Problems owners report
Complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2016 Hyundai Tucson, by the system named in each complaint. One complaint can name several.
- Power train518
- Engine424
- Unknown or other263
- Structure227
- Electrical system217
- Latches/locks/linkages158
- Vehicle speed control112
- Fuel/propulsion system55
- Service brakes35
- Visibility29
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026 · 7 injuries and 0 deaths reported
Compared with other years
NHTSA ODI complaints by model year
Fatal crashes in the US
From 2020 to 2023, 48 2016 Tucson vehicles were involved in crashes on US public roads in which someone died; 18 people died inside them, and 2 of the vehicles rolled over. This is a count, not a crash rate: it grows with the number of cars on the road.
NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), crash years 2020–2023 (public domain)
New York safety inspections
At its first New York inspection the 2016 Hyundai Tucson failed the safety check 1.69% of the time — 14% less often than the average 2016 passenger car (1.97%). Median odometer at inspection: 73,764 miles.
NY DMV Vehicle Inspections (vezn-fmmk), initial inspections since Aug 2021 · how we count
Registered new in Europe in 2016
154,844 new Hyundai Tucson cars were registered in the EU, Norway and Iceland in 2016; the largest markets were Germany (25,678), the United Kingdom (25,212), Italy (22,881).
- Average mass
- 1,593 kg
- Average power
- 107 kW
- Fuel type recorded
- Diesel 73% · Petrol 25% · LPG 1.7%
European Environment Agency, CO₂ emissions from new passenger cars · averages weighted by registrations; CO₂ is the type-approval value; fuel type as recorded at registration, where many non-plug-in hybrids appear as petrol · re-use permitted with acknowledgement
Engines
The most common engines in 2016 Hyundai Tucson cars on Dutch roads are the 1.6 petrol (97 kW, 130 hp), 1.6 petrol (130 kW, 174 hp) and 1.7 diesel (85 kW, 114 hp).
| Engine | Power | Cars |
|---|---|---|
| 1.6 petrol | 97 kW 130 hp | 1,828 |
| 1.6 petrol | 130 kW 174 hp | 1,070 |
| 1.7 diesel | 85 kW 114 hp | 53 |
RDW Open Data (CC0): registered passenger cars and their fuel data · engine size rounded to 0.1 litre, net maximum power · versions with at least 20 cars
In the Netherlands
3,005 first registered in 2016 are on Dutch roads; 44% arrived later as imports. Median list price when new: €30,810.
Most common APK defects
- Bandenspanning niet op juiste waarde1,929
- Band onvoldoende profiel857
- Dimlicht onjuist afgesteld538
- Band(en) aanwezig met een profieldiepte van 1,6 t/m 2,5 mm510
- Schokdemper ondeugdelijk bevestigd332
- Mechanische delen van het remsysteem vertonen slijtage286
- Kentekenplaatverlichting werkt niet (goed) / ontbreekt279
- Ruitenwisserinstallatie geeft onvoldoende zicht276
Colours
RDW Open Data: registered vehicles and APK defects (CC0) · defect descriptions in the RDW's Dutch wording
In the United Kingdom
20,868 cars built in 2016 were licensed for the road at the end of 2025, and 369 more were declared off the road (SORN).
Department for Transport and DVLA, vehicle licensing statistics (table VEH0124, year of manufacture) · Open Government Licence v3.0
MOT test results in Great Britain
In 2023, 20,557 of these cars first registered in 2016 took their annual MOT test. 82% passed first time; among all cars first registered in 2016 the figure was 79%.
| Failed on | These cars | All cars from 2016 |
|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 7.5% | 4.3% |
| Tyres | 5.0% | 6.2% |
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 3.1% | 6.1% |
| Visibility | 3.1% | 3.5% |
| Suspension | 1.4% | 4.9% |
| Steering | 1.2% | 0.8% |
DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, 2023 (Department for Transport) · Open Government Licence v3.0 · first tests only; a fix made at the test station within the hour still counts as a fail
In Finland
379 of these cars first registered in 2016 were in use in Finland on 30 Jun 2026, with an average of 167,000 km on the odometer at their last inspection.
