2016 Hyundai Tucson
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Vehicles › Hyundai › Tucson › 2016
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
These records cover every 2016 Hyundai Tucson. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
5 recalls name the 2016 Hyundai Tucson. Newest first.
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…
An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury or crash.
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…
If the trailer brake lights stay illuminated while being used, other drivers may be confused, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Inability to move the vehicle while in traffic may increase the risk of a crash.
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.
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.
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…
Failure to illuminate the trailer's turn signal lights would prevent the communication of the driver's intent, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Description of Defect: Progressive, complete failure of all four (4) power window regulators on a low-mileage 2016 Hyundai Tucson (~29,848 miles). Three windows failed in rapid succession, followed by the fourth, rendering all power windows completely inoperable. Safety Hazard: The inability to operate any window creates a dangerous safety risk during driving and emergency situations, including restricted egress during a crash, lack of cabin ventilation in high heat, and inability to clear windshield/window fogging or signal outside the vehicle. Manufacturer Response: Inspected by Hyundai dealer (Repair Order #348315). Hyundai Corporate (Case #42475291) acknowledged the issue and offered a 50% goodwill cost share, confirming a known premature component failure, but refused 100% repair coverage. My Tucson has roughly 29,848 miles. A simultaneous failure of the entire system at 30k miles is a clear material or manufacturing defect, not user wear-and-tear. Having all windows permanently failed poses an immediate safety hazard regarding emergency egress, vehicle security, and cabin environment management. Safety implications of total window failure while driving: - Emergency Egress & Rescue: In a rollover, severe crash, or submerged vehicle event, non-functioning windows restrict emergency egress and impede rescue personnel. - Cabin Ventilation & Visibility: Inoperable windows prevent defogging or quick ventilation during extreme heat, electrical smoke, or toxic air exposure. - Driver Communication: Inability to roll down windows prevents using hand signals if turn signals/brake lights malfunction, or communicating with emergency responders or law enforcement. The vehicle was inspected at Ourisman Hyundai in Laurel Maryland under Repair Order #348315 and Hyundai Corporate Case #42475291.
When I try accelerate from a stopped position vehicles acts as if it doesn’t want to move and you need your acceleration when crossing traffic or turning onto a busy street I just got the car from carmax 6 days ago so I will take it to their service department and try to find out more
Excessive oil consumption. Mileage is 116.7K miles. Over 4 quarts used in approximately 3,500 miles. Car went into "limp" mode with no power. Top speed on level ground was 45 mph, on a hill 25 mph. Had to pull over to the side of the road so that other cars could pass. Drove to mechanic who saw about 1 quart remained in the car. Oil light didn't go on. Service engine light flashed when the car went into "limp" mode.
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at 15 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate when the accelerator pedal was pressed and released repeatedly at 1,200 RPM. The transmission warning light illuminated. Additionally, the rear driver's and rear passenger's side doors failed to open. The dealer was notified of the failure but informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V628000 (Power Train, Electrical System); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by email. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.
Repeated Window Regulator Failures on 2016 Hyundai Tucson To Whom It May Concern, I am the owner of a 2016 Hyundai Tucson with approximately 54,000 miles. I am writing to request goodwill assistance regarding repeated failures of the vehicle's power window regulators. Over the past year and a half, all four power window regulators have failed, one after another. In each case, the failure appears to be related to the plastic wheel pulley/drum gear spool component within the regulator assembly. The failures have occurred at relatively low mileage and under normal vehicle use. The repair cost quoted by my Hyundai dealer is approximately $500 per window, resulting in a substantial financial burden for what appears to be a recurring component defect rather than normal wear and tear. I understand that my vehicle is outside the standard warranty period. However, I believe it is reasonable to expect window regulator components to last significantly longer than 54,000 miles. The fact that all four regulators have experienced similar failures suggests a systemic quality or durability issue with this component. I have been a Hyundai owner in good faith and am disappointed that such a widespread failure has occurred on a vehicle with relatively low mileage. Given the repeated nature of the problem, I respectfully request that Hyundai Motor America review my case and consider one or more of the following: •Goodwill coverage for future regulator repairs. •Reimbursement for repairs already completed. •Provision of replacement parts at no cost. •Any other form of customer assistance Hyundai deems appropriate.
