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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 24, 2021
Unknown Or Other

I took my 2016 Tucson to the Myrtle Beach Sc dealership for the recall on the ABS. First thing that happened they called me in the back and told me that they added oil (which I checked when I got home and was overfilled) and that they put in 2 new air filters. They did all this before asking me. So they tried to get me to pay $7…

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I took my 2016 Tucson to the Myrtle Beach Sc dealership for the recall on the ABS. First thing that happened they called me in the back and told me that they added oil (which I checked when I got home and was overfilled) and that they put in 2 new air filters. They did all this before asking me. So they tried to get me to pay $72 each for the air filters and $16 for the oil and of course I refused. Within days the check bsd system light and all other lights have come on. When I’m at a stop signs it shuts off. I have started the vehicle one morning to warm the engine up and I go back and thence hole is off with the dashboard lights on. My vehicle has even stop and cut off while in traffic while taking my daughter to school. The RPM and the AC stops working when these lights come on and I can only drive the vehicle at a certain speed. I don’t know if by “fixing” the ABS caused this issue or what but my vehicle was driving fine before I went to that dealership. I contacted the dealership asked for a manager and of course one was not available but I was told that they would look at my vehicle for $110. And I still haven’t heard from a manager. So disappointed in Hyundai!!!

NHTSA ODI #11434255

103,000 miles · Sep 23, 2021
Latches/locks/linkages

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact attempted to open the rear driver’s side door from the inside and the door failed to open. The contact exited the vehicle from the rear passenger’s side door. The next day the contact attempted to open the door and the rear drive…

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The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact attempted to open the rear driver’s side door from the inside and the door failed to open. The contact exited the vehicle from the rear passenger’s side door. The next day the contact attempted to open the door and the rear driver’s and passenger’s side door would not open. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000.

NHTSA ODI #11434133

Mileage unknown · Sep 22, 2021
Unknown Or Other

The doors on the passenger side of the car will not open from the outside or inside. My car was not hit. I have been in no accidents, but the just do not open anymore. My driver side door takes two attempts before it opens. The only door that works like it should is the back-seat driver side door. No warnings. This happen…

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The doors on the passenger side of the car will not open from the outside or inside. My car was not hit. I have been in no accidents, but the just do not open anymore. My driver side door takes two attempts before it opens. The only door that works like it should is the back-seat driver side door. No warnings. This happened months ago, but I was out of warranty. The dealership service department told me $350 per door to repair. Found that hundreds of owner of this make/model experience the same. Totally unsafe that only 1 of 4 doors function properly.

NHTSA ODI #11433958

Mileage unknown · Sep 20, 2021
EnginePower Train

The vehicle issue began with needing an engine check light. Searched for a recall but there wasn't any engine recalls online for my VIN number. Took the car to the dealer for a recall and they did the recall on some electrical wire that was separate from the engine issue but they just overlooked the engine check light on my das…

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The vehicle issue began with needing an engine check light. Searched for a recall but there wasn't any engine recalls online for my VIN number. Took the car to the dealer for a recall and they did the recall on some electrical wire that was separate from the engine issue but they just overlooked the engine check light on my dashboard and made no mention of it. They actually bypassed it and so I thought maybe they fixed the issue since the light isn't present anymore. However the engine light came and the problem developed into a transmission failure. Upon pressing the gas pedal, the vehicle wouldn't run over 30 miles per hour and could only go up to 4 rpms.. I took the car to the mechanic and he replaced the transmission and he said that the root cause was a result of a burnt gasket. So we had that replace also.. After spending $5000 in repairs, the motor or the engine completely overheated and now the car is just a potato. Another issue is the doors on my car and not opening anymore. I have to manually ply them open by pulling on some mechanical wiring inside the door. Why do I have to pay for bad engineering? This is an obvious risk.

