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.
2016 Hyundai Tucson engine problems
430 complaints (26% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 61,000. 2 crashes reported.
- owner complaints
- 430
- of this car's complaints
- 26%
- typical mileage
- 61,000
- crashes
- 2
- recalls
- 0
Which part fails
- Exhaust system: emission control: catalytic convertor4
- Engine: oil/lubrication: filter/screen1
- Engine: oil/lubrication1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+
Hyundai Tucson engine problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2016 Hyundai Tucson engine
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Engine failure 126Stalling 122Check engine light 112Oil consumption 91Knocking 78Loss of power 57Overheating 28Misfire 21Won't start 5
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Related investigations
Loss of Motive Power
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 Petitionersâ 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. ODIâs 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. Â 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 agencyâs 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
What 2016 Hyundai Tucson owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Oil drains very fast even with regular oil changes and maintenance. The vehicle began shaking and then completely stopped with very little warning. Check engine light flashed for under 60 seconds then vehicle would not move forward on the highway creating a major safety hazard. Engine smelled hot and like burning rubber.
Questions about the 2016 Hyundai Tucson engine
Does the 2016 Hyundai Tucson have engine problems?
Owners have filed 430 complaints about the engine of the 2016 Hyundai Tucson, 26% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 2016 Hyundai Tucson engine problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 61,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2016 Hyundai Tucson engine?
There is no recall for this problem on this model year.
What year does the Hyundai Tucson have bad engine?
The Hyundai Tucson model years with the most engine complaints are 2017 (619 complaints), 2016 (430 complaints) and 2018 (250 complaints).
Other 2016 Hyundai Tucson problems
Transmission 518Body 227Electrical 217Locks 158Acceleration 112Fuel system 56Brakes 50Visibility 41Lights 29Steering 22Airbags 15Driver assistance 14Suspension 8Seats 4Seat belts 3Wheels 2
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