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2016 Hyundai Tucson problems

The most common problem on the 2016 Hyundai Tucson is transmission and drivetrain, typically around 7,500 miles. It has 8.8 times the complaints of a typical Tucson model year.

Year to avoid8.8x the typical complaints
Year score
5/100
Owner complaints
1,626
Recalls
5
Service bulletins
1715 warranty
Worst area
Transmission
Fuel economy
23-50mpg
Typical repair
$898

The worst 2016 Hyundai Tucson problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

Specific symptoms reported on the 2016 Hyundai Tucson

Door locks 302Hesitation 146Engine failure 126Stalling 122Jerking 120Check engine light 112Oil consumption 91Power windows 81Knocking 78Loss of power 57Shudder 39Fire or smoke 38Slipping 31Won't shift 30Overheating 28Transmission failure 28Key fob 27Misfire 21Sudden acceleration 18Headlights 15ABS 14Warning lights 12Grinding brakes 10Harsh shifting 10Airbag light 7Fuel pump 5Won't start 5

Trouble codes owners of the 2016 Hyundai Tucson mention

P1326 9P0011 2P0420 2P073F 2P1921 2

Recalls 5

Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/moduleReported September 4, 2020 · 652,024 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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.

Recall number 20V543000 · Recall details

Trailer hitchesReported November 21, 2016 · 6,172 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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."
Risk
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.

Recall number 16V842000 · Recall details

Electrical system: softwareReported August 30, 2016 · 41,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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.

Recall number 16V628000 · Recall details

Latches/locks/linkages: hood: latchReported May 24, 2016 · 81,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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.

Recall number 16V348000 · Recall details

Exterior lighting: tail lightsReported March 10, 2016 · 2,263 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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."
Risk
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.

Recall number 16V147000 · Recall details

See all 5 recalls for the 2016 Hyundai Tucson

Defect investigations

Loss of Motive PowerOpened September 12, 2022, closed December 12, 2023

the federal safety agency 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 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 the federal safety agency 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 the federal safety agency's possession, and the potential risks to motor vehicle safety implicated by the petitioners' allegations, the federal safety agency does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. Therefore, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing the federal safety agency’s reasons for denial of the petition will be published. The reference numbers for the complaints to the federal safety agency 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

DP22003

Technical service bulletins for the 2016 Hyundai Tucson 171

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 171 bulletins for the 2016 Hyundai Tucson

2016 Hyundai Tucson fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
0.0L ‑cylFWD495150
1.6L 4‑cylFWD25-2630-3227-28
1.6L 4‑cylAWD24-2528-3025-27
2.0L 4‑cylFWD233026
2.0L 4‑cylAWD212623

What 2016 Hyundai Tucson owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Oct 24, 2026 · MD

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.

Filed Oct 16, 2026 · Acceleration · MO

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

Filed Oct 15, 2026 · Engine · NY

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.

Filed Oct 14, 2026 · Electrical, Locks · 95,000 miles · SC

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 the federal safety agency 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.

Filed Oct 12, 2026 · TX

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.

Filed Oct 5, 2026 · MA

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)

Filed Sep 28, 2026 · Brakes · 120,000 miles · LA · fire

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.

Filed Sep 22, 2026 · Brakes, Electrical · LA · fire

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

Filed Sep 21, 2026 · Transmission · MS

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 (the federal safety agency 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.

Filed Sep 9, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · NM

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.

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Compare the 2016 Hyundai Tucson

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Other model years

2005200620072008200920102011201220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023202420252026

Questions about the 2016 Hyundai Tucson

Is the 2016 Hyundai Tucson reliable?

Owners have filed 1,626 complaints about the 2016 Hyundai Tucson, 8.8 times a typical Tucson model year. It is one of the years we flag to avoid.

What is the 2016 Hyundai Tucson year score?

The 2016 Hyundai Tucson scores 5 out of 100 (poor). The score compares it with the other model years of the Hyundai Tucson: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2016 Hyundai Tucson?

Transmission and drivetrain, with 518 complaints, typically around 7,500 miles. Next is engine (430).

How many recalls does the 2016 Hyundai Tucson have?

5 recalls, covering service brakes, hydraulic, trailer hitches and electrical system.

What year does the Hyundai Tucson have bad transmission?

The Hyundai Tucson model years with the most transmission complaints are 2016 (518 complaints), 2017 (294 complaints) and 2018 (101 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2016 Hyundai Tucson get?

Official estimates for the 2016 Hyundai Tucson range from 23 to 50 mpg combined. The most efficient version (0.0L -cyl, FWD) gets 49 city and 51 highway.

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