IllustrationEngine is burning oil and has been for sometime. Won’t Accelerate and sputters Tie rods are worn out. This car is a lemon and dangerous to drive
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
Suspension complaints
8 reportsThe contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that the vehicle would not start. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the starter had failed and needed to be replaced. The starter was replaced. The independent mechanic also informed the contact that the brake pedal needed to be replaced…
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The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that the vehicle would not start. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the starter had failed and needed to be replaced. The starter was replaced. The independent mechanic also informed the contact that the brake pedal needed to be replaced, and the rear trailing arm was corroded and could fracture while driving. There were no warning lights illuminated. The independent mechanic stated that the suspension front spring and coil spring could damage the tire overtime. The contact became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V543000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 37,861.
THE REAR TRAILING ARM WAS BROKEN. *TR
CAR CONSISTENTLY HAS TROUBLE ACCELERATING FROM A FULL STOP; LURCHES FORWARD AND SPUTTERS. WHEN IN REVERSE, CANNOT ACCELERATE TO MOVE VEHICLE. WHEN TEMPERATURE IS ABOVE 85 DEGREES OUTSIDE, CAR WILL NOT TURN ON.
THE CAR JERKS WHEN THE ENGINE RUNS AFTER A HALF AN HOUR. THE STEERING WHEELS TURNS LOUD VEERING EITHER HARD LEFT OR RIGHT. THE BATTERY TURN AN ALARM AFTER TWO/THREE MINUTES.
MULTIPLE ISSUES. MAIN ISSUE FOR NOW- PRESS THE ACCELERATOR AND THE VEHICLE SLOWS DOWN. MAJOR HESITATION. HESITATES FROM A STOP AND WHEN ALREADY DRIVING. TODAY IT SHOOK AND FELT LIKE IT WAS GOING TO DIE FOR THE 2ND TIME SINCE I'VE HAD IT. IT HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP NUMEROUS TIMES FOR MULTIPLE ISSUES AND HAS ALREADY HAD THE THROTTLE …
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MULTIPLE ISSUES. MAIN ISSUE FOR NOW- PRESS THE ACCELERATOR AND THE VEHICLE SLOWS DOWN. MAJOR HESITATION. HESITATES FROM A STOP AND WHEN ALREADY DRIVING. TODAY IT SHOOK AND FELT LIKE IT WAS GOING TO DIE FOR THE 2ND TIME SINCE I'VE HAD IT. IT HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP NUMEROUS TIMES FOR MULTIPLE ISSUES AND HAS ALREADY HAD THE THROTTLE BODY AND REAR SUSPENSION REPLACED. IT ALSO HAD THE HOOD LATCH REPLACED DUE TO A RECALL AND IT WAS LOSING COOLANT APPARENTLY THROUGH THE CAP.
I HAD TO REPLACE THE THROTTLE BODY AND REAR SHOCK AT APPROXIMATELY UNDER 2000 MILES. IT HESITATES BADLY. IT DECELERATES AS I PRESS DOWN ON THE ACCELERATOR. IT HAD LOW COOLANT BEFORE A LONG TRIP SO I FILLED IT UP AS IT ADVISED. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS HOT THE COOLANT WAS APPROXIMATELY 1/2 INCH TO 1 INCH BELOW THE MINIMUM FILL LIN…
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I HAD TO REPLACE THE THROTTLE BODY AND REAR SHOCK AT APPROXIMATELY UNDER 2000 MILES. IT HESITATES BADLY. IT DECELERATES AS I PRESS DOWN ON THE ACCELERATOR. IT HAD LOW COOLANT BEFORE A LONG TRIP SO I FILLED IT UP AS IT ADVISED. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS HOT THE COOLANT WAS APPROXIMATELY 1/2 INCH TO 1 INCH BELOW THE MINIMUM FILL LINE. AFTER MY TRIP I TOOK IT TO THE CERTIFIED HYUNDAI DEALER SERVICE CENTER FOR TIRE ROTATION AND OIL CHANGE AND THEY ADVISED THE COOLANT WAS LOW AGAIN, BUT THAT THERE ARE NO LEAKS. I TOLD THEM I JUST FILLED IT UP AND SO THEY ARE CHECKING AGAIN FOR LEAKS. IT SLAMMED INTO GEAR AS I WAS GOING ON AN OFF RAMP FROM AN INTERSTATE. IT JERKED AND SHIMMIED LIKE IT WAS GOING TO DIE WHEN I WAS AT A STOPLIGHT. IT IS BRAND NEW. IT SHOULD NOT BE HAVING SO MANY ISSUES AND NO ONE WILL HELP ME WITH IT I JUST KEEP HEARING "THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT, IT IS JUST THE WAY HYUNDAI DESIGNED THE VEHICLE." HYUNDAI NEEDS TO WORK ON THIS. THERE SHOULD BE MULTIPLE RECALLS ON THIS VEHICLE. IT HAS A POPPING SOUND EVERY TIME I REACH 20 MPH AFTER TAKING IT OUT OF PARK. IT HAS A RATTLE IN THE FRAME/REAR PASSENGER DOOR AREA. NO PLACE CAN FIX THESE SOUNDS. I JUST HAVE TO DEAL WITH IT ALL. IT HAS BEEN NOTHING BUT A NIGHTMARE SINCE PURCHASED IN NOVEMBER 2015. THIS REALLY NEEDS MULTIPLE RECALLS ON IT. I JUST GOT AN EMAIL ABOUT A HOOD LATCH RECALL TOO. NOT EVEN FROM HYUNDAI... FROM CAR FAX. HYUNDAI DID NOT CONTACT CONSUMERS REGARDING THE HOOD LATCH RECALL. THEY SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO. THE DEALER DID NOT CONTACT ME ABOUT IT EITHER. THE DEALER, BOB POYNTER COLUMBUS, IN REFUSES TO SERVICE MY BRAND NEW VEHICLE UNDER WARRANTY AND THEY WILL NOT SPEAK WITH ME AT ALL. THEY WILL NOT TELL ME WHERE THEY OBTAINED MY VEHICLE FROM AS A DEALER TRADE EITHER.