Traficom (Finnish Transport and Communications Agency), open data on vehicles in use · CC BY 4.0
In New Zealand
2,578 2016 cars are on the New Zealand register; 2% arrived as used imports, 97% were sold new in New Zealand.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, Motor Vehicle Register (March 2026) · CC BY 4.0
Crash-test ratings
NHTSA 5-star results for 2 variants; 2 of 2 rated variants score five stars overall. Rollover risk is the estimated chance of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Variant | Overall | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 Hyundai Tucson SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | 16.2 % |
| 2016 Hyundai Tucson SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | 15.5 % |
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
- Forward collision warning
- Optional
- Lane departure warning
- Optional
- Best overall rating
- 5 / 5
NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), api.nhtsa.gov · US federal work, public domain
Fuel consumption
Official Canadian test results for 3 variants: combined 9.0–10.1 L/100 km (about 23–26 mpg US), CO₂ 211–240 g/km.
| Variant | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tucson · Sport utility vehicle: Small · Regular gasoline | 10.1 | 7.6 | 9.0 |
| Tucson AWD · Sport utility vehicle: Small · Regular gasoline | 9.9 | 8.4 | 9.2 |
| Tucson AWD · Sport utility vehicle: Small · Regular gasoline | 11.0 | 9.0 | 10.1 |
Litres per 100 km. Natural Resources Canada, Fuel consumption ratings (open.canada.ca) · Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls in Canada
8 Transport Canada recalls for the 2016 Hyundai Tucson.
| 2024552 23 Sept 2024 | Label Issue: On certain vehicles, the compliance label may be missing information in French. The words listed on the label for "Tires", "Rims", "Front" and "Rear" a… |
| 2022244 8 May 2022 | Engine Issue: Hyundai Auto Canada is conducting a Product Improvement Campaign that provides an update to the engine control module to detect potential problems befo… |
| 2021575 17 Sept 2021 | Engine This recall was replaced by Transport Canada Recall No. 2022-244. Issue: Hyundai Auto Canada is conducting a Product Improvement Campaign that provides an… |
| 2021034 27 Jan 2021 | Engine This campaign was replaced by Transport Canada No. 2021-575. Issue: Hyundai Auto Canada is conducting a Product Improvement Campaign that provides an upd… |
| 2020648 30 Dec 2020 | Brakes Issue: On certain vehicles, a problem in the control module for the antilock brake system (ABS) could cause it to short circuit. Note: This is an expansion … |
| 2016436 8 Sept 2016 | Powertrain On certain vehicles equipped with a 7-Speed Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT), in higher ambient temperatures, the transmission clutch could have delayed engagemen… |
| 2016263 27 May 2016 | Structure On certain vehicles, the secondary hood latch can potentially disengage due to a tolerance build-up between the latch and catch mechanisms. If the vehicle were … |
| 2016125 21 Mar 2016 | Accessories Certain vehicles outfitted with a tow hitch accessory may not comply with the requirements of Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 108 - Lighting System and Ret… |
Transport Canada Vehicle Recalls Database · Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls
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.
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."
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.
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.
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."
Whether a recall was fixed on a particular car is known only to the manufacturer: check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA recalls · summaries in NHTSA's own words
Service bulletins
What Hyundai told its dealers about the 2016 Hyundai Tucson: known faults, fixes and updates.
| Bulletin | Summary |
|---|---|
| 11010946 | Certain 2018 2019 model year Accent and certain 2016 2017 model year Tucson vehicles may display various Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC) related to the Airbag Control Unit (ACU), which may cause the airbag warning light to illuminate. At Hyundai, we are committed to providing vehicles of outstanding quality and value. In an effort to meet this commitment, Hyundai is extending the warranty coverage for the ACU under this condition to 15 years with unlimited mileage from the date of original retail delivery or date of first use and is valid for original and subsequent owners. |
| 11009023 | Certain 2018-2020MY Accent (HC) and 2016-2018MY Tucson (TL) vehicles may experience inoperable Airbag Control Unit (ACU) and have Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) stored in the ECM. Hyundai is extending warranty coverage for the airbag control unit (ACU) under this condition to 15 years/unlimited mileage from the date of original retail delivery or date of first use (whichever occurs first) and is valid for original and subsequent owners. |
