IllustrationI'M HAVING TROUBLE WITH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE DOORS TO WHERE THEY ARE HARD TO OPEN. I UNLOCK THE DOORS AND I HAVE TO PULL THE DOOR LATCH SEVERAL TIMES SO THEY CAN OPEN.
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
Unknown Or Other complaints
261 reportsTHE BACK PASSENGER DOOR HAS STOPPED OPENING. IT WILL NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE. THE DRIVER DOOR AND THE PASSENGER DOOR WILL ALSO NOT OPEN FROM THE OUTSIDE UNLESS THE HANDLE HAS BEEN PULLED MULTIPLE TIMES. EVIDENTLY THIS IS A PROBLEM HAPPENING TO LOTS OF 2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON DRIVERS. DOORS ARE THE MOST BASIC THING THAT S…
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THE BACK PASSENGER DOOR HAS STOPPED OPENING. IT WILL NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE. THE DRIVER DOOR AND THE PASSENGER DOOR WILL ALSO NOT OPEN FROM THE OUTSIDE UNLESS THE HANDLE HAS BEEN PULLED MULTIPLE TIMES. EVIDENTLY THIS IS A PROBLEM HAPPENING TO LOTS OF 2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON DRIVERS. DOORS ARE THE MOST BASIC THING THAT SHOULD BE EXPECTED TO WORK. THIS VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT. THERE'S NO REASON FOR THEM TO STOP WORKING. THE CAR IS STATIONARY AND CAN BE ON OR OFF WHEN THIS HAPPENS.
THE BACK DOOR ON THE PASSENGER SIDE WILL NOT OPEN. THE LOCK IS WORKING, BUT THE DOOR WILL NOT OPEN. THE CHILD LOCKS ARE NOT ON. I HAVE READ MANY COMPLAINTS FROM OTHER OWNERS REGARDING THIS SAME ISSUE.
THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR WILL NOT OPEN. THE LOCK CLICKS AND THE DOOR SOUNDS AS IF IT IS LOCKING AND UNLOCKING, BUT THE DOOR ITSELF DOESN'T ACTUALLY OPEN. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN A PARKING LOT WHEN THIS ISSUE WAS DISCOVERED. I'VE TRIED OPENING THE DOOR WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS ON AND OFF.
HAVING TURNED ONTO THE SUBDIVISION STREET TOWARDS OUR HOUSE, MY HUSBAND NOTICED A CHEMICAL SMELL. HE ROLLED DOWN THE CAR WINDOW AND THE SMELL WAS MORE INTENSE, SO HE ASSUMED IT WAS COMING FROM THE OUTSIDE .AFTER ABOUT 1/4 MILE DRIVE, HE ATTEMPTED TO TURN RIGHT ONTO THE STREET TOWARDS OUR HOUSE, BUT HAD TROUBLE WITH THE STEERING.…
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HAVING TURNED ONTO THE SUBDIVISION STREET TOWARDS OUR HOUSE, MY HUSBAND NOTICED A CHEMICAL SMELL. HE ROLLED DOWN THE CAR WINDOW AND THE SMELL WAS MORE INTENSE, SO HE ASSUMED IT WAS COMING FROM THE OUTSIDE .AFTER ABOUT 1/4 MILE DRIVE, HE ATTEMPTED TO TURN RIGHT ONTO THE STREET TOWARDS OUR HOUSE, BUT HAD TROUBLE WITH THE STEERING. AT THAT POINT THE WINDOW STATED TO FOG UP. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ON THE DASH. HOWEVER HE DECIDED TO PULL THE CAR TO THE SIDE AND OUT OF THE STREET AND ONTO AN EMPTY LOT. THERE WERE POPPING SOUNDS AND HE SAW SPARKS COMING FROM THE HOOD. HE MANAGED TO GET OUT OF THE CAR JUST IN TIME TO ESCAPE THE ENSUING FLAMES. LUCKILY, HE WAS NOT DRIVING ON A BUSY STREET OR HIGHWAY!. THERE WAS NO WARNING RE THE FIRE AND THE CAR WAS WELL MAINTAINED SO WHAT WAS THE REASON?