I HAVE 4000 MILES ON THIS CAR AND ALREADY HAVE HAD IT IN THE SHOP 5 TIMES! TRANSMISSION- IS VERY JERKY, DOESN'T HAVE PICK UP MOST THE TIME, DOESN'T SHIFT RIGHT AWAY IT TAKES A MOMENT TO KICK IN WHILE RPM'S ARE JUMPING. HESITATION FROM A DEAD STOP, ONCE AT A DEAD STOP AND YOU SLOWLY TAKE FOOT OFF BREAK THE RPM'S DROP AND THE CAR…
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I HAVE 4000 MILES ON THIS CAR AND ALREADY HAVE HAD IT IN THE SHOP 5 TIMES! TRANSMISSION- IS VERY JERKY, DOESN'T HAVE PICK UP MOST THE TIME, DOESN'T SHIFT RIGHT AWAY IT TAKES A MOMENT TO KICK IN WHILE RPM'S ARE JUMPING. HESITATION FROM A DEAD STOP, ONCE AT A DEAD STOP AND YOU SLOWLY TAKE FOOT OFF BREAK THE RPM'S DROP AND THE CAR SHUTTERS AND FEELS LIKE ITS GOING TO DIE! DEALER SAID ITS NORMAL FOR A DUAL CLUTCH BECAUSE ITS LIKE A MANUAL AND THAT I NEED TO DRIVE 2 FOOTED OR DEAL WITH IT. I ALSO HAD IT TO DEALER SAY PRIOR TO THIS TIME, IT'S BECAUSE THE DUAL TRANSMISSION IS STAYING IN SECOND GEAR AND THAT'S NORMAL AND THAT'S WHY IT FEELS LIKE ITS GOING TO DIE. TRANSMISSION NEVER SHIFTS THE SAME.. WHEN IN ECO IT WORSE AND WHEN IN SPORT MODE IT VERY JERKY AND THE SHIFTING IS AWFUL AND NEVER SMOOTH. BOTTOM LINE IS THIS.. FEELS LIKE THE TRANSMISSION HAS NO IDEA WHEN TO SHIFT AND OR HOW TO SHIFT. THE RPM'S GO UP BUT THE CAR DOESN'T SEEM TO PICK UP SPEED LIKE IT SHOULD AS FAR WHERE THE RPM'S ARE AT, ALWAYS REVS UP BEFORE IT WILL EVEN MORE. ALSO WHEN AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS IT TAKES A LOT TO KICK IT DOWN TO PICK UP SPEED WHICH IS VERY DANGEROUS. THE VIBRATION AT HIGHER SPEEDS IS HORRIBLE . HAD TIRES ROTATED AND BALANCED 2 TIMES ALREADY AND IT TILL HAS NOT FIXED THE PROBLEM. DEALERSHIP DOESN'T SEEM TO FIND T TO BE THAT BIG OF A DEAL. HWY SPEEDS THE CABIN SOUND LIKE YOU HAVE ONE WINDOW OPEN AND YOU GET THAT SOUND OF BEING IN A TUNNEL. SINCE DAY 1 WHEN PUTTING CAR IN REVERSE AND THEN TO DRIVE, THERE IS A CLUNKING POPPING SOUND FROM THE BACK OF CAR AFTER IT HITS ABOUT 20 MPH. HAD THAT LOOKED AT 3 TIMES AND THEY CAN'T FIGURE IT OUT. IT IS MUCH LOUDER AND MORE OFTEN NOW WITH MORE MILES DEAL SAYS ALL MY PROBLEMS ARE NORMAL AND NOTHING THEY CAN DO BUT TO DEAL WITH IT. WORST CAR I HAVE EVER OWNED!!!!! HAD IN SHOP 6 TIMES ALREADY IN 9 MONTHS AND HYUNDAI WILL DO NOTHING TO HELP . *TR
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.