IllustrationWhen I go to accelerate my vehicle it does not accelerate properly. It actually slows down to the point of almost stopping. It is very dangerous when I am getting on the highway. I have had cars almost rear end me due to this issue. I travel with my children in this car.
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
Vehicle Speed Control complaints
111 reportsAll dashboard lights turned on and speedometer stopped working while driving. Vehicle accelerated and braked without driver input.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT SLOWER SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND DRIVEN TO HIS DESTINATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS TO WORLD CAR HYUNDAI NORTH (12908 INTERSTATE 35 NORTH BLDG 2, SAN ANTONIO, TX 78233, (210) 667-218…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT SLOWER SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND DRIVEN TO HIS DESTINATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS TO WORLD CAR HYUNDAI NORTH (12908 INTERSTATE 35 NORTH BLDG 2, SAN ANTONIO, TX 78233, (210) 667-2189) AND THE VEHICLE WAS REBOOTED 3 TIMES FOR AN UNKNOWN SYSTEM FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. *JS
THE VEHICLE ACCELERATES SUDDENLY WITHOUT DRIVER INPUT. ALSO, IT TURNS OFF WHILE DRIVING, CAUSING THE LOSS OF BRAKE AND STEERING CONTROLS. FINALLY, TRANSMISSION GEAR SWITCH WITHOUT INPUT WHILE DRIVING. THIS SITUATIONS OCCUR WHILE DRIVING IN BOTH CITY AND HIGHWAY DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER ON 12/26/19; NO RESPONSE HA…
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THE VEHICLE ACCELERATES SUDDENLY WITHOUT DRIVER INPUT. ALSO, IT TURNS OFF WHILE DRIVING, CAUSING THE LOSS OF BRAKE AND STEERING CONTROLS. FINALLY, TRANSMISSION GEAR SWITCH WITHOUT INPUT WHILE DRIVING. THIS SITUATIONS OCCUR WHILE DRIVING IN BOTH CITY AND HIGHWAY DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER ON 12/26/19; NO RESPONSE HAS BEEN RECEIVED EITHER FROM DEALER OR MANUIFACTURER.
WHEN ACCELERATING AFTER STOPPING, THE GAS PEDAL WILL BE PUSHED DOWN BUT CAR WILL STALL AND NOT GO. THE ENGINE WILL REV UP, BUT THE CAR DOES NOT MOVE AND THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN WILL ACCELERATE FORWARD. ALSO, WHEN COASTING IN RUSH-HOUR, ACCELERATING AFTER A STOP SIGN, THE CAR WILL MAKE JERKING MOVEMENTS. IT HAS BEEN TAKEN TO A HYUND…
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WHEN ACCELERATING AFTER STOPPING, THE GAS PEDAL WILL BE PUSHED DOWN BUT CAR WILL STALL AND NOT GO. THE ENGINE WILL REV UP, BUT THE CAR DOES NOT MOVE AND THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN WILL ACCELERATE FORWARD. ALSO, WHEN COASTING IN RUSH-HOUR, ACCELERATING AFTER A STOP SIGN, THE CAR WILL MAKE JERKING MOVEMENTS. IT HAS BEEN TAKEN TO A HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP WHERE THEY TOLD ME IT IS A DUAL-TRANSMISSION SO I JUST NEED TO BE MORE AGGRESSIVE WITH IT WHEN TAKING OFF FROM STOP LIGHT/STOP SIGN. I KNOW THAT THIS IS NOT NORMAL AND MOST DEFINITELY NEEDS TO BE REVISITED AS THERE HAVE OBVIOUSLY BEEN ENOUGH COMPLAINTS AND HAS BEEN AN ISSUE PREVIOUSLY.
WHEN STARTING FROM A FULL STOP THE CAR HESITATES FOR 3 TO 5 SECONDS BEFORE MOVING; MAKING IT UNRELIABLE AND DANGEROUS TO PULL OUT. WHEN DRIVING SLOWLY IN TRAFFIC OR IN A PARKING LOT THE CAR BECOMES VERY JERKY AS IF RUNNING OUT OF GAS. THIS HAS HAPPENED SINCE THE DAY WE BOUGHT IT. TOOK IT INTO THE DEALER SHIP TO BE CHECKED OUT TH…
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WHEN STARTING FROM A FULL STOP THE CAR HESITATES FOR 3 TO 5 SECONDS BEFORE MOVING; MAKING IT UNRELIABLE AND DANGEROUS TO PULL OUT. WHEN DRIVING SLOWLY IN TRAFFIC OR IN A PARKING LOT THE CAR BECOMES VERY JERKY AS IF RUNNING OUT OF GAS. THIS HAS HAPPENED SINCE THE DAY WE BOUGHT IT. TOOK IT INTO THE DEALER SHIP TO BE CHECKED OUT THEY TEST DROVE IT AND CHECKED IT OUT AND SAID IT IS WORKING THE WAY THAT IT SHOULD.WE HAVE LOST OUR CONFIDENCE IN THIS CAR AND FEEL THAT THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE.THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE,
WHEN AT A COMPLETE STOP, VEHICLE STUDDERS AND HAS A HARD TIME PICKING UP SPEED (RPM GOES HIGH). WHEN TRYING ENTER INTO TRAFFIC IT'S VERY DANGEROUS BECAUSE VEHICLE DOESN'T PICK UP SPEED.