Hello, Hyundai Corp has a Warranty extension TSB 21-BD-OO6H. I am 9 months out of warranty. I have 3 doors having issues opening with the door actuators. I am worried either myself or family member will get stuck in car upon an emergency. Hyundai Corp saying they will not pay for repair because warranty expired 8/9 months ago. I am out of work [XXX] and could use your help with this issue. Thank you for helping , [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced issues with the brakes on the driver's side. The vehicle was taken to both an independent mechanic and a dealer, where technicians from both locations diagnosed a brake system issue. Later, while driving at approximately 15 MPH, the contact noticed a yanking sensation before the vehicle began slowing down on its own. The contact drove the vehicle back to her residence, where she noticed a burning smell. Once stopped, she observed smoke and discovered that the brake caliper had caught on fire. The contact extinguished the fire herself using a garden hose, and the vehicle was subsequently towed to the dealer. The contact noted that weeks prior to this incident, the vehicle's brakes suddenly locked up on their own with no warning while driving at an undisclosed speed. The contact stated occasionally there was burning odor with smoke but could not tell where it was coming from. The dealer has confirmed that the ABS breaks need to be replaced. The contact stated the calipers were replaced twice before, now that the brakes had caught fire they recommend the ABS module to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 120,000.
Caliber / Breaks sticking after changing them, Car stopped in the middle of traffic after they locked up. Changed them again Brought to Hyundai dealership I was told Caliber needed changing . It was changed Caliber caught fire while driving Now Hyundai says the ABS system has to be replaced
Component: Power Train / Automatic Transmission / ActuatorsDescription: My 2016 Hyundai Tucson (1.6L Turbo 7-speed DCT) suffered a catastrophic transmission assembly failure that caused a sudden and dangerous loss of forward motive power while driving. The vehicle completely refused to engage forward gears, creating an immediate traffic hazard.A certified Hyundai dealership diagnosed the vehicle and pulled fault codes P073F73, P073F77 (Unable to Engage Gear 1), and P092177 (Gear Shift Forward Actuator Circuit Performance). These codes explicitly confirm a total mechanical and electrical failure of the transmission shift actuators.This failure mirrors the exact safety risks and clutch-slippage/engagement defects outlined in federal Safety Recall Campaign 149 (NHTSA Campaign Number 16V574000). Hyundai Corporate refused to provide any goodwill coverage, citing that the vehicle is out of its standard warranty period. However, the failure of these actuators is a direct consequence of the known, recurring manufacturing defect that prompted the initial federal safety recall. The vehicle remains an unresolved safety hazard.
The vehicle unexpectedly entered 'Limp Mode' due to engine tracking code P1326. The vehicle severely restricts engine power and RPMs while driving on public roads, preventing normal acceleration. This creates a severe safety hazard as the vehicle cannot safely merge into oncoming traffic, accelerate away from intersections, or maintain basic road speeds, putting me at a high risk of being rear-ended.The fault is under Hyundai Theta II Txxm. I have been given the runaround by both hyunday corporate and the local dealer.
This problem was observed about 1 month ago: While driving and headlights set on AUTO, during the day, and the light switch NOT on, the dashboard would indicate the lights were ON, for just a second or two, and would go off. At night with the headlights set on AUTO and the headlights ON, while driving, the headlights go OFF and ON briefly (1-3 seconds) causing a dangerous situation as visibility of road is lost. This condition was initially observed at night, after using the turn signals (left/right), but is now happening with greater frequency while driving without using turn signals. I Will schedule a visit with dealership to report/confirm problem.
Door latch issue. Driver's side door has to be pulled multiple times after unlocking to open from the exterior. Passenger side door latch has become completely inoperable and does not open from the interior or exterior now. To have multiple doors fail at the same time seems like a true design failure / flaw and an inoperable door a true safety hazard.
While stopped at a traffic light, the engine began producing a loud metallic clattering and clanking sound, consistent with connecting rod bearing failure (rod knock). There was no prior warning light or indication of this specific failure. When the light changed, the vehicle would not accelerate normally, leaving me stalled in a lane of moving traffic. I was forced to make an emergency turn to get the vehicle out of the way of oncoming and crossing traffic. The engine would not hold an idle afterward and has not run since. The vehicle was towed to a Hyundai dealership, where a service department employee stated by phone that this 1.6L turbocharged engine family has a known, documented history of severe factory defects affecting the connecting rod bearings.
All the warning lights in the day lit up. Brake, LDWS, AEB, outside air temperature won’t read and the a/c blows hot. $486 to diagnose at dealer and they state that it’s an electrical issue due to a bad vacuum pump. I can’t get an answer as to whether the vacuum pump safety campaign was completed or not. Dealer wants $1500 to replace.
