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 reports
Mileage unknown · Sep 12, 2022
Electrical System
The main power switch to the power windows is not operating properly. After extensive research into the problem I have noticed this is a frequent issue on the 2016 Hyundai Tucson. A severe thunderstorm had started and when I tried to put the passenger side rear window up it would not work. Now the front passenger window is doin…
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The main power switch to the power windows is not operating properly. After extensive research into the problem I have noticed this is a frequent issue on the 2016 Hyundai Tucson. A severe thunderstorm had started and when I tried to put the passenger side rear window up it would not work. Now the front passenger window is doing the same thing. The individual switches work but not the main switch on the driverside door. It brings the window down but will not go back up. I have to use the actual window switch on that door to raise them back up. I have not been to the dealer yet about this issue but feel there needs to be a recall for this item as 100's of other owners are complaining of the same issue on Hynudai forum sites. The 2016 Hyundai Tucson model has been the center of several other recalls and I feel this needs to be addressed as soon as possible.
NHTSA ODI #11484046
Mileage unknown · Sep 10, 2022
Latches/locks/linkages
Driver Door and right rear door are having issues opening. Unable to open right rear passenger door at all which is a safety concern. Hyundai dealer stated nothing was wrong when I first reported the front door handle issues
NHTSA ODI #11483825
5,000 miles · Sep 7, 2022
Electrical SystemPower Train
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the RPM increased; however, the vehicle failed to respond. There was no warning light illuminated. There was an update performed on the transmission control module before; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to the d…
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The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the RPM increased; however, the vehicle failed to respond. There was no warning light illuminated. There was an update performed on the transmission control module before; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing; however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V628000 (Power Train, Electrical System) however, the VIN was not included. The approximate failure mileage was 5,000.
NHTSA ODI #11483281
Mileage unknown · Sep 6, 2022
Unknown Or Other
Regulators and motor breaking in all windows without use. I can’t get a safety inspection with them not working. Many complaints on the internet. If I can’t get a safety inspection, this should constitute a recall.
NHTSA ODI #11483021
Mileage unknown · Aug 31, 2022
Engine
My engine started stalling on me and has loss of power then out of nowhere I started getting a knocking noise which was followed by a check engine light. I had a oil light flashing before this occurred but oil level was good. Changed oil and filter and noise persisted along with stalling making it hard to drive anywhere safely. …
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My engine started stalling on me and has loss of power then out of nowhere I started getting a knocking noise which was followed by a check engine light. I had a oil light flashing before this occurred but oil level was good. Changed oil and filter and noise persisted along with stalling making it hard to drive anywhere safely. I haven't had it taken anywhere because I see this is a known issue on hyundai vehicles and newer models have recalls out on them. My vehicle only has 38,000 miles and shouldn't be having engine issues already.
NHTSA ODI #11482280
Mileage unknown · Aug 29, 2022
Electrical SystemEngineUnknown Or Other
Vacuum pump was recalled back in 2019 - T3C: TL Tucson Vacuum Pump (19-01-010H). My car was “repaired” to fix the seal/cap. However, today the vacuum pump needs to be replaced. The engine light, brake assist and traction control lights all came on and stayed on. After talking with Hyundai it appears as though back when the r…
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Vacuum pump was recalled back in 2019 - T3C: TL Tucson Vacuum Pump (19-01-010H). My car was “repaired” to fix the seal/cap. However, today the vacuum pump needs to be replaced. The engine light, brake assist and traction control lights all came on and stayed on. After talking with Hyundai it appears as though back when the recall occurred, the minimum was repaired and proper replacement of the part was not taken. Hyundai says they are no longer required to remedy the problem because they already addressed the recall back in 2019. Is there any action enforceable to take toward Hyundai to honor a complete repair of the recall rather than just slap a band-aid on it?
While back out of my driveway in my 2016 hyundai tucson, it suddenly accelerated on its own out of control rendering me helpless and just along for the ride. Finally stopped while in reverse the car went across the street crashing violently into my neighbors boat and engine was still reving until I shut it off after the crash. B…
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While back out of my driveway in my 2016 hyundai tucson, it suddenly accelerated on its own out of control rendering me helpless and just along for the ride. Finally stopped while in reverse the car went across the street crashing violently into my neighbors boat and engine was still reving until I shut it off after the crash. Both my car and neighbors boat had major damage.
NHTSA ODI #11481663
Mileage unknown · Aug 28, 2022
Latches/locks/linkages
Both the rear driver side and rear passenger side door lock actuators have failed, making it impossible to open either door from inside or outside the vehicle. This is very dangerous in general, but especially young children are in the backseat.
NHTSA ODI #11481596
Mileage unknown · Aug 25, 2022
Engine
on multiple occasions the transmission failed to engage at slow speed then lunges forward when it does. it happens when your at a stop accelerate slowly to about 10 mph get off the accelerator then re-apply it. the engine revs but the transmission acts like it goes into neutral then catches a gear and lunges forward. It is unsaf…
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on multiple occasions the transmission failed to engage at slow speed then lunges forward when it does. it happens when your at a stop accelerate slowly to about 10 mph get off the accelerator then re-apply it. the engine revs but the transmission acts like it goes into neutral then catches a gear and lunges forward. It is unsafe because the driver behind you can hit you from behind, which almost happened to me, or you can hit the car in front of you when it lunges or worst hit a pedestrian because of the unpredictability of the transmission/ engine power engagement. The so called fix was a software issue that didn't fix it. mine still has it and when i told the dealer they said they couldn't duplicate the problem BUT it has happened so many times to me that i can make it fail. Hyundai should be accountable for this but no one ever listens to the consumer until its to late. it asks below when it happened but it started shortly after i purchased the car and happened multiple times. but the one i absolutely remember was when i had my daughters in the car right after my daughters birthday.
NHTSA ODI #11481302
Mileage unknown · Aug 24, 2022
Latches/locks/linkages
Rear passenger door suddenly would not open from either the inside or outside. My child was in the car, and I could not get him out for some time. This was a safety concern even without an accident or emergency, and creates a potentially fatal situation if there is an accident or fire where a child would need to be retrieved fro…
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Rear passenger door suddenly would not open from either the inside or outside. My child was in the car, and I could not get him out for some time. This was a safety concern even without an accident or emergency, and creates a potentially fatal situation if there is an accident or fire where a child would need to be retrieved from the vehicle. From internet searches, this is not an isolated incident, and should be addressed by the manufacturer. As a note, this is in addition to, and distinct from, the known issue of the front doors wearing out and not opening from the outside.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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