ISSUE WITH FRONT PASSENGER AND REAR PASSENGER DOORS - THEY WILL NOT OPEN FROM THE OUTSIDE OR INSIDE DUE TO AN ISSUE WITH THE LATCH INSIDE THE DOOR. THIS CAN BE EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND COULD EVEN RESULT IN A FATALITY IF YOU WERE IN AN ACCIDENT. IMAGINE IF THE CAR WAS ON FIRE AND NEITHER YOU NOR EMS COULD GET YOU OUT! I HAVE TWO S…
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ISSUE WITH FRONT PASSENGER AND REAR PASSENGER DOORS - THEY WILL NOT OPEN FROM THE OUTSIDE OR INSIDE DUE TO AN ISSUE WITH THE LATCH INSIDE THE DOOR. THIS CAN BE EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND COULD EVEN RESULT IN A FATALITY IF YOU WERE IN AN ACCIDENT. IMAGINE IF THE CAR WAS ON FIRE AND NEITHER YOU NOR EMS COULD GET YOU OUT! I HAVE TWO SMALL CHILDREN AND IF I NEEDED TO GET THEM OUT OF THE CAR QUICKLY DUE TO A MEDICAL EMERGENCY, I WOULDN'T BE ABLE TO DO SO. THIS SHOULD SERIOUSLY BE LOOKED INTO AS A RECALL AND ANYONE WHO'S HAD TO PAY FOR THIS TO BE REPAIRED SHOULD BE REIMBURSED. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE AND SHOULD BE COVERED BY THE DEALERSHIP/MANUFACTURER
REAR DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR WILL NOT UNLOCK OR OPEN MANUALLY. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY RISK.
MY DRIVER'S SIDE PASSENGER DOOR WILL NO LONGER OPEN FROM NEITHER THE OUTSIDE OR INSIDE. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AS I HAVE TWO CHILDREN IN CARSEATS WHO RIDE IN THE BACK. THIS HAS ALSO BEEN A EXTREME INCONVENIENCE AS I HAVE TO CLIMB OVER ONE CHILD TO BUCKLE IN THE OTHER. WE WERE TOLD THIS WILL COST AN UPWARDS OF $1000 TO FIX, BUT T…
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MY DRIVER'S SIDE PASSENGER DOOR WILL NO LONGER OPEN FROM NEITHER THE OUTSIDE OR INSIDE. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AS I HAVE TWO CHILDREN IN CARSEATS WHO RIDE IN THE BACK. THIS HAS ALSO BEEN A EXTREME INCONVENIENCE AS I HAVE TO CLIMB OVER ONE CHILD TO BUCKLE IN THE OTHER. WE WERE TOLD THIS WILL COST AN UPWARDS OF $1000 TO FIX, BUT THIS INDEED A SAFETY ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE RECALLED AND FIXED ASAP.
PASSENGER LEFT DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN FORM EITHER I SIDE OR OUTSIDE. I SEE ONLINE THAT MANY OTHER HYUNDAI OWNERS EXPERIENCE THE SAME PROBLEM.
THE RIGHT REAR DOOR WILL NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE OR THE OUTSIDE. I HAVE TWO SMALL CHILDREN WHO RIDE IN THE BACK SEAT ON EACH SIDE OF THE CAR. IN THE CASE OF AN ACCIDENT OR A CAR FIRE THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR WILL NOT OPEN WHICH COULD TRAP THE CHILDREN INSIDE AND MAKES IT IMPOSSIBLE FOR RESCUE WORKERS TO OPEN THE DOOR FROM THE …
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THE RIGHT REAR DOOR WILL NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE OR THE OUTSIDE. I HAVE TWO SMALL CHILDREN WHO RIDE IN THE BACK SEAT ON EACH SIDE OF THE CAR. IN THE CASE OF AN ACCIDENT OR A CAR FIRE THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR WILL NOT OPEN WHICH COULD TRAP THE CHILDREN INSIDE AND MAKES IT IMPOSSIBLE FOR RESCUE WORKERS TO OPEN THE DOOR FROM THE OUTSIDE AS WELL. IF I AM IN AN ACCIDENT WITH DAMAGE TO THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE CAR RENDERING THAT DOOR INOPERABLE THE CHILDREN WILL HAVE NO WAY TO EVACUATE THE VEHICLE. IN CASE OF A FIRE, BOTH CHILDREN WILL HAVE TO EVACUATE FROM THE SAME DOOR, DELAYING THE ESCAPE FOR ONE OF THE CHILDREN WHO WILL HAVE TO CROSS THE CAR AND EXIT THE OTHER SIDE. THIS IS A SEVERE SAFETY ISSUE AS THE CHILDREN DO NOT HAVE AN ACCESSIBLE EXIT IN AN EMERGENCY AND THOSE PRECIOUS MOMENTS REQUIRED TO USE AN ALTERNATIVE EXIT COULD RESULT IN SEVERE INJURY OR DEATH FOR ONE OF THE CHILDREN. I HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE IN TO HAVE THIS ISSUE REPAIRED AND THE PART IS ON BACK ORDER FURTHER DELAYING THE REPAIR AND PUTTING THE CHILDREN AT RISK EVEN LONGER. THE PART ON BACK ORDER INDICATES THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM IN THIS VEHICLE AND THIS SAFETY ISSUE SHOULD BE A RECALL.
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.