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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
Mileage unknown · Jun 17, 2025
Service Brakes

I received a email about a recall my vehicle has I made an appointment with the Hyundai dealership which sent the email. Hyundai Wesley Chapel in Tampa FL and I took it in on 6/16/2025 at 10am and waited an hour. The service advisor came to me and advised me that my vehicle was purchased in Puerto Rico and cannot be serviced bec…

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I received a email about a recall my vehicle has I made an appointment with the Hyundai dealership which sent the email. Hyundai Wesley Chapel in Tampa FL and I took it in on 6/16/2025 at 10am and waited an hour. The service advisor came to me and advised me that my vehicle was purchased in Puerto Rico and cannot be serviced because they don’t have the parts. This is unacceptable and don’t understand why they went through the trouble of sending me an email regarding this recall to waste my day at the dealership.

NHTSA ODI #11667384

Mileage unknown · Jun 9, 2025
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train

Misfire, excessive oil consumption, engine knocking, loss of power/acceleration, gas smell, excessive gas consumption

NHTSA ODI #11665840

Mileage unknown · Jun 2, 2025
Engine

Was driving down busy city road when engine suddenly knocked violently and shut off rendering car inoperable as traffic had to go around my disabled vehicle. Inspection revealed low oil, despite filling 4 weeks prior after change and no visible/identifiable leaks. Investigation by mechanic resulted in being told that numerous Hy…

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Was driving down busy city road when engine suddenly knocked violently and shut off rendering car inoperable as traffic had to go around my disabled vehicle. Inspection revealed low oil, despite filling 4 weeks prior after change and no visible/identifiable leaks. Investigation by mechanic resulted in being told that numerous Hyundai engines like this are having the same problems and need total engine replacements. They said that they "see this at least once a week in these Hyundai's and Kia's". There were no warning lights or anything prior to the event.

NHTSA ODI #11664351

Mileage unknown · May 31, 2025
EnginePower Train

I’ve been having ongoing issues with my 2016 Hyundai Tucson where the car struggles to accelerate, especially after stopping at red lights or pulling out into traffic. Sometimes, when I press the gas pedal, the car either hesitates badly or doesn’t move at all. A few times it’s completely stalled while trying to make turns or cr…

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I’ve been having ongoing issues with my 2016 Hyundai Tucson where the car struggles to accelerate, especially after stopping at red lights or pulling out into traffic. Sometimes, when I press the gas pedal, the car either hesitates badly or doesn’t move at all. A few times it’s completely stalled while trying to make turns or cross intersections, which has been really scary and dangerous. I did some research and found there was a known recall for this exact problem related to the Transmission Control Module software and the dual-clutch transmission. The symptoms described in the recall match mine perfectly, but when I checked my VIN, my vehicle isn’t included. I haven’t taken it to the dealer yet because I’m worried I’ll have to pay out of pocket for something that I believe is part of a known manufacturer issue.

NHTSA ODI #11664072

90,000 miles · May 28, 2025
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the brake pedal inadvertently engaged, with the ABS warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed and it was determined that the hydraulic unit assembly for the ABS module had failed and needed to be replaced. The ve…

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The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the brake pedal inadvertently engaged, with the ABS warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed and it was determined that the hydraulic unit assembly for the ABS module had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

NHTSA ODI #11663402

Mileage unknown · May 20, 2025
Engine

Excessive oil consumption

NHTSA ODI #11662094

Mileage unknown · May 15, 2025
Visibility/wiper

The regulators and motors for the automatic windows have failed. The windows do not remain in the closed position causing the window to slide open. The front passenger window motor failed first and the driver's window failed shortly after. Both regulators and motors were replaced by the dealer in April 2024. The back passenger s…

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The regulators and motors for the automatic windows have failed. The windows do not remain in the closed position causing the window to slide open. The front passenger window motor failed first and the driver's window failed shortly after. Both regulators and motors were replaced by the dealer in April 2024. The back passenger side window failed in December 2024 and has not been replaced. If needed, the faulty mechanism could be provided for inspection. Failure of the closing mechanism for the windows means they can easily be opened from outside. A malicious person could break into the vehicle simply by sliding the window down. To my knowledge, no one has inspected the regulators or motors. Two other 2016 Hyundai Tucson owners I know have also had their window regulators and motors replaced. There was no warning to the automatic window failure.

NHTSA ODI #11661358

Mileage unknown · May 11, 2025
EngineUnknown Or Other

My 2016 tuscon has been giving be problems. I went to the dealership awhile back and told them that the oil has been burning having and that there's a perk when I start my car. They did an oil change and told me that I needed to lube the gears up first before running it. I assumed it was because my warranty was ending and becaus…

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My 2016 tuscon has been giving be problems. I went to the dealership awhile back and told them that the oil has been burning having and that there's a perk when I start my car. They did an oil change and told me that I needed to lube the gears up first before running it. I assumed it was because my warranty was ending and because I was a girl, that was a quick go away problem. Well eastward today. I put oil in the engine at least once a week or more. The car is in the shop, and the machanics at pep boys are saying this is a reoccurring problem for this type of car. Also that all 2016 are made with the same engine pretty much so they should all be recalled. They quoted me 10 grand for a used engine. I'm taking it to hyundai, the pep boys told me that it's the same issues as the other recalls

NHTSA ODI #11660254

95,000 miles · May 7, 2025
Engine

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving at approximately 15 MPH, the vehicle stalled and shuddered. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle remained at the residence. A dealer was contacted and made the contact aware of an unknown NHTSA Campaign Number; however, the VIN was no…

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The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving at approximately 15 MPH, the vehicle stalled and shuddered. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle remained at the residence. A dealer was contacted and made the contact aware of an unknown NHTSA Campaign Number; however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.

NHTSA ODI #11659535

Mileage unknown · May 6, 2025
Unknown Or Other

The window regulator for 3 of the 4 windows have failed, the first at approx. 80,000 miles, the second two at 113,000 miles. The windows were not being operated when the component failed and just randomly opened while driving and could not be closed via the switch. This caused distraction and difficulty driving as it was raining…

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The window regulator for 3 of the 4 windows have failed, the first at approx. 80,000 miles, the second two at 113,000 miles. The windows were not being operated when the component failed and just randomly opened while driving and could not be closed via the switch. This caused distraction and difficulty driving as it was raining for the second incident. When observed, the plastic window regulators were degraded to the point that the plastic was a powder.

NHTSA ODI #11659159

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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