VehicleVerdict

2016 Hyundai Tucson problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 2,157 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 9.3 times the median Tucson year — the 2016 model ranks #1 of 22 Tucson years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 12 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across transmission (515), engine (429), and other (262), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

2,157

NHTSA complaints

5

Recalls

1

Investigations

23

Crash-involved

39

Fires reported

12

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2016 compare to other Tucson years?

Tucson NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted2,157 complaints2005: 273 complaints2006: 202 complaints2007: 85 complaints2008: 66 complaints2009: 24 complaints2010: 78 complaints2011: 174 complaints2012: 314 complaints2013: 317 complaints2014: 238 complaints2015: 304 complaints2016: 2,157 complaints2017: 1,445 complaints2018: 525 complaints2019: 517 complaints2020: 227 complaints2021: 102 complaints2022: 559 complaints2023: 204 complaints2024: 137 complaints2025: 414 complaints2026: 60 complaints
Tucson NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Tucson years to avoid →

What are the most common 2016 Hyundai Tucson problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission51524%
Engine42920%
Other26212%
Body & Structure22610%
Electrical System22110%
Latches & Locks1577%
Speed Control1115%
Fuel System563%
Brakes482%
Visibility & Wipers422%
Lighting291%
Steering221%
Airbags151%
Suspension80%
Driver Assistance60%
Seats40%
Seat Belts30%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)20%
Tires & Wheels10%

Does the 2016 Hyundai Tucson have recalls?

5 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

20V543000BrakesSeptember 4, 2020 · 652,024 units

Defect

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.

16V842000Trailer HitchNovember 21, 2016 · 6,172 units

Defect

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.

16V628000Electrical SystemAugust 30, 2016 · 41,000 units

Defect

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.

16V348000Latches & LocksMay 24, 2016 · 81,000 units

Defect

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.

16V147000LightingMarch 10, 2016 · 2,263 units

Defect

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“VEHICLE WAS IN DEALERSHIP FOR TRANSMISSION MULTIPLE TIMES THEN LAST WEEK A FUEL PUMP NOW AT THE DEALERSHIP DUE TO THE FACT VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE AS I WAS DRIVING IT AND PULLING UP T =O MY HOME”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · January 17, 2019 · fire

“While climbing the hill on Highway 5 south, the engine RPM dropped so I was moving the car to the shoulder, and while moving, black smoke came out of the engine hood and stopped the car on the shoulder, and then, the fire began to rise under the engine hood. An insurance company investigation…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · April 14, 2022 · fire

“WHILE DRIVING IN MOTION ON CITY STREET, WEST BOUND ,PEOPLE WERE YELLING AT ME... WASN'T SURE WHAT WAS GOING ON...I ROLL DOWN MY WINDOW TO HEAR THEM YELLING " YOUR CAR IS ON FIRE" SO I PULL OFF ROAD IN TO A PARKING LOT...STOP AND OPEN DOOR AS FIRE RUSHING IN AS I'M "LITERALLY" HAVING TO JUMP OUT !…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · June 13, 2020 · fire

“I'M THE OWNER OF A 2016 HYUNDAI SANTA FE THAT THE ENGINE STARTED KNOCKING AND WHEN I OPENED THE HOOD CAR WAS ON FIRE I LOOKED LIKE A MOVIE CAR BLOW UP BURSTING GLASS EVERYWHERE I ALMOST DIED IF I DIDN'T STOP TO LOOK AT IT. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · May 27, 2020 · fire

“While back out of my driveway in my 2016 hyundai tucson, it suddenly accelerated on its own out of control rendering me helpless and just along for the ride. Finally stopped while in reverse the car went across the street crashing violently into my neighbors boat and engine was still reving until I…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · August 4, 2022 · crash

2016 Hyundai Tucson — common questions

Is the 2016 Hyundai Tucson reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 2,157 complaints put the 2016 model at #1 of 22 Tucson years. It is one of the Tucson years to avoid.

What are the most common 2016 Tucson problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (515 complaints), engine (429 complaints), other (262 complaints).

Does the 2016 Hyundai Tucson have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 2016 Hyundai Tucson. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2016 Hyundai Tucson under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Hyundai Tucson years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Tucson years to avoid are 2016, 2017, 2022, 2018, 2019, 2025, 2013, 2012, 2015, 2014, 2020, 2011, 2021, 2010. The cleanest record among Tucson years belongs to 2009.

How safe is the 2016 Hyundai Tucson?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2016 Hyundai Tucson earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.