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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 · Sep 26, 2024
Forward Collision AvoidanceService BrakesVehicle Speed Control

I had multiple occasions where the car would blink lates and make screaming noises when acceleration. The vehicle never had a smooth process of stopping and going. When stopped at a light, you could press the acceleration and it idle or not speed up than rev the RMPs and start to catch speed. It was very unsafe, I tried several …

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I had multiple occasions where the car would blink lates and make screaming noises when acceleration. The vehicle never had a smooth process of stopping and going. When stopped at a light, you could press the acceleration and it idle or not speed up than rev the RMPs and start to catch speed. It was very unsafe, I tried several attempts years ago at getting the vehicle maintenanced but only got rotors repaired from shaking and two other shops stating it was a recall and they could not service or fix the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI #11616543

Mileage unknown · Sep 23, 2024
Unknown Or Other

The vehicle hesitates sometimes starting from stop/idle and sometimes even when the gas paddle is completely pressed it doesn’t proceed and stalls in middle of road or red light and may take more attempts to get it to move further. I read online that there was a safety recall on this same model in 2016 for this exact same proble…

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The vehicle hesitates sometimes starting from stop/idle and sometimes even when the gas paddle is completely pressed it doesn’t proceed and stalls in middle of road or red light and may take more attempts to get it to move further. I read online that there was a safety recall on this same model in 2016 for this exact same problem but I never received recall on my vehicle from Hyundai.

NHTSA ODI #11615910

Mileage unknown · Sep 13, 2024
Unknown Or Other

The window regular failed is to weak don't last long Have replaced all 4 and replacing the back one again

NHTSA ODI #11614534

Mileage unknown · Sep 10, 2024
Unknown Or Other

Rear doors not opening regardless of door latch being engaged from the inside or outside handles. Due to being unable to open the rear doors, safety of rear passengers in non-emergency and emergency situations is significantly compromised. A formal recall has not been issued, yet in doing a quick internet search, this issue has …

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Rear doors not opening regardless of door latch being engaged from the inside or outside handles. Due to being unable to open the rear doors, safety of rear passengers in non-emergency and emergency situations is significantly compromised. A formal recall has not been issued, yet in doing a quick internet search, this issue has been prevalent for years, which is very concerning.

NHTSA ODI #11613687

Mileage unknown · Sep 9, 2024
Engine

-FIRST DIAGNOSED AS ROD BEARING FAILURE BY INDEPENDENT SERVICE CENTER. SECOND DIAGNOSIS OF ROD BEARING FAILURE MADE BY HYUNDIA DEALERSHIP. -COULD NOT ACCELERATE IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC, COULD NOT MOVE MY CAR TO SAFETY, TOW TRUCK HAD TO BE CALLED TO MOVE VEHICLE TO SAFETY, FURTHER TOWED TO INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP AND THEN TOWED…

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-FIRST DIAGNOSED AS ROD BEARING FAILURE BY INDEPENDENT SERVICE CENTER. SECOND DIAGNOSIS OF ROD BEARING FAILURE MADE BY HYUNDIA DEALERSHIP. -COULD NOT ACCELERATE IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC, COULD NOT MOVE MY CAR TO SAFETY, TOW TRUCK HAD TO BE CALLED TO MOVE VEHICLE TO SAFETY, FURTHER TOWED TO INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP AND THEN TOWED TO HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP. WAS REQUIRED TO PUT MYSELF IN DANGER (IN MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC) TO GET HELP. NO WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON, NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, AND NO LOW OIL LIGHT CAME ON. -CURRENTLY AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AT HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP. -MANUFACTURER DECLINED TO HELP SINCE NO RECALL LISTED FOR MY VEHICLE AND SINCE OUTSIDE WARRANTY PERIOD, THOUGH ALMOST ALL OTHER ENGINE MODELS FOR MY VEHICLE HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR THE EXACT SAME DIAGNOSIS (ROD BEARING FAILURE). -NO WARNING LAMPS WHATSOEVER TO NOTIFY ME OF ANYTHING BEING WRONG-BEFORE, DURING, OR AFTER MY CAR LOST ACCELERATION.

NHTSA ODI #11613417

25,000 miles · Sep 6, 2024
Latches/locks/linkages

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked at the residence, the rear doors on the driver’s and passenger’s sides were not opening as needed after several attempts of locking and unlocking the doors. The vehicle was not towed to a dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not re…

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The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked at the residence, the rear doors on the driver’s and passenger’s sides were not opening as needed after several attempts of locking and unlocking the doors. The vehicle was not towed to a dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 25,000.

NHTSA ODI #11613018

Mileage unknown · Sep 6, 2024
Electrical System

All four window regulators have failed. The plastic gear has totally disintegrated and has had to be replaced. I have noticed that this has been reported by customers numerous times. I hope that we may be reimbursed for the failure of the part since it is very, very common among these models. I have retained all receipts for…

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All four window regulators have failed. The plastic gear has totally disintegrated and has had to be replaced. I have noticed that this has been reported by customers numerous times. I hope that we may be reimbursed for the failure of the part since it is very, very common among these models. I have retained all receipts for parts and labor.

NHTSA ODI #11613000

Mileage unknown · Sep 4, 2024
Unknown Or Other

The car door handles are failing to work properly. Initially (June 2024), the passenger side front door required the handle to be pumped twice before it would open. The door would open correctly from the inside only. That problem was corrected. Now (Aug 2024), the driver side rear door handle has failed and the door cannot be…

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The car door handles are failing to work properly. Initially (June 2024), the passenger side front door required the handle to be pumped twice before it would open. The door would open correctly from the inside only. That problem was corrected. Now (Aug 2024), the driver side rear door handle has failed and the door cannot be opened from the outside or inside. The precise nature of that issue will be determined tomorrow. In June, I was told by the service advisor at Jenkins Hyundai of Ocala [Florida] that Hyundai is aware of an issue with the functioning of door handles (i.e., the actuator) and has extended the warranty from five to ten years for this issue. I my judgment, this is a major safety issue if a door cannot be opened.

NHTSA ODI #11612490

Mileage unknown · Sep 3, 2024
Power Train

loss of power, transmission slipping. unable to get car to move creating hazard. happened 5 times. Diagnosed by dealer as systemic transmission component failure and known issue. many of the same complaints on internet, Code p1921

NHTSA ODI #11612257

Mileage unknown · Aug 30, 2024
Unknown Or Other

Front passenger regulator went out. 1 month later rear passenger and driver rear regulator went out. Currently only have 1 potenworking window with a child under the age of 18 that riders in this vehicle a primary vehicle. Extremely unsafe if there was an emergecy.. Seeing others online having same issue.

NHTSA ODI #11611887

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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