This page covers 9 recalls, 1600 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2016 Hyundai Tucson.
23–27 mpg combined
8.7–10.2 L/100km
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 4 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Complaints about the 2016 Tucson cluster most heavily around the powertrain and engine. On the powertrain side, owners frequently describe delayed or sluggish response when accelerating from a stop, a pattern that comes up across many reports. Engine complaints are extensive and tend to follow a recognizable sequence: excessive oil consumption, unusual noises from the engine compartment, and eventually a check engine light accompanied by loss of power or the vehicle becoming immobile while driving. Some owners describe the engine stopping with little warning at highway speeds. A burning smell is a common detail in these reports. Structure complaints, the third most common category, largely center on door latch and actuator problems, owners report rear doors that won't open from inside or outside, or that require force or repeated attempts to release.
1,600
Total Complaints
14
Crash-Related
24
Fire-Related
6
With Injuries
By System
The 2016 Hyundai Tucson has 9 recalls, the most serious being a fire risk from the anti-lock brake control unit, which can corrode internally, short circuit, and ignite a fire in the engine compartment. This recall does not affect vehicles equipped with Smart Cruise Control. The hood latch is also a concern: if the primary latch is released while driving, the secondary latch may not hold the hood closed, and the hood can fly open and block the driver's view.
On the drivetrain side, vehicles with the 7-speed dual-clutch transmission have two related recalls. In high temperatures or certain driving conditions, the transmission can hesitate or fail to move the vehicle when the accelerator is pressed, which creates a hazard in traffic.
There are also two towing-related recalls for vehicles fitted with an accessory trailer hitch. The trailer brake lights can stay on continuously rather than flashing, which may confuse other drivers, and the trailer's turn signal lights may fail to illuminate at all, removing a key signal of the driver's intentions.
At a glance
What can fail
The antilock brake system control module can short circuit, potentially affecting brake function.
What the fix does
Dealers will revise the ABS fuse wiring and update the ABS control module as needed.
We may earn a commission for purchases made through these links.
Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The Anti-lock Brake Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit can corrode internally, causing an electrical short that may start an engine compartment fire.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the HECU fuse and update ESC software on 2019-2021 models at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The tow hitch module may malfunction, causing trailer brake lights to stay on constantly instead of operating normally.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the accessory trailer hitch wiring harness at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
In hot weather, the transmission clutch may not engage quickly when you start accelerating from a stop. Holding the gas pedal steady for 1.5–2 seconds usually lets the vehicle move normally, but tapping the pedal repeatedly prevents acceleration.
What the fix does
The dealer will reprogram the transmission control module to fix the clutch engagement delay.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
In certain driving conditions and high temperatures, repeatedly pressing and releasing the accelerator pedal may cause the transmission to stop responding, leaving the vehicle unable to move.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the Transmission Control Module software at no cost to restore normal accelerator response.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The secondary hood latch can disengage due to tolerance buildup between latch and catch. If the primary latch is already disengaged and the secondary fails, the hood may open while driving, blocking visibility and potentially damaging the windshield.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the secondary hood latch catch with a revised component that prevents disengagement.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
If the primary hood latch is released and the vehicle is driven, the secondary hood latch may not hold the hood securely closed, allowing it to open while moving.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the secondary hood latch at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The tow hitch control module may not work properly with your vehicle's electrical system. When braking and turning at the same time, the trailer's turn signal may stay on without flashing or shut off completely, making it hard for other drivers to see your turn signal.
What the fix does
Your dealer will update the tow hitch harness to fix the electrical compatibility issue.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The trailer hitch harness causes the trailer turn signal lights to turn off or stay constantly on instead of flashing when the turn signal is activated while braking.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the tow hitch harness at no cost to restore proper turn signal operation.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
