The 2016 Hyundai Tucson has 5 safety recalls and 1,626 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is power train (519 complaints).
Recalls5safety recalls
Complaints1,626filed by owners
Crashes · fires14 · 26reported in complaints
Injuries · deaths7 · 0reported in complaints
2016 Hyundai Tucson in an NHTSA crash test
1 recall for this model year carries an NHTSA park outside advisory. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Safety recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Control unit/module
NHTSA recall 20V543000 · Sep 4, 2020 · 652,024 vehicles · opened after NHTSA action (ODI)
NHTSA advisory: park outside and away from buildings until repaired (fire risk).
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.
Trailer hitches
NHTSA recall 16V842000 · Nov 21, 2016 · 6,172 vehicles
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.
Components: Trailer hitches; Electrical system › Wiring
Electrical system › Software
NHTSA recall 16V628000 · Aug 30, 2016 · 41,000 vehicles
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.
Components: Electrical system › Software; Power train › Automatic transmission › Control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
Latches/locks/linkages › Hood › Latch
NHTSA recall 16V348000 · May 24, 2016 · 81,000 vehicles
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.
Exterior lighting › Tail lights
NHTSA recall 16V147000 · Mar 10, 2016 · 2,263 vehicles
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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 repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA side barrier crash testNHTSA side pole crash test
2016 Hyundai Tucson SUV AWD
Overall
★★★★★
Frontal crash
★★★★★
Side crash
★★★★★
Rollover
★★★★★
Rollover risk
16.2%
Forward collision warning: Optional · Lane departure warning: Optional
2016 Hyundai Tucson SUV FWD
Overall
★★★★★
Frontal crash
★★★★★
Side crash
★★★★★
Rollover
★★★★★
Rollover risk
15.5%
Forward collision warning: Optional · Lane departure warning: Optional
2016 Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell SUV FWD
Overall
Not Rated
Frontal crash
Not Rated
Side crash
Not Rated
Rollover
Not Rated
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.
Fuel economy
Tucson Fuel Cell FCV
50mpg combined
City / highway
49 / 51 mpg
Fuel
Hydrogen
Automatic (A1) · Front-Wheel Drive
Tucson Eco FWD
28mpg combined
City / highway
26 / 32 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
1.6 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (AM7) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,400/year to fuel
Tucson FWD
27mpg combined
City / highway
25 / 30 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
1.6 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (AM7) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,500/year to fuel
Tucson Eco AWD
27mpg combined
City / highway
25 / 30 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
1.6 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (AM7) · All-Wheel Drive · about $2,500/year to fuel
Tucson FWD
26mpg combined
City / highway
23 / 30 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
2 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (S6) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,600/year to fuel
Tucson AWD
25mpg combined
City / highway
24 / 28 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
1.6 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (AM7) · All-Wheel Drive · about $2,700/year to fuel
Tucson AWD
23mpg combined
City / highway
21 / 26 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
2 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (S6) · All-Wheel Drive · about $2,900/year to fuel
EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.
What owners report
Problem area
Complaints
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Typical mileage*
Power train Automatic transmission; Clutch assembly
519
4
3
0
7,500 mi
Engine
424
2
17
2
56,000 mi
Unknown or other
264
3
6
0
39,300 mi
Structure Body; Body › Door
227
1
1
1
59,500 mi
Electrical system Software; Ignition › Anti-theft › Immobilizer/proximity › Key/sender
Exterior lighting Turn signal › Flasher unit; Headlights
30
0
0
0
45,000 mi
Visibility Power window devices and controls; Glass, side/rear
30
1
0
1
64,000 mi
Steering
22
1
0
0
50,000 mi
*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Recent owner complaints
Mar 27, 2026Unknown or other 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…
Oct 12, 2026Vehicle speed control When I try accelerate from a stopped position vehicles acts as if it doesnât 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
Oct 14, 2026Engine 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.
Oct 1, 2026 · 95,000 milesLatches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch 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.
Sep 9, 2026Unknown or other 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…
Sep 25, 2025Unknown or other 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)
Sep 11, 2026 · 120,000 miles · fireService brakes 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…
Sep 11, 2026 · fireService brakes 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
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.
NHTSA defect investigations
DP22003 · opened Sep 12, 2022 · closed Dec 12, 2023Loss of Motive Power 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)…