NHTSA ODI #11433599

Mileage unknown · Sep 20, 2021
Service Brakes

This vehicle is under recall for its antilock braking system. I brought the vehicle to a dealership on 10 April for the repair. They didn't have the necessary parts in stock. When I called back two months later. Still no parts. It's now been more than 5 months. Which I believe to be proof that the dealership is "unable to remed…

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This vehicle is under recall for its antilock braking system. I brought the vehicle to a dealership on 10 April for the repair. They didn't have the necessary parts in stock. When I called back two months later. Still no parts. It's now been more than 5 months. Which I believe to be proof that the dealership is "unable to remedy the defect within a reasonable time." Instead of responding to calls, Jim Ellis Hyundai of Atlanta (5785 Peachtree Blvd, Atlanta, GA 30341) puts me on hold indefinitely. I'd really like to be able to use my garage again.

NHTSA ODI #11433598

Mileage unknown · Sep 19, 2021
Latches/locks/linkages

Both of my rear doors will not open. It started with the rear passenger side door and as of two days ago now my rear driver side door will not open either. I am also having some problems with my driver door, sometimes it won’t open until the second try. I searched online and this seems to be a common problem. This is a safety co…

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Both of my rear doors will not open. It started with the rear passenger side door and as of two days ago now my rear driver side door will not open either. I am also having some problems with my driver door, sometimes it won’t open until the second try. I searched online and this seems to be a common problem. This is a safety concern, I am not sure how there isn’t a recall for this.

NHTSA ODI #11433515

Mileage unknown · Sep 17, 2021
Latches/locks/linkages

Back rear doors do not unlock. No matter how many times you press the unlock button they just do not unlock. Nothing has been done to the doors or just started out of no where. This is a huge safety problem. If there is a crash or emergency there's no way for the back doors to open. It started with one door and now the second …

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Back rear doors do not unlock. No matter how many times you press the unlock button they just do not unlock. Nothing has been done to the doors or just started out of no where. This is a huge safety problem. If there is a crash or emergency there's no way for the back doors to open. It started with one door and now the second is doing the same thing. You have to either push the door in trying to get in or pull the door towards you if your trying to get out. I looked into this and there are several other complaints about the same thing.

NHTSA ODI #11433379

Mileage unknown · Sep 16, 2021
Power Train

The vehicle is slow to accelerate on and doesn’t change gears quickly, often stays in a neutral mode which doesn’t allow acceleration. Vehicle doesn’t move when gas is pressed which can cause a major issue when driving on the roads. It is very dangerous and I believe my vehicle should be included in the August 29, 2016 recall.

NHTSA ODI #11433283

Mileage unknown · Sep 16, 2021
Latches/locks/linkages

Once my car door is unlocked from the outside it WILL NOT open! My son also owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson and the SAME thing is happening. I have been hearing of this happening for many, many more Hyundai owners. IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE as one is unable to get into the car or get out of the car. This could pose a risk in the event tha…

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Once my car door is unlocked from the outside it WILL NOT open! My son also owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson and the SAME thing is happening. I have been hearing of this happening for many, many more Hyundai owners. IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE as one is unable to get into the car or get out of the car. This could pose a risk in the event that my granddaughter is stuck in the car under dangerous circumstances or that I am or if someone with a physical limitation is in the car...needing to quickly exit the car OR even to quickly gain entrance to the car. I have read other owners' posts about the blasé, even bored, responses from Hyundai and that just diagnosing the issue costs around $100. Also, even if the car is still in warranty and the item is replaced, one still has to pay for labor! It will also cost around $4000 to get all 4 doors repaired. RIDICULOUS!! While this is a major inconvenience, it also puts the driver and passengers in DANGEROUS risk of injury just to get out of the car! Hyundai HAS AN OBLIGATION TO MAKE THEIR VEHICLES SAFE. This should be a safety recall and 100% covered by Hyundai. Thank you

NHTSA ODI #11433237

Mileage unknown · Sep 15, 2021
Power Train

The transmission will fail to deliver power to the wheels when starting from a stop. You will hit the gas and nothing will happen for a beat, before kicking in suddenly. this creates a safety issue, especially when turning left, as it can leave you stranded in front of traffic. Multiple Tucson owners have reported the same issu…

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The transmission will fail to deliver power to the wheels when starting from a stop. You will hit the gas and nothing will happen for a beat, before kicking in suddenly. this creates a safety issue, especially when turning left, as it can leave you stranded in front of traffic. Multiple Tucson owners have reported the same issue with their transmisison.

NHTSA ODI #11433107

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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