX IT. WE WERE IN THE CAR AND IT WORKED NORMALLY, THEN WHEN WE ARRIVED TO OUR DESTINATION COULD NOT GET MY KIDS OUT. THERE IS NO DAMAGE TO THE DOOR HANDLE FROM THE INSIDE OR OU…

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THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR DOOR SUDDENLY WOULD NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE. THE CHILD LOCK WAS DISENGAGED, AND NO AMOUNT OF LOCKING/UNLOCKING WOULD FIX IT. WE WERE IN THE CAR AND IT WORKED NORMALLY, THEN WHEN WE ARRIVED TO OUR DESTINATION COULD NOT GET MY KIDS OUT. THERE IS NO DAMAGE TO THE DOOR HANDLE FROM THE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE. IT HAPPENED OUT OF NOWHERE. THIS IS INCREDIBLY DANGEROUS, AS NOT ONLY COULD I BIT GET MY KIDS OUT QUICKLY IN AN EMERGENCY, I ALSO CAN'T LET THEM OUT CURBSIDE, AND AM FORCED TO PULL THEM OUT OF THE BACK SEAT WITH CARS FLYING BY. I HAVE MAJOR CONCERNS WITH ALL OF THE REMAINING DOORS FAILING, AND IT SEEMS LIKE THIS IS A CHRONIC WIDESPREAD ISSUE WITH HYUNDAI VEHICLES, AND TUCSONS IN PARTICULAR. I'M FEARFUL THAT THE DOORS WILL JUST SEIZE UP AND WE WON'T BE ABLE TO GET OUT OF THE CAR.

NHTSA ODI #11415640

58,900 miles · May 5, 2021
Power TrainStructure

REAR PASSENGER DOOR WILL NOT UNLOCK FROM INSIDE OR OUTSIDE. TRANSMISSION SOMETIMES PAUSES WHEN YOU START TO PULL OFF.

NHTSA ODI #11415221

65,000 miles · May 4, 2021
Structure

REAR PASSENGER DOORS FAIL TO OPEN FROM THE INSIDE AND OUTSIDE. PROBLEM OCCURRED WITHOUT ANY PRECIPITATING EVENTS TO BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT HAND REAR PASSENGER DOORS WITHIN MONTHS OF EACH OTHER. DEALER HAS ACKNOWLEDGED THAT THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THIS CAR. LOCKING MECHANISM, ACTUATOR, ASSEMBLY REQUIRED REPLACEMENT.

NHTSA ODI #11415122

55,000 miles · May 2, 2021
Structure

REAR PASSENGER DOOR WILL NOT OPEN. IT LOCKS/UNLOCKS WITHOUT AN ISSUE, BUT THE INSIDE AND OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLES DO NOT WORK. MY CHILD COULD BE TRAPPED IN THE CAR IN AN EMERGENCY. THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY.

NHTSA ODI #11414811

73,500 miles · Apr 30, 2021
Structure

THE DOOR ACTUATORS STOP WORKING AND YOU ARE NOT ABLE TO OPEN THE DOOR USING THE INSIDE OR THE OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLES. YOU CAN HEAR THEM UNLOCK, BUT THE DOOR STILL WILL NOT OPEN. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY CONCERN IF THERE WERE TO BE AN EMERGENCY WHERE THE CAR NEEDED TO BE EVACUATED. THIS HAPPENS WHEN THE CAR IS STATIONARY, WHETHER I…

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THE DOOR ACTUATORS STOP WORKING AND YOU ARE NOT ABLE TO OPEN THE DOOR USING THE INSIDE OR THE OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLES. YOU CAN HEAR THEM UNLOCK, BUT THE DOOR STILL WILL NOT OPEN. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY CONCERN IF THERE WERE TO BE AN EMERGENCY WHERE THE CAR NEEDED TO BE EVACUATED. THIS HAPPENS WHEN THE CAR IS STATIONARY, WHETHER IT IS OFF OR THE ENGINE IS RUNNING.

