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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.

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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 · Jul 7, 2023
Electrical System

Both of my back doors will not open from the inside or out. Thanks to youtube I watched videos on how to open doors from the inside I had to pull latch and then stick screwdriver in there to lift cable up up door would open. This is very dangerous for doors to not open up, taking time to use a screwdriver to open them up is rid…

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Both of my back doors will not open from the inside or out. Thanks to youtube I watched videos on how to open doors from the inside I had to pull latch and then stick screwdriver in there to lift cable up up door would open. This is very dangerous for doors to not open up, taking time to use a screwdriver to open them up is ridiculous, according to youtube the cable was made too short. I called the manufacturer and they gave me a price of 700-1200.00 to fix. I really think this should be a recall. If someone in back needs to get out in emergency situation then they are stuck.

NHTSA ODI #11530905

Mileage unknown · Jul 6, 2023
Engine

I purchased a 2016 Hyundai Tuscon new in April 2017. From the beginning I felt there were issues with this vehicle but was also told that everything was fine. In 2019 the car stopped getting power and I was unable to go over 60mph on the highway. Hyundai said it had run out of oil but I had always gotten my oil changes from Hyun…

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I purchased a 2016 Hyundai Tuscon new in April 2017. From the beginning I felt there were issues with this vehicle but was also told that everything was fine. In 2019 the car stopped getting power and I was unable to go over 60mph on the highway. Hyundai said it had run out of oil but I had always gotten my oil changes from Hyundai directly. Also- no alert that my oil was low every came on. They replaced the engine or parts of it but I was still required to pay about $3,000 at the time. In Jan. of this year I realized that the car was not running as it should. Hyundai in Milford, CT had me pay for the oil change and also pay for the oil consumption test. On Feb. 20th I was approved for a new engine. I have been given multiple dates of when I my car would be repaired with the last date being May 17, 2023. I have not heard anything from Hyundai. I submitted a complaint with Hyundai corporate (21515374) and they have done nothing except tell me that they are still waiting for an answer as well. I am afraid to drive my vehicle long distances and do not know what kind of service I should get while waiting for a new engine. I am now carrying oil around in my vehicle but think that this is horrible wrong. I am still paying almost $600 a month for a vehicle that I am afraid to drive and I have not received any answers from anyone regarding when my repairs will be done or even getting a rental while I wait. After reading hundreds of other complaints this seems to be an issue with Hyundai and everyone says the same thing about the oil warning light not coming on at all. I purchased my vehicle from Hyundai in Milford, CT.

NHTSA ODI #11530767

Mileage unknown · Jul 5, 2023
Power TrainVisibility/wiper

excessive oil consumption. it has been confirmed by valvoline instant oil change center. after an oil change, round 600 miles the oil is to be checked and topped off completely because the reservoir is bone dry. can not make it a complete 3,000 miles until the next oil change. the oil has to be topped off at least 2-3 times unti…

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excessive oil consumption. it has been confirmed by valvoline instant oil change center. after an oil change, round 600 miles the oil is to be checked and topped off completely because the reservoir is bone dry. can not make it a complete 3,000 miles until the next oil change. the oil has to be topped off at least 2-3 times until the next oil change. there are no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms to notify of the problem. it has been inspected by hyundai dealership, whom at someone point replaced the turbo in the limited 1.6L. also, the windshield wiper reservoir decided to stop working. I have to wait until it rains or go through a car wash to clean my windshield. all hoses have been checked and there are no leaks or disconnection of the hose. the windshield wiper fluid will not come out and remains completely full.

NHTSA ODI #11530483

Mileage unknown · Jul 4, 2023
Structure

Rear passenger door will not open from inside or outside

NHTSA ODI #11530299

Mileage unknown · Jul 3, 2023
StructureUnknown Or Other

Rear driver door does not open from the outside or inside. The doors are unlocked but will not open at all.

NHTSA ODI #11530178

Mileage unknown · Jun 30, 2023
Unknown Or OtherFire

I was driving down the highway and I saw my usb cord smoking, I immediately threw it out the window to avoid a fire and pulled over on the highway. My heart was racing and then I called my mom. She thought it was the AC filter that needed to be changed. A few months later in October, the engine failed. A dealership fixed the eng…

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I was driving down the highway and I saw my usb cord smoking, I immediately threw it out the window to avoid a fire and pulled over on the highway. My heart was racing and then I called my mom. She thought it was the AC filter that needed to be changed. A few months later in October, the engine failed. A dealership fixed the engine, but it's still consuming a lot oil. I called Hyundai about the engine issues but I forgot about the smoke I saw. They closed the case on the engine, because they claimed I had no warranty. I have no warranty, because Fairfax Hyundai told me they no longer accept car shield. Hyundai closed my case last month and reopened it on 6/30, because of the smoke. I originally bought the car from Waldorf Honda, in Maryland. Dozens of issues have been reported with this vehicle. On 6/30 I realized that the two back doors also stopped opening from the inside and outside.

NHTSA ODI #11529754

Mileage unknown · Jun 28, 2023
Electrical SystemEngine

Complete Engine failure under 100k miles. Electrical issues with toggle switches

NHTSA ODI #11529422

Mileage unknown · Jun 27, 2023
Structure

Door latch suddenly stopped working, making it impossible to open the door from either inside or outside the vehicle. Had this occurred in an emergency situation passengers could have been trapped inside. Hyundai is aware of this defect and has issued a Technical Service Bulletin and purportedly extended the warranty but there …

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Door latch suddenly stopped working, making it impossible to open the door from either inside or outside the vehicle. Had this occurred in an emergency situation passengers could have been trapped inside. Hyundai is aware of this defect and has issued a Technical Service Bulletin and purportedly extended the warranty but there is a shortage of parts to make repairs and so they cannot effectively honor that warranty or make needed repairs. NHTSA should require a recall on this problem to inform owners of this potential hazard and force Hyundai to put more resources into correcting the defective latches and possibly avoid unnecessary loss of life.

NHTSA ODI #11529048

Mileage unknown · Jun 26, 2023
EngineFuel/propulsion System

Similar to other owners my car has been burning oil at a higher-than-normal rate. Because of this, there has been a carbon build-up causing my engine to start misfiring and stop working while driving on the interstate.

NHTSA ODI #11528843

Mileage unknown · Jun 22, 2023
Engine

Was driving on the highway and my car wouldn't go above 45mph, then check engine light and oil pressure lights came on. Pulled over on the shoulder and checked the oil and it was low oil by about 2 quarts. I checked the oil about 3 weeks prior and had no issues with oil loss and had no lights ever come on the dash prior. Had t…

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Was driving on the highway and my car wouldn't go above 45mph, then check engine light and oil pressure lights came on. Pulled over on the shoulder and checked the oil and it was low oil by about 2 quarts. I checked the oil about 3 weeks prior and had no issues with oil loss and had no lights ever come on the dash prior. Had to get towed home because the car was sputtering and would accelerate. The car is inoperable now and needs engine repair.

NHTSA ODI #11528336

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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