Hyundai Tucson 2016 recalls, problems, complaints and safety

NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls issued for the Hyundai Tucson 2016 and 1,621 complaints filed by owners. One of them carries a do-not-drive or park-outside warning until repaired. It's the model year with the most complaints for the Hyundai Tucson between 2016 and 2025.

These are recalls issued for this model and year, not for your specific car. A car may already be repaired or may not be included. Confirm with your VIN on NHTSA.

Recalls issued for the Hyundai Tucson 2016

Brakes (hydraulic)
NHTSA campaign 20V543000 · 2020-09-04 !

Owners are advised to park it outside and away from structures until repaired (fire risk).

What happens

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

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.

The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.

NHTSA 20V543000

Electrical system
NHTSA campaign 16V842000 · 2016-11-21

What happens

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.

The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.

NHTSA 16V842000

Powertrain and transmission
NHTSA campaign 16V628000 · 2016-08-30

What happens

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.

The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.

NHTSA 16V628000

Latches and locks
NHTSA campaign 16V348000 · 2016-05-24

What happens

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

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.

The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.

NHTSA 16V348000

Exterior lighting
NHTSA campaign 16V147000 · 2016-03-10

What happens

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

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.

The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.

NHTSA 16V147000

Complaints from other owners

1,621 complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of this model.

14 with a crash · 26 with a fire · 7 injuries

Most reported problems on the Hyundai Tucson 2016

• Powertrain and transmission: 516 (32% of complaints)
• Engine: 423 (26% of complaints)
• Structure and body: 227 (14% of complaints)
• Electrical system: 212 (13% of complaints)
• Latches and locks: 157 (10% of complaints)

Complaints are written by owners and NHTSA doesn't verify each one. They're useful to spot trends.

What to check before buying a Hyundai Tucson 2016

• Confirm by VIN on NHTSA that the recalls on this list were repaired.
• On the test drive, check for smooth shifts with no jerks, slipping or noises; check the transmission fluid condition.
• Start it cold, listen for noises, look for oil or coolant leaks and exhaust smoke.
• Look for frame rust, welds or uneven paint that point to accidents.
• Get an inspection from an independent mechanic before paying.

Safety rating (NCAP)

Hyundai Tucson recalls by year

• 2016 : 5 recalls · 1,621 complaints
• 2017 : 3 recalls · 1,090 complaints
• 2018 : 1 recalls · 396 complaints
• 2019 : 1 recalls · 382 complaints
• 2020 : 1 recalls · 178 complaints
• 2021 : 1 recalls · 79 complaints
• 2022 : 3 recalls · 385 complaints
• 2023 : 2 recalls · 135 complaints
• 2024 : 4 recalls · 98 complaints
• 2025 : 6 recalls · 286 complaints

Frequently asked questions

How many recalls does the Hyundai Tucson 2016 have?

NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls issued for the Hyundai Tucson 2016. That doesn't mean every car has them open: confirm with the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. The repair is free at the dealer.

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

In complaints filed with NHTSA, the most mentioned component is: powertrain and transmission (516 of 1,621 complaints). Complaints aren't verified one by one, but they show trends.