NHTSA ODI #11414554

69,000 miles · Apr 28, 2021
Structure

REAR VEHICLE DOORS WOULD NOT OPEN EITHER FROM THE INSIDE OR THE OUTSIDE, PROGRESSIVE IN NATURE OVER THE COURSE OF SEVERAL MONTHS. AT THE TIME OF REPAIR, THE DOOR WOULDN'T OPEN. MY ELDERLY MOTHER WITH LIMITED MOBILITY WAS STUCK IN THE BACK OF THE CAR FOR OVER AN HOUR UNTIL I WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR DOOR OPEN. IF MY MOTHER WAS…

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REAR VEHICLE DOORS WOULD NOT OPEN EITHER FROM THE INSIDE OR THE OUTSIDE, PROGRESSIVE IN NATURE OVER THE COURSE OF SEVERAL MONTHS. AT THE TIME OF REPAIR, THE DOOR WOULDN'T OPEN. MY ELDERLY MOTHER WITH LIMITED MOBILITY WAS STUCK IN THE BACK OF THE CAR FOR OVER AN HOUR UNTIL I WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR DOOR OPEN. IF MY MOTHER WAS IN AN EMERGENT MEDICAL SITUATION, I DON'T KNOW HOW WE WOULD HAVE GOTTEN HER OUT. I CAN'T IMAGINE IF A MOTHER WITH YOUNG CHILDREN AND CAR SEATS WOULD MANAGE IN A SAFETY SITUATION. THIS COULD BE A SITUATION BETWEEN LIFE AND DEATH. THE HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP WAS ONLY MINIMALLY SUPPORTIVE OF THIS. IT IS NOT ACCEPTABLE TO PAY $898.23 TO BE ABLE TO OPEN AND CLOSE THE DOORS ON A CAR THAT IS LESS THAN 5 YEARS OLD. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY SITUATION THAT HAS BEEN REPORTED OVER AND OVER AGAIN ACROSS MANY CAR WEBSITES. WE HAVE BEEN A LONGTIME HYUNDAI CUSTOMER, AND FIND THE LACK OF RECALL FOR SUCH A GLARING SAFETY SITUATION UNACCEPTABLE. AT SOME POINT, SOMEONE WILL LOSE THEIR LIFE BECAUSE OF THIS. I STRONGLY URGE THAT THIS MATTER BE LOOKED INTO IN DEPTH, AND THAT THIS WOULD RESULT IN A SAFETY RECALL. I HAVE THE DOCUMENTS FROM THE DEALERSHIP FOR THE REPAIR TO THE DOORS THAT SPECIFICALLY STATE THEIR CONCERNS FOR THIS BEING A SAFETY ISSUE. BEING ABLE TO GET INTO AND OUT OF A CAR SAFELY IS NOT A LUXURY, IT IS A NECESSITY. TO PAY NEARLY 1,000 DOLLARS TO DO SO IS NOT ACCEPTABLE, AND A PROBLEM TRUST WITH HYUNDAI PRODUCTS. I STRONGLY URGE YOUR ORGANIZATION TO LOOK INTO THE HUGE AND GROWING NUMBER OF HYUNDAI TUSCON SUVS THAT HAVE THIS PROBLEM, AND TO INITIATE A SAFETY RECALL.

NHTSA ODI #11414368

Mileage unknown · Apr 26, 2021
Structure

NEITHER BACK DOOR WILL OPEN FROM INSIDE OR OUTSIDE. MY DRIVER DOOR HANDLE TAKES TWO PULLS TO OPEN AFTER BEING UNLOCKED. MY SECOND ROW IS ESSENTIALLY NON-USABLE. I HAVE SEEN HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ISSUE WITH HYUNDAI'S YET HAVE NOT SEEN A RECALL FOR THEM. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY HAZARD.

NHTSA ODI #11414016

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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