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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.

About this comparison →

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

What owners actually said

1,617 reports
32,000 miles · Oct 31, 2019
Power TrainVehicle Speed Control

EVEN AFTER REPROGRAMMING OF MY 2016 TUCSON DUAL CLUTCH TRANSMISSION (DCT), I STILL WORRY ABOUT THE SAFETY OF THE CAR. TRANSMISSION IS STILL HERKY-JERKEY WHEN CREEPING ALONG IN TRAFFIC. ON A COUPLE OF OCCASIONS AT HIGHER SPEED (SAY MERGING INTO TRAFFIC AT 50-70 MPH) THE TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN SLOW TO CHANGE GEARS, AND ON AT LEAS…

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EVEN AFTER REPROGRAMMING OF MY 2016 TUCSON DUAL CLUTCH TRANSMISSION (DCT), I STILL WORRY ABOUT THE SAFETY OF THE CAR. TRANSMISSION IS STILL HERKY-JERKEY WHEN CREEPING ALONG IN TRAFFIC. ON A COUPLE OF OCCASIONS AT HIGHER SPEED (SAY MERGING INTO TRAFFIC AT 50-70 MPH) THE TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN SLOW TO CHANGE GEARS, AND ON AT LEAST ONE OCCASION THE TRANSMISSION TEMPORARILY WENT INTO A "NEUTRAL' STATE TEMPORARILY DISCONNECTED FROM POWER TRANSFER FROM THE ENGINE. IF THAT WERE TO HAPPEN SAY WHEN CROSSING TRAFFIC IT COULD BE VERY DANGEROUS.

NHTSA ODI #11277433

Mileage unknown · Oct 31, 2019
Power TrainUnknown Or OtherVehicle Speed Control

I CANNOT ACCELERATE INTO TRAFFIC. THERE IS A HESITATION IN THE ACCELERATOR. SOMETIMES NOTHING HAPPENS, SOMETIMES IT CHUGS FIRST THEN GOES. I HAVE TROUBLE MERGING AND GETTING INTO TRAFFIC. IT IS UNRELIABLE FROM A STATIONARY TO MOVEMENT.

NHTSA ODI #11277351

50 miles · Oct 31, 2019
Power Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON. WHILE DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT IMMEDIATELY RESPOND AND THEN SUDDENLY ACCELERATED/LUNGED FORWARD. THE VEHICLE WOULD ALSO SHUDDER AND VIBRATE WHILE DRIVING AT VERY LOW SPEEDS. ALSO, ON OCCASION, THE ENGINE AND RPMS WOULD REV VERY HIGH WHILE DEPRESSING THE A…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON. WHILE DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT IMMEDIATELY RESPOND AND THEN SUDDENLY ACCELERATED/LUNGED FORWARD. THE VEHICLE WOULD ALSO SHUDDER AND VIBRATE WHILE DRIVING AT VERY LOW SPEEDS. ALSO, ON OCCASION, THE ENGINE AND RPMS WOULD REV VERY HIGH WHILE DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL; HOWEVER, THE SPEED WOULD NOT INCREASE, WHICH MADE IT VERY DIFFICULT WHILE PASSING OTHER VEHICLES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO PRESTIGE HYUNDAI (768 E. CHESTER ST, KINGSTON, NY), BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURES COULD NOT DUPLICATED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE OPERATED NORMALLY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50.

NHTSA ODI #11277297

85,000 miles · Oct 30, 2019
Structure

REAR PASSENGER DOOR FAILURE TO OPEN FROM EITHER INSIDE OR OUTSIDE. VEHICLE DIAGNOSED FAULTY DOOR ACTUATOR AND REPAIRED AT DEALER FOR 500.00. FOUR MONTHS LATER THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR WILL NOT OPEN FROM OUTSIDE SHOWING EXACT SAME SYMPTOMS AS PREVIOUS DOOR. VEHICLE IS ONLY 3 YEARS OLD.

NHTSA ODI #11277147

13,800 miles · Oct 30, 2019
Power Train

THE CAR STALLED(DID NOT ACCELLERATE WHILE MERGING IN TO TRAFFIC FOR ABOUT 3 SECONDS . THIS REQUIRED ONCOMING TRAFFIC TO BRAKE TO PREVENT AN ACCIDENT. THE SPEED LIMIT WAS 40MPH ON A STREET CIRCLING A MALL.THIS IS THE THIRD TIME THIS PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED OWNING THIS CAR WHICH ONLY HAS A LITTLE OVER 13800 MILES ON IT I HAVE SINCE …

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THE CAR STALLED(DID NOT ACCELLERATE WHILE MERGING IN TO TRAFFIC FOR ABOUT 3 SECONDS . THIS REQUIRED ONCOMING TRAFFIC TO BRAKE TO PREVENT AN ACCIDENT. THE SPEED LIMIT WAS 40MPH ON A STREET CIRCLING A MALL.THIS IS THE THIRD TIME THIS PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED OWNING THIS CAR WHICH ONLY HAS A LITTLE OVER 13800 MILES ON IT I HAVE SINCE CHECKED WITH THE DEALERSHIP AND THERE ARE NO OUTSTANDING RECALLS FOR THIS PROBLEM AND NO SOLUTION TO THIS PROBLEM. I THEREFORE THINK THERE IS A SAFETY ISSUE WITH THE DCT AND ENGINE SOFTWARE/HARDWARE THAT COULD LEAD TO AN ACCIDENT.

