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 · Jul 7, 2021
Engine
When the vehicles at a complete stop and you go to press on the gas To accelerate the car moving forward, the car stutters. It happens at stop signs, stoplights, anywhere that the car is at a complete stop. This happens every single time. The car has been taken into the dealership and they say everything is fine and nothing is w…
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When the vehicles at a complete stop and you go to press on the gas To accelerate the car moving forward, the car stutters. It happens at stop signs, stoplights, anywhere that the car is at a complete stop. This happens every single time. The car has been taken into the dealership and they say everything is fine and nothing is wrong. However I’ve taking it to a local mechanic and he said that he can definitely feel the stutter in the vehicle.
NHTSA ODI #11423805
41,000 miles · Jul 7, 2021
Latches/locks/linkages
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that the passenger’s side rear door locking mechanism had failed and the door could not be opened from inside or outside the vehicle. Additionally, the passenger’s side front door and the driver’s side rear door could not be opened from outside the vehicle. The cause of …
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The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that the passenger’s side rear door locking mechanism had failed and the door could not be opened from inside or outside the vehicle. Additionally, the passenger’s side front door and the driver’s side rear door could not be opened from outside the vehicle. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 41,000.
NHTSA ODI #11423796
Mileage unknown · Jul 7, 2021
Latches/locks/linkages
Rear passenger side door will not open from the inside or outside. Happened right after parking. Tried using the remote key and manually unlocking, flipped child safety lock on and off, nothing worked. The door won't budge. Passenger had to climb over our child's carseat to get out on the other side. Major safety hazard if the c…
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Rear passenger side door will not open from the inside or outside. Happened right after parking. Tried using the remote key and manually unlocking, flipped child safety lock on and off, nothing worked. The door won't budge. Passenger had to climb over our child's carseat to get out on the other side. Major safety hazard if the car were on fire or flipped over, especially for our child whose carseat is in the back. No warning or error message in the car. We've researched and found thousands of reports from other Hyundai Tucson 2016's with the same exact issue (often starting with one door and then spreading to all four others). I don't feel safe driving the car in case it spreads to the other doors. This needs to be a recall ASAP. Happy to have our car inspected if needed. Have not yet gone to a dealer but plan to soon.
NHTSA ODI #11423762
Mileage unknown · Jul 5, 2021
Latches/locks/linkages
Rear driver side door handle stuck and unable to open from outside or inside. Extremely unsafe due to not being able to exit the vehicle in case of fire or accident.
NHTSA ODI #11423510
Mileage unknown · Jul 3, 2021
Latches/locks/linkages
The driver side door will not open.. You can unlock with the fob or button on the door, or the mechanical Key. The same issue will all methods. Inside or outside latch, but the handle will not open the door at all or there is a long delay. Very dangerous if you needed to exit the vehicle quickly.
NHTSA ODI #11423343
Mileage unknown · Jul 2, 2021
Latches/locks/linkages
Door handle mechanism won’t open the door. It started with one back door and now all but the driver door are stuck shut. It is a safety issue for passengers who cannot get out of the car. Please read the forums to see how many of us Hyundai owners are experiencing this issue making it an obvious problem with faulty equipment. Th…
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Door handle mechanism won’t open the door. It started with one back door and now all but the driver door are stuck shut. It is a safety issue for passengers who cannot get out of the car. Please read the forums to see how many of us Hyundai owners are experiencing this issue making it an obvious problem with faulty equipment. Thanks
NHTSA ODI #11423225
Mileage unknown · Jun 30, 2021
Latches/locks/linkages
Rear driver side door latch will not open when unlocked. Believe it is actuator issue. Will not open from inside or outside. Front driver side lock will intermittently not release lock/will not open.
NHTSA ODI #11422957
Mileage unknown · Jun 30, 2021
Structure
The back doors will not open from the inside or the outside. I have seem multiple people complain about this and yet still not recall issued. This is a HUGE safety problem. I can't use half of my car because if I somehow get passengers back there and we get in an accident.. they are stuck. If my dog rides back there and we get i…
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The back doors will not open from the inside or the outside. I have seem multiple people complain about this and yet still not recall issued. This is a HUGE safety problem. I can't use half of my car because if I somehow get passengers back there and we get in an accident.. they are stuck. If my dog rides back there and we get in an accident and God forbid he can't jump to the front, he is stuck. This needs to be recalled ASAP. There is no reason for these door handles to just stop working. My front door handle also has to be pulled twice for me to be able to open it.
NHTSA ODI #11422946
Mileage unknown · Jun 29, 2021
Structure
Several doors are unable to be opened from both the inside and outside. This is very concerning to me, as in the event of an emergency passengers (including children in car seats) will be able to evacuate the car. After some research it appears many people have this issue with different models of Hyundai vehicles from that time …
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Several doors are unable to be opened from both the inside and outside. This is very concerning to me, as in the event of an emergency passengers (including children in car seats) will be able to evacuate the car. After some research it appears many people have this issue with different models of Hyundai vehicles from that time period and yet no recall has been put out. I have never been in an accident in this vehicle and the doors are not dented or otherwise damaged. This problem started slowly, with the door handle not opening on the first try but opening after a few pulls. Over time it got the point where it will not open at all, inside or outside. And over time this has happened with all 4 doors. The two rear doors will not open at all. The front two doors are finicky and take several tries before opening.
NHTSA ODI #11422742
Mileage unknown · Jun 29, 2021
Structure
In my 2016 Tucson, the issue started with the front passenger door not opening even though you can hear the car unlocking when clicking the key fob. This issue has now started on the drivers side door, with both the key fob not opening the door as well as manually trying to open the door with the key. This is a serious safely …
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In my 2016 Tucson, the issue started with the front passenger door not opening even though you can hear the car unlocking when clicking the key fob. This issue has now started on the drivers side door, with both the key fob not opening the door as well as manually trying to open the door with the key. This is a serious safely issue and should not be happening. This issue runs the risk of someone being stuck in the car, with no way of getting to them. There was no pre warning of the issue starting. It just happened one day and from that point forward has been progressing to each door. Getting in and out of the car in the event of an accident or emergency poses an issue if the doors do not open. This is made worse by not being able to manually open the door with a key.
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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