repaired · 2022 Q4
Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module
Park outsideRisk. An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury or crash.
2016 Hyundai TucsonProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 1,626 owner complaints about the 2016 Hyundai Tucson, most often about the power train. It is covered by 5 safety recalls, and for recall 16V-842 the manufacturer reports only 75% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 24, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2016 Hyundai Tucson has problems
1,626 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
518Power train7 crash/fire/injury
424Engine19 crash/fire/injury
227Structure3 crash/fire/injury
217Electrical system9 crash/fire/injury
158Latches/locks/linkages
112Vehicle speed control
55Fuel/propulsion system
35Service brakes
29Exterior lighting
14015 other systems9 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Power train | 518 | 7 |
| Engine | 424 | 19 |
| Structure | 227 | 3 |
| Electrical system | 217 | 9 |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 158 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 112 | 5 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 55 | 2 |
| Service brakes | 35 | 6 |
| Exterior lighting | 29 | 0 |
| 15 other systems | 140 | 9 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
5 recalls
2016 Hyundai Tucson recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2018 Q2
Electrical system: wiring
Risk. If the trailer brake lights stay illuminated while being used, other drivers may be confused, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2018 Q1
Electrical system: software
Risk. Inability to move the vehicle while in traffic may increase the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2017 Q4
Hood: latch
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…
Show 1 more recall
repaired · 2017 Q3
Exterior lighting: tail lights
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.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Hyundai.
Mileage at failure
When do power train problems start?
8kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 381 power train complaints. 98% were reported before 100,000 miles.
303under 30k miles374under 100k miles7100k miles or more
Owner-reported costs
What owners say repairs cost
Dollar amounts owners wrote in their complaints when describing a repair or a quote. These are not price estimates; a system is shown only when at least 8 owners mentioned a cost.
Structure
25 owners mentioned a cost$1,000median
Middle half: $800 – $1,384
Engine
22 owners mentioned a cost$2,750median
Middle half: $513 – $5,000
Unknown or other
14 owners mentioned a cost$771median
Middle half: $500 – $1,000
Electrical system
12 owners mentioned a cost$500median
Middle half: $475 – $1,525
If a problem is covered by a recall, the dealer fixes it for free. Some manufacturers also reimburse owners who paid for a repair before a recall was announced.
Best & worst years
2016 vs. every other Tucson year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Tucson median. How we score
'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2016 Hyundai Tucson safety ratings
2016 Hyundai Tucson SUV AWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side barrier★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
- Rollover: 4 stars (16.2% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Optional
- Lane departure warning: Optional
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2016 Hyundai Tucson, and the recalls they led to.
- Loss of Motive PowerNo recall
In owners' words
What Tucson owners report
Recent power train complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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…
Component: Power Train / Automatic Transmission / ActuatorsDescription: My 2016 Hyundai Tucson (1.6L Turbo 7-speed DCT) suffered a catastrophic transmission assembly failure that caused a sudden and dangerous loss of forward motive power while driving. The vehicle completely refused to engage…
While stopped at a traffic light, the engine began producing a loud metallic clattering and clanking sound, consistent with connecting rod bearing failure (rod knock). There was no prior warning light or indication of this specific failure. When the light changed, the vehicle would not accelerate…
Own a 2016 Tucson?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.