GOT THIS CAR AT THE DEALERSHIP IN JULY LAST YEAR. A FEW WEEKS BEFORE THIS HAPPENED YOU WOULD NOTICE A HESITATION FROM THE CAR TO MOVE FORWARD WHEN YOU PRESS THE GAS PEDAL WHILES DRIVING ON THE ROAD. THE ENGINE BEGAN TO MAKE LOUD KNOCKING NOISES ONE MORNING AND BROKE DOWN WHILE DRIVING ON THE STREET. GOT IT TOWED TO A HYUNDAI SER…
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GOT THIS CAR AT THE DEALERSHIP IN JULY LAST YEAR. A FEW WEEKS BEFORE THIS HAPPENED YOU WOULD NOTICE A HESITATION FROM THE CAR TO MOVE FORWARD WHEN YOU PRESS THE GAS PEDAL WHILES DRIVING ON THE ROAD. THE ENGINE BEGAN TO MAKE LOUD KNOCKING NOISES ONE MORNING AND BROKE DOWN WHILE DRIVING ON THE STREET. GOT IT TOWED TO A HYUNDAI SERVICE SHOP AND THEY ARE TALKING ABOUT MAKING A "GOODWILL" REPAIR WHICH WILL END UP COSTING $4800. I HAVE READ MANY COMPLAINTS NOTED FROM THE 2016 TUCSON OWNERS WHO EXPERIENCED THE SAME ISSUES WITH THEIR CARS. THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A MANUFACTURING DEFECT. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN RECALLED BEFORE FOR A TUCSON SECONDARY HOOD LATCH RECALL CAMPAIGN. *TR
MY CAR KEEPS HAVING ISSUES WITH ACCELERATION. IT STRUGGLES TO MANUALLY SHIFT GEARS WHEN I TRY TO GO TO 40 MPH. I FEAR FOR MY SAFETY ESPECIALLY GETTING INTO HIGHWAYS SINCE I STRUGGLE TO KEEP UP WITH TRAFFIC UPON ENTERING. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER ALREADY AND PROBLEM PERSISTS. *TR
HI. I REPORTED THE CRUISE CONTROL MALFUNCTIONING TO TWO DIFFERENT HYUNDAI DEALERS, SERVICE DEPT. THE PROBLEM VARIES FROM NOT BE ABLE TO SET THE SPEED, TO NOT BEING ABLE TO LOWER THE SPEED, TO NOT RESPONDING TO CANCEL, BECAUSE CRUISE CONTROL WILL NOT WORK PROPERLY . ALL ACTIONS ARE BY USING THE CONTROL TOGGLES ON THE STEERING …
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HI. I REPORTED THE CRUISE CONTROL MALFUNCTIONING TO TWO DIFFERENT HYUNDAI DEALERS, SERVICE DEPT. THE PROBLEM VARIES FROM NOT BE ABLE TO SET THE SPEED, TO NOT BEING ABLE TO LOWER THE SPEED, TO NOT RESPONDING TO CANCEL, BECAUSE CRUISE CONTROL WILL NOT WORK PROPERLY . ALL ACTIONS ARE BY USING THE CONTROL TOGGLES ON THE STEERING WHEEL CONSOLE. IT IS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM, AS SOME TIMES IT WORKS FINE, AND FOR OTHER DRIVES IT WON'T ENGAGE AT ALL, OR WILL NOT DISENGAGE THE SPEED WHEN HITTING CANCEL. I CAN TAP THE BRAKE TO SLOW SPEED, WHICH CAN ALARM A DRIVER BEHIND MY LANE AND CAUSE AN ACCIDENT BEHIND ME. THE SERVICE STAFF CAN NOT GET THE CRUISE CONTROL TO DUPLICATE ON A VEHICLE TEST DRIVES. SO WITH THAT, THEY SAY THEY CAN NOT REPLACE THE STEERING LINKAGE, OR ANY PART BECAUSE THEY CAN NOT PROVE IT IS FAULTY. I EXPLAINED HOW IT IS NOT SAFE, ESPECIALLY ON A HIGHWAY WITH NATURALLY HIGHER SPEEDS TO CONSIDER. WITH FIVE REPORTS OF THE FAULTY CRUISE CONTROL ON FILE, AT DIFFERENT HYUNDAI SERVICE CENTERS, THE UNSAFE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS IN THE TUSCON 2016 SUV. I HAVE PAPERWORK SHOWING REPORTED SAFETY CONCERNS SEPT 18, 2018, MAR 27, 2019, JUNE 3, 2019, AUGUST 15, 2019, OCT 16, 2019. PLUS A PERSONAL VIDEO OF PUSHING AND TOGGLING THE CONTROLS WITHOUT CRUISE RESPONSE.THAT IS OVER A YEAR OF THE REPORTING THE MALFUNCTIONING SPEED CONTROL. IT IS UNSAFE WITH NO SOLUTION.
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.