NHTSA ODI #11277107

Mileage unknown · Oct 30, 2019
Power Train

TRANS DOESN' WORK RIGHT IN FIRST GEAR DOES'T GO IN GEAR RIGHT A WAY I WILL GET REAR ENDED ONEDAY

NHTSA ODI #11277081

18,125 miles · Oct 25, 2019
Air BagsPower Train

PASSENGER AIR BAG COMES ON AT TIMES. TRANSMISSION SOME TIMES WILL NOT MOVE THE CAR.

NHTSA ODI #11271012

22,000 miles · Oct 13, 2019
Power Train

YOU RANDOMLY GET NO RESPONSE WHEN ACCELERATING TO MOVE INTO TRAFFIC..LIKE IT'S NOT GETTING ANY GAS, THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN YOU CAN FEEL TRANSMISSION GOING INTO GEAR AS IT FINALLY CATCHES. WHEN IN SLOW, CRAWLING FREEWAY TRAFFIC, IT'S ALWAYS JERKING WHEN BARELY MOVING- AS A MANUAL TRANSMISSION DOES WHEN YOU DON'T GIVE IT ENOUGH GAS.…

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YOU RANDOMLY GET NO RESPONSE WHEN ACCELERATING TO MOVE INTO TRAFFIC..LIKE IT'S NOT GETTING ANY GAS, THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN YOU CAN FEEL TRANSMISSION GOING INTO GEAR AS IT FINALLY CATCHES. WHEN IN SLOW, CRAWLING FREEWAY TRAFFIC, IT'S ALWAYS JERKING WHEN BARELY MOVING- AS A MANUAL TRANSMISSION DOES WHEN YOU DON'T GIVE IT ENOUGH GAS...FIRST TIME ISSUES HAPPENED WHEN I WAS MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN ON A 50MPH HIGHWAY AGAINST ONCOMING TRAFFIC FROM A STOP. THIS IS NOT A SOUND VEHICLE IN MY OPINION. YOU NEVER KNOW HOW LONG IT'S GOING TO TAKE TO MAKE TURNS INTO TRAFFIC OR JUST LEAVING A PARKING SPOT..YOU GET THE HERKY-JERKY UNTIL TRANSMISSION CATCHES. AND IT'S NOT ALL THE TIME, VERY RANDOM. FREEWAY DRIVING IS FINE SO FAR, WHICH IS WHAT MOST OF MY COMMUTE IS. BUT UNTIL REACHING FREEWAY SPEEDS, IT'S ALWAYS A WORRISOME DRIVE.

NHTSA ODI #11268195

15,886 miles · Oct 10, 2019
Power Train

CAR DOESN'T ALWAYS ACCELERATE WHEN YOU PUSH GAS PEDDLE.I HAVE TO WAIT TO PULL INTO TRAFFIC BECAUSE I AM NOT SURE CAR WILL GO WHEN I HIT GAS.NEVER KNOW WHEN THIS WILL HAPPEN. ONLY HAPPENS FROM A STOP OR GOING SLOW.THE HYUNDAI DEALER SAID THEY HAVE A DIFFERENT TRANSMISSION IN THE 2019 TUCSON.I AM SURE THEY WILL NOT DO ANYTHING ABO…

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CAR DOESN'T ALWAYS ACCELERATE WHEN YOU PUSH GAS PEDDLE.I HAVE TO WAIT TO PULL INTO TRAFFIC BECAUSE I AM NOT SURE CAR WILL GO WHEN I HIT GAS.NEVER KNOW WHEN THIS WILL HAPPEN. ONLY HAPPENS FROM A STOP OR GOING SLOW.THE HYUNDAI DEALER SAID THEY HAVE A DIFFERENT TRANSMISSION IN THE 2019 TUCSON.I AM SURE THEY WILL NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT UNLESS ENOUGH PEOPLE GET HURT OR KILLED.I KNOW TWO OTHER PEOPLE WITH THE SAME VEHICLE AND THEY HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM.

NHTSA ODI #11267805

60 miles · Oct 10, 2019
Engine

THERE IS AN ACCELERATION RECALL ON SOME OF THE 2016 TUCSON'S MY VIN DOES NOT SHOW UP ON THERE BUT I'M HAVING THE EXACT PROBLEMS THAT THEY'RE RECALLING THE CAR FOR I GO TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAY THAT MY CAR IS FINE BUT IT ISN'T. I'VE BEEN STUCK IN AN INTERSECTION SEVERAL TIMES I'VE HAD MY CAR MAKE THIS GRINDING SOUND WHEN I …

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THERE IS AN ACCELERATION RECALL ON SOME OF THE 2016 TUCSON'S MY VIN DOES NOT SHOW UP ON THERE BUT I'M HAVING THE EXACT PROBLEMS THAT THEY'RE RECALLING THE CAR FOR I GO TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAY THAT MY CAR IS FINE BUT IT ISN'T. I'VE BEEN STUCK IN AN INTERSECTION SEVERAL TIMES I'VE HAD MY CAR MAKE THIS GRINDING SOUND WHEN I APPLY THE GAS FROM A STOP AND MY CAR IS SITTING THERE. OTHERS THAT HAVE DRIVEN WITH ME HAVE WITNESS THIS HAPPENED BUT THE DEALERSHIP HASN'T BEEN ABLE TO RECREATE THE PROBLEM. THIS HAPPENS FROM A STOP EXAMPLE IF I'M AT A STOPLIGHT APPLY THE BRAKES TO GO AND THE CAR MAKES A GRINDING SOUND OR SOMETIMES WHEN I'M GOING AROUND A CORNER AFTER A STOP IT WILL HESITATE AND I'LL BE STUCK IN THE INTERSECTION

NHTSA ODI #11267721

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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