| 11009022 | Certain 2018-2019MY Accent (HC) and 2016-2017MY Tucson (TL) vehicles may experience inoperable Airbag Control Unit (ACU) and have Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) stored in the ECM. Hyundai is extending warranty coverage for the airbag control unit (ACU) under this condition to 15 years/unlimited mileage from the date of original retail delivery or date of first use (whichever occurs first) and is valid for original and subsequent owners. |
| 11008009 | This bulletin provides instructions to update the 4th generation AVN head unit software to ensure the SIM Over The Air function for the Bluelink service is operating properly. |
| 11006829 | Hyundai is conducting a campaign to enhance the knock sensor software to detect abnormal engine bearing noise before potentially severe engine damage occurs. If abnormal engine bearing noise is detected, the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) will blink continuously, and the vehicle will be placed in Engine Protection Mode allowing the customer to drive to the nearest Hyundai dealer for diagnosis and repair. In addition, DTC P132600 will be recorded in the ECM. The vehicle can continue to be operated for a limited time in Engine Protection Mode, but it will accelerate slower and have a reduced m |
| 11002760 | This bulletin provides instructions to update the 4th generation AVN head unit software to ensure the SIM Over The Air function for the Bluelink service is operating properly. |
| 11000788 | A class settlement against Hyundai Motor America (HMA) that had alleged that certain 2011 2022 model year Hyundai vehicles that were not equipped with an engine immobilizer (called the Class Vehicles) contain design flaws, including the failure to manufacture the Class Vehicles with an anti-theft device called an engine immobilizer, that make them susceptible to theft and damage. Class Vehicles manufactured without an engine immobilizer have traditional turn-key-to-start ignition systems. |
| 11000314 | A class settlement against Hyundai Motor America (HMA) that had alleged that certain 2011 2022 model year Hyundai vehicles that were not equipped with an engine immobilizer (called the Class Vehicles) contain design flaws, including the failure to manufacture the Class Vehicles with an anti-theft device called an engine immobilizer, that make them susceptible to theft and damage. Class Vehicles manufactured without an engine immobilizer have traditional turn-key-to-start ignition systems. |
| 10253275 | This TSB provides a procedure to diagnose and replace, if necessary, an automatic transmission with Incorrect Ratio DTC (transmission clutch slip in gear above limit) listed on Page 2. |
| 10252363 | Certain 2016-2021MY Tucson (TL) 2.0L vehicles may experience continued DTC P1326 after the ECU update has been performed per TSB 22-01-028H-1 (or later) ENGINE MONITORING LOGIC (SERVICE CAMPAIGN 966). |
| 10251285 | This bulletin contains information about the proper removal of the windshield wiper blade protective cover on all models. If the protective cover is not removed correctly, there is a possibility of the rubber insert and rail spring becoming partially separated on the inner side of the wiper blade, which could lead to poor wiping performance and/or possible scratching of the windshield glass. Follow the procedure in this bulletin to properly remove the windshield wiper blade protective cover on all new wiper blades. |
| 10251282 | Hyundai has launched an anti-theft software upgrade and window decal campaign (Campaign 993), combined with an anti-theft steering wheel lock campaign (Campaign P32), and anti-theft ignition cylinder protector campaign (Campaign 9A5) in response to an increase in thefts of certain 2011-2022MY Hyundai vehicles not equipped with engine immobilizers targeted through social media. Campaign 9A8 has also been released to provide a revised software update to certain 2018 model year Elantra vehicles. For certain vehicles that cannot be upgraded with the software under Campaign 993, Hyundai is offerin |
| 10251276 | This bulletin provides the service procedure to: 1) Upgrade the IBU/BCM (Integrated Body Control Unit/Body Control Module) to revise the OEM Hyundai burglar alarm system operation and ignition start logic and 2) Install two anti-theft decals for the front windows. Additional decals may also be installed in the rear windows at customers discretion. |
| 10251275 | Hyundai has launched an anti-theft software upgrade and window decal campaign (Campaign 993), combined with an anti-theft steering wheel lock campaign (Campaign P32), and anti-theft ignition cylinder protector campaign (Campaign 9A5) in response to an increase in thefts of certain 2011-2022MY Hyundai vehicles not equipped with engine immobilizers targeted through social media. For certain vehicles that cannot be upgraded with the software (Campaign 993), Hyundai is offering customers an anti-theft ignition cylinder protector to be installed on their vehicle. This Dealer Best Practices Guide pr |
| 10249707 | Hyundai has launched an anti-theft software upgrade and window decal campaign (Campaign 993), combined with an anti-theft steering wheel lock campaign (Campaign P32), and anti-theft ignition cylinder protector campaign (Campaign 9A5) in response to an increase in thefts of certain 2011-2022MY Hyundai vehicles not equipped with engine immobilizers targeted through social media. For certain vehicles that cannot be upgraded with the software (Campaign 993), Hyundai is offering customers steering wheel locks at the dealer (Campaign P32). This Dealer Best Practices Guide provides information to ass |
