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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 · Aug 24, 2022
Engine

I have a 2016 hundai Tucson limited 1.6 l turbo and have had a lot of problems with this car when I merge on a highway I put the foot on the gas and the car doesn’t move even though I have the foot to the floor and when I’m in stop and go traffic the car jerks like it wants to stall I brought the car to the dealership and told t…

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I have a 2016 hundai Tucson limited 1.6 l turbo and have had a lot of problems with this car when I merge on a highway I put the foot on the gas and the car doesn’t move even though I have the foot to the floor and when I’m in stop and go traffic the car jerks like it wants to stall I brought the car to the dealership and told them what the problem is they could not duplicate my issue and they said there is nothing wrong with it and also they didn’t find any codes on the computer, next week I’m bringing my car back to the dealership for the same problem and I bet that they are not going to find any problems again. I’ve been driving over 45 years and never had this problem with any other car’s that I have owned, I’m afraid that one of this days I’m going to get hit from behind. I hope that the manufacture puts a recall on these cars soon, I’m ready to sell my car and never ever buy another Hyundai again.

NHTSA ODI #11481060

Mileage unknown · Aug 23, 2022
EngineService Brakes

2 separate issues - oil is being consumed at alarming rate- not burning off and not leaking just disappearing at a rate of a quart every 200 miles -brake pedal is vibrating and clicking up while breaking, then goes straight to floor causing driver to release brake and then repress while stopping

NHTSA ODI #11480892

Mileage unknown · Aug 22, 2022
Latches/locks/linkages

Rear drivers side door latch stopped working unprovoked. The door was working fine and was parked for the night. The next morning the rear drivers side door would not open from inside or outside upon unlocking doors. This is a safety concern due to the fact that in the event of an accident emergency services would have a diffic…

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Rear drivers side door latch stopped working unprovoked. The door was working fine and was parked for the night. The next morning the rear drivers side door would not open from inside or outside upon unlocking doors. This is a safety concern due to the fact that in the event of an accident emergency services would have a difficult time accessing the rear passenger area of the vehicle delaying any medical attention that would possibly be needed in the event of an accident.

NHTSA ODI #11480489

Mileage unknown · Aug 19, 2022
EnginePower TrainService Brakes

I have made multiple complaints to Jenkins Hyundai of leesburg about my car hesitating and not going like it should and almost causing multiple accidents because it wouldn’t go when it should. However, they stated nothing was out of the ordinary and to just drive it in sport mode. Well I’m December of 2020, the turbo went out wh…

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I have made multiple complaints to Jenkins Hyundai of leesburg about my car hesitating and not going like it should and almost causing multiple accidents because it wouldn’t go when it should. However, they stated nothing was out of the ordinary and to just drive it in sport mode. Well I’m December of 2020, the turbo went out while driving home. They then wouldn’t fix it until I had a friend state that her dad worked at a diff location and that it was covered under warranty. They told me they had to do an investigation to see if it was covered under warranty or not. They kept my car for a few weeks before I got a phone call on New Year’s Eve stating my car was ready for pick up. Meanwhile, there was an active recall with the brakes from September of 2020, that they in fact did not fix while having my vehicle there. Fast forward to June 9, 2022, and my turbo went out again and there is water mixed with the oil in my car. I have made multiple reports along with others on the transmission issues and now making a report on the turbo. These vehicles are not safe, I don’t understand why they have not been recalled for these issues.

NHTSA ODI #11480276

Mileage unknown · Aug 19, 2022
Electrical SystemVisibility/wiper

Right Rear Tail Light Wiring Harness has short. Since right turn single bulb replaced twice, Passenger side rear door window stripped the Teflon Gear on door Interior panel and door handle is not operational! Since problem started, passenger door handle and window is non Operational, Drivers side door and Window is Not Operation…

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Right Rear Tail Light Wiring Harness has short. Since right turn single bulb replaced twice, Passenger side rear door window stripped the Teflon Gear on door Interior panel and door handle is not operational! Since problem started, passenger door handle and window is non Operational, Drivers side door and Window is Not Operational! 2016 Hyundai Tucson with 31,000 miles! Dealership, Billingsley Hyundai and Ford refuse to repair saying it’s out Of Warrenty February’22! Vehicle has an electrical short and has had since 2019 when Right Turn Signal bulb continues to burn out!

NHTSA ODI #11480154

Mileage unknown · Aug 18, 2022
Latches/locks/linkages

Door locks do not unlock. Cannot get out of the car from inside and cannot get in to the car from the outside.

NHTSA ODI #11479925

Mileage unknown · Aug 16, 2022
Exterior Lighting

i have a 2016 hyundai tucson and now that the vehicle is almost paid for, i am having issue with the blinker. when i put the let or right blinker on it stops blinking, also, my car smells like something is burning. i take good care of my car, i do routine maintenance on it when it is require, i have regular oil changes. i am…

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i have a 2016 hyundai tucson and now that the vehicle is almost paid for, i am having issue with the blinker. when i put the let or right blinker on it stops blinking, also, my car smells like something is burning. i take good care of my car, i do routine maintenance on it when it is require, i have regular oil changes. i am taking to a hyundai shop this weekend

NHTSA ODI #11479493

Mileage unknown · Aug 14, 2022
EnginePower Train

While driving the car started making a clicking noise. Then shortly after the noise started, the car would no accelerate over 40mph. Once pulled over after this, we discovered that there was no oil in the engine. There have been no signs of oil loss and we also get our cars oil changed regularly and we were towards the end and a…

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While driving the car started making a clicking noise. Then shortly after the noise started, the car would no accelerate over 40mph. Once pulled over after this, we discovered that there was no oil in the engine. There have been no signs of oil loss and we also get our cars oil changed regularly and we were towards the end and already had an oil changed scheduled. There were also no warring lights that ever became illuminated while this all happened so we had no idea of the issues until the car was already seizing up. This seems to be a common issue with 2016 Hyundai Tucson’s

NHTSA ODI #11479182

Mileage unknown · Aug 13, 2022
Engine

My car would not accelerate over 20mph took into dealership in 5/2021 with 75,000 miles I was told I needed a new Catalyst converter I replaced it. My oil started leaking in 10/2021 was told my oil pan gasket needed resealed I completed it. In April of 2022 I was recommended to get oil pan gasket resealed still. In July of 2022…

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My car would not accelerate over 20mph took into dealership in 5/2021 with 75,000 miles I was told I needed a new Catalyst converter I replaced it. My oil started leaking in 10/2021 was told my oil pan gasket needed resealed I completed it. In April of 2022 I was recommended to get oil pan gasket resealed still. In July of 2022 my car slows down then stop on expressway. It starts back up I’m only able to go 20m0ph on the expressway this is not safe at alll with my children in the car it was very scary. Dealership finally has an appointment 8/9 diagnoses car 8/11 stating my Catalyst Converter is clogged and need replacement that caused my car to stop and slow down as well as I need oil pan gasket burning oil/leaking oil. This is a safety problem the car is not 10yrs old and has less than 100,00 miles to stop without warning lightsss or anything on a moving fast expressway could have caused me and my kids life. This issue need to be taken serious and inspected because I continue to have the same issues with the car a little over a year!!

NHTSA ODI #11479153

Mileage unknown · Aug 13, 2022
Unknown Or Other

Rear driver side door will not open from the inside or outside while unlocked.

NHTSA ODI #11479115

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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