The engine is failing at 128,000 miles. The car is burning so much oil that it is impossible to drive more than 500 miles without the oil running dry. The problem has been inspected by the Hyundai dealership nearest me. The vehicle notified me of the oil issue by illuminating the oil light. The issue started after the turbo failed at 127,000 miles. The turbo was replaced at a cost $3,500 and immediately afterwards the vehicle which previously did not burn oil now does. It doesn't just burn oil it consumes it like a black hole.
While driving, the vehicle experienced a sudden and severe loss of motive power accompanied by a loud, catastrophic internal knocking sound from the engine compartment. The vehicle was towed to an authorized Hyundai dealership (Piazza Hyundai of Limerick), where a certified diagnostic technician confirmed a severe internal connecting rod bearing failure (rod knock). This sudden engine failure creates a significant highway safety hazard due to the immediate loss of acceleration and power steering/brake assistance if the engine completely seizes while operational. Hyundai has issued widespread safety recalls and a 15-year/150,000-mile extended warranty (TXXM) for this exact failure mode in other engine displacements (such as the 2.0L Nu GDI), yet they have excluded the 1.6L Turbo engine from identical coverage despite it suffering from the exact same manufacturing defect and presenting the same public safety risk.
All the door locks and actuators/latches are failing. Hyundai claims there is no recall for it, and the price for one door repair is $1384... This is a safety issue since the passenger in the rear seat could not get out in an emergency!
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the front passenger’s side door failed to unlatch as needed. The front passenger's side window failed to roll up or roll down. The driver's side rear door failed to unlatch or latch as needed. Additionally, the trunk switch failed to operate as needed. The dealer was made aware of the failures but provided no assistance. The contact was informed that the repairs were not covered under recall or warranty. The contact stated that the vehicle was unsafe to operate. The contact feared being locked inside the vehicle and being unable to exit the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. While the contact’s daughter was driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle started to lose motive power. The vehicle failed to restart immediately. The vehicle was started after a while; however, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a Goodyear Service Center to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine had seized and needed to be repaired. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 119,479.
Within the last month, the passenger side front door will no longer open from the outside even if the door is unlocked. The driver must lean over to open the passenger door from the inside. Then approximately one week ago, the passenger rear door began to have issues in that it would not open from the outside nor would it open from the inside. This is a known safety issue which puts passengers at risk. A Technical Service Bulletin 21-bd-006h extends the warranty coverage to 10 years/unlimited mileage, however my 2016 Hyundai Tuscon is six (6) months outside of this window. The local Hyundai dealership will not fix under this door latch warranty extension and quoted a cost of $885.00 to remove and replace both latches. I currently have a case opened with Hyundai USA Customer Affairs and am waiting to see if Hyundai will cover the cost of repairs and fix the two door latches. If they do not, I will consider legal remedies.
The vehicle severely shudders, jerks, and hesitates from a stop and while making a turn, during both acceleration and deceleration, making it entirely unsafe to drive. The vehicle has been completely un-driveable for the past 6 days. The check engine light illuminated, and on 4/9/26, the dealer documented a failed transmission judder test and kept the car, issuing a loaner. A temporary software patch failed after two weeks. Upon return, the dealer reported they were unable to recreate the problem, recommended returning when the vehicle demonstrates the problem more frequently, and refused to mechanically repair the dual-clutch transmission under my active original-owner 100,000-mile powertrain warranty, basically instructing me to continue to drive a seriously un-safe vehicle. Most recently, a yellow dashboard warning light illuminated, and the vehicle entered a dangerous 'limp mode,' severely restricting power and struggling to move before the light cleared after cooling down. The vehicle is completely un-driveable and parked.
Oil consumption engine ticking hesitate to change gears poor acceleration.
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended and stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road, where the contact restarted the vehicle. The contact drove to his workplace and parted the vehicle. However, the vehicle later failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the dealer it was purchased from, and the contact was informed that the engine had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then towed to Affordable Towing and Repair, where it was diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not contacted. The vehicle was towed to 125,000.
Driver door does not open from the outside. Rear passenger door does not open at all.
Transmission previously replaced after failed Judder test. Transmission is failing again: Last few days the car will accelerate to 15 then it attempts to shift and power drops and pressing the pedal has no response or very little then it changes into what feels like 4th or 5th gear at 20 mph and acceleration is very sluggish and also switching into manual gear control is completely unresponsive. Power drop at 15 mph, the transmission jumping into what feels like 4th or 5th gear at 20 mph, and sluggish acceleration — is consistent with the clutch pack slipping and the TCM essentially giving up on lower gears and defaulting to a higher gear to protect itself. Manual mode being completely unresponsive is a significant red flag — it means the TCM may have entered a limp or failsafe mode where it’s overriding driver input entirely.
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
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.
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.