| 10247611 | Hyundai has launched an anti-theft software upgrade and window decal campaign (Campaign 993), combined with an anti-theft steering wheel lock campaign (Campaign P32), and anti-theft ignition cylinder protector campaign (Campaign 9A5) in response to an increase in thefts of certain 2011-2022MY Hyundai vehicles not equipped with engine immobilizers targeted through social media. For certain vehicles that cannot be upgraded with the software (Campaign 993), Hyundai is offering customers steering wheel locks at the dealer (Campaign P32). This Dealer Best Practices Guide provides information to ass |
| 10247189 | This bulletin provides important checkpoint guidelines when performing engine oil and filter change services. |
| 10245579 | Certain Hyundai vehicles may not be equipped with an immobilizer. This bulletin provides the service procedure to update the IBU/BCM (Integrated Body Control Unit/Body Control Module), to revise the OEM Hyundai burglar alarm system operation and ignition start logic, and installation of two anti-theft decals for the front windows. |
| 10245578 | Hyundai has launched an anti-theft software upgrade and window decal campaign (Campaign 993), combined with an anti-theft steering wheel lock campaign (Campaign P32), in response to an increase in thefts of certain 2011-2022MY Hyundai vehicles not equipped with engine immobilizers targeted through social media. For certain vehicles that cannot be updated with the software (Campaign 993), Hyundai is offering customers steering wheel locks at the dealer (Campaign P32). This Dealer Best Practices Guide provides information to assist dealership personnel with customer questions relating to the imm |
| 10244992 | Hyundai has launched an anti-theft software upgrade and window decal campaign (Campaign 993), combined with an anti-theft steering wheel lock campaign (Campaign P32), in response to an increase in thefts of certain 2011-2022MY Hyundai vehicles not equipped with engine immobilizers targeted through social media. For certain vehicles that cannot be updated with the software (Campaign 993), Hyundai is offering customers steering wheel locks at the dealer (Campaign P32). This Dealer Best Practices Guide provides information to assist dealership personnel with customer questions relating to the imm |
| 10241874 | Hyundai has launched an anti-theft software upgrade and window decal campaign (Campaign 993), combined with an anti-theft steering wheel lock campaign (Campaign P32), in response to an increase in thefts of certain 2011-2022MY Hyundai vehicles not equipped with engine immobilizers targeted through social media. For certain vehicles that cannot be updated with the software (Campaign 993), Hyundai is offering customers steering wheel locks at the dealer (Campaign P32). This Dealer Best Practices Guide provides information to assist dealership personnel with customer questions relating to the imm |
| 10241849 | Some models from service campaign 993 (IBU/BCM Software Update and Decals Application) equipped with the Hyundai OEM remote start system may exhibit the horn honking when remote starting the vehicle after receiving the software update. This bulletin provides the procedure to update the remote start module to eliminate the horn honking during remote start operation. |
| 10240082 | A class action lawsuit against Hyundai Motor America (HMA) alleges that certain Hyundai vehicles (Class Vehicles) were manufactured, marketed, sold, and/or leased with an engine defect that can result in sudden engine seizure, stalling, engine failure, and in some circumstances, engine fire, and that some owners and lessees of Class Vehicles have been improperly denied repairs under warranty. Neither HMA nor Hyundai Motor Company have been found liable for any of the claims alleged in the lawsuit. The parties have instead reached a voluntary settlement (the Settlement) to avoid lengthy li |
| 10240081 | Hyundai has launched an anti-theft software upgrade and window decal campaign (Campaign 993), combined with an anti-theft steering wheel lock campaign (Campaign P32), in response to an increase in thefts of certain 2011-2022MY Hyundai vehicles not equipped with engine immobilizers targeted through social media. For certain vehicles that cannot be updated with the software (Campaign 993), Hyundai is offering customers steering wheel locks at the dealer (Campaign P32). |
| 10240080 | Certain Hyundai vehicles may not be equipped with an immobilizer. This bulletin provides the service procedure to update the IBU/BCM (Integrated Body Control Unit/Body Control Module), to revise the OEM Hyundai burglar alarm system operation and ignition start logic, and installation of two anti-theft decals for the front windows. |
NHTSA manufacturer communications (public domain)
NHTSA investigations
Loss of Motive Power
NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation