2016 Hyundai Tucson
This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2005 | 185 |
| 2006 | 135 |
| 2007 | 65 |
| 2008 | 43 |
| 2009 | 18 |
| 2010 | 57 |
| 2011 | 124 |
| 2012 | 255 |
| 2013 | 266 |
| 2014 | 201 |
| 2015 | 226 |
| 2016 | 1616 |
| 2017 | 1083 |
| 2018 | 391 |
| 2019 | 374 |
| 2020 | 175 |
| 2021 | 78 |
| 2022 | 376 |
| 2023 | 131 |
| 2024 | 92 |
| 2025 | 276 |
| 2026 | 57 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
32% of complaints: power train — 517 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and clutch assembly.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
A/C failure & Heat Failure which resulted in an accident. Was not the thermostat. ACCEDENT was unable to defrost/defog windows, causing the driver to crash
NHTSA ODI report, 20240111
Also filed under ENGINE
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
NHTSA ODI report, 20190120
Also filed under ENGINE
I WAS AN OWNER OF A 2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON WITH TURBO. UNTIL JANUARY 23, 2018.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180314
26% of complaints: engine — 422 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260712
14% of complaints: structure — 227 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing body and door.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
I WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65MPH EAST ON INTERSTATE 10 IN LOUISIANA AROUND MILE MARKER 257.3 WHEN THE HOOD LATCH FAILED AND MY HOOD FLEW UP, SMASHING MY WINDSHIELD AND COMPLETELY BLOCKING MY FIELD OF VIEW.
NHTSA ODI report, 20160420
Also filed under VISIBILITY/WIPER
13% of complaints: electrical system — 214 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing software and key/sender.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
All the warning lights in the day lit up. Brake, LDWS, AEB, outside air temperature wonât read and the a/c blows hot. $486 to diagnose at dealer and they state that itâs an electrical issue due to a bad vacuum pump.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260723
Also filed under FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE and LANE DEPARTURE
10% of complaints: latches/locks/linkages — 157 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing latch and lock.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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...
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.
Campaign 16V147000 — check if this car was fixed
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2016 Tucson vehicles manufactured May 19, 2015 to March 14, 2016.
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.
Campaign 16V348000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 16V628000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 16V842000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 20V543000 — check if this car was fixed
Loss of Motive Power
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2016 Hyundai Tucson — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (517 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (422 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (227 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 16V147000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16V348000 (latches/locks/linkages) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16V628000 (electrical system, power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16V842000 (electrical system, trailer hitches) has been completed.
- Verify recall 20V543000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2016 Hyundai Tucson reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2016 Hyundai Tucson is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Hyundai Tucson?
The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 32% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2016 Hyundai Tucson have?
5 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.