IllustrationBack doors completely stop working. Not able to open the door from the inside or out
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
What owners actually said
1,617 reportsThe contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that the passenger’s side rear door was stuck closed and was unable to be opened from inside or outside the vehicle. The contact stated that the door had been stuck closed for a month. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the …
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The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that the passenger’s side rear door was stuck closed and was unable to be opened from inside or outside the vehicle. The contact stated that the door had been stuck closed for a month. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.
There are four safety concerns I have with the 2016 Hyundai Tuscon: 1.) The Check Oil light failed to illuminate indicating the need for more oil. 2.) The excessive oil consumption may have caused my catalytic converter to misfire and melt. 3.) The Check Engine light failed to illuminate when my catalytic converter misfired and …
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There are four safety concerns I have with the 2016 Hyundai Tuscon: 1.) The Check Oil light failed to illuminate indicating the need for more oil. 2.) The excessive oil consumption may have caused my catalytic converter to misfire and melt. 3.) The Check Engine light failed to illuminate when my catalytic converter misfired and melted. 4.) The Knock Sensor (if it is bad), which is installed on my vehicle, could fail and not warn me about any engine problems. On 7/3/23, my vehicle was having a difficult time accelerating up a mountain. My brother and I also heard a rattling noise, so my brother drove to a safe place. I had my vehicle towed to a local auto service garage, where I was told the catalytic converter melted due to misfiring and that I needed to replace it. On 7/5/23, I had my vehicle towed to the closest Hyundai Dealership, where they confirmed that the vehicle's catalytic converter was melted due to misfiring. After researching the causes catalytic converters misfiring, I read several complaints about the said vehicle's oil consumption and poor acceleration. I suspect there might be a connection to the catalytic converter misfiring and melting. Incidentally, I have had two other incidents where my vehicle lacked acceleration and started shaking. One occurred on 12/28/22, while I was entering an intersection. The other happened on 4/1/23, while I was attempting to pass another vehicle. All three incidents could've ended tragically. The Check Engine light did illuminate during two of the incidents, but not the incident that occurred on 7/3/23. Additionally, the catalytic converter was previously tested on 12/31/22 and it didn't have any bad codes. Sparkplugs were also replaced on 12/31/22, and a 3-Step Fuel System Cleaning was done on 6/12/23. The Check Oil light only illuminated once since I have owned the vehicle, but failed to illuminate when my oil was getting low in between oil changes. My SUV is still in service waiting for a Catalytic Converter.
The engine of my car is consuming several quarts of oil between oil changes. I have read that this is a common problem with some models of Hyundia vehicles. I have also read that this defect has led to engine failures and possibly fires.
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that all four automatic windows failed to operate as needed. The front driver’s side window started failing and an appointment was scheduled with the dealer to repair the window. While testing the windows in the dealer parking lot after the repair, the front passenger’s …
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The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that all four automatic windows failed to operate as needed. The front driver’s side window started failing and an appointment was scheduled with the dealer to repair the window. While testing the windows in the dealer parking lot after the repair, the front passenger’s side window fractured, and the dealer agreed to cover the cost of the repair free of charge. Over time, the rear windows started to lower independently, and the vehicle was repaired by an independent mechanic. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle intermittently failed to accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle lunge forward while accelerating. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.
CAR IS USING MORE THAN ONE QUART OF OIL PER 1,000 MILES. CAR IS NOT LEAKING OIL AND OIL CHANGES ARE DONE AT THE DEALERSHIP EVERY 3500 MILES. HAVING TO CHECK OIL LEVELS CONSTANTLY AND KEEP QUARTS OF OIL IN CAR TO FILL IN CASE IT IS LOW. HYUNDAI ST AUGUSTINE DEALERSHIP SAYS THERE IS NOT A PROBLEM.
FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW WOULD NOT GO UP ON 7/05/23. I WENT TO DEALERSHIP TO GET AN OIL CHANGE AND WHILE SERVICE ADVISOR WAS PULLING CAR OUT HE PUT PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW DOWN AND IT WOULD NOT ROLL UP. I HAD THIS WINDOW DOWN 2 HOURS PRIOR AND HAD NO ISSUES WITH IT GOING UP. HYUNDAI OF ORANGE PARK SAID MOTOR AND WINDOW REGUL…
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FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW WOULD NOT GO UP ON 7/05/23. I WENT TO DEALERSHIP TO GET AN OIL CHANGE AND WHILE SERVICE ADVISOR WAS PULLING CAR OUT HE PUT PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW DOWN AND IT WOULD NOT ROLL UP. I HAD THIS WINDOW DOWN 2 HOURS PRIOR AND HAD NO ISSUES WITH IT GOING UP. HYUNDAI OF ORANGE PARK SAID MOTOR AND WINDOW REGULATOR ASSEMBLY STRIPPED DUE TO ASSEMBLY BEING CHEAP PLASTIC. COST TO REPLACE AND GET WINDOW BACK UP IS $1400.00. HAD TO HAVE DEALERSHIP PUT UP WINDOW AND SHORE IT UP DUE TO IT BEING COST PROHIBITIVE TO REPAIR. SAFETY CONCERN BECAUSE WINDOW WILL NOT GO DOWN IN CASE OF EMERGENCY IF DOOR MECHANISM FAILS AND DOOR WILL NOT OPEN. ON 1/24/23, HYUNDAI ST AUGUSTINE REPLACED DRIVE SIDE WINDOW REGULATOR ASSEMBLY AT THE COST OF 737.27 DUE TO WINDOW NOT BEING ABLE TO GO DOWN. A SEPARATE COMPLAINT WAS FILED FOR THIS OCCURENCE.
FRONT DRIVER SIDE WINDOW REGULATOR ASSEMBLY BROKE IN WHICH WINDOW WOULD NOT GO DOWN. REPAIRED ON 1/24/23 AT HYUNDAI OF ST AUGUSTINE FOR $737.27. THIS IS A SAFETY RISK DUE TO NOT BEING ABLE TO PUT WINDOW DOWN IN CASE OF EMERGENCY AND DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN.
Engine is consuming oil and we are waiting for it to totally fail. We have a long list of things. These are notes from the end of the process when we gave up. I responded after the fourth consumption test on 11/28/2022 asking for them to re-open my case and have not heard from them so I called on 12/9/2022 to speak to my case m…
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Engine is consuming oil and we are waiting for it to totally fail. We have a long list of things. These are notes from the end of the process when we gave up. I responded after the fourth consumption test on 11/28/2022 asking for them to re-open my case and have not heard from them so I called on 12/9/2022 to speak to my case manager. We started this journey with 118,000 miles and now we have close to 164,000. Went from 1qt every 1000 miles to 2qt’s every 1000 miles. Had to get another case manager to leave a message for my case manager to call me back. I don’t even know if they re opened my case. Hyundai has refused to admit the have a large issue with their GDI motors. They should not be consuming oil as much as they are. Only Theta motors are being covered in Non Turbo cars. This is my second vehicle currently owned with a gamma turbo motor. This one is waiting to fail and the other one has failed.
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that the vehicle was serviced under warranty and the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) was replaced; however, after the repair, while driving 62 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The contact stated that he drove the …
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The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that the vehicle was serviced under warranty and the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) was replaced; however, after the repair, while driving 62 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The contact stated that he drove the vehicle back to the dealer and was informed by the mechanic that there would be a cost for the repair. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.
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.