2016 Hyundai Tucson recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2016 Hyundai Tucson and 1,625 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are power train (518), engine (424), unknown or other (263). It earned a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 23–27 mpg combined, depending on engine. 1 recall carries a Park It or Park Outside warning.
The 2016 has the most owner complaints of any Tucson model year from 2012 to 2025. It has 5 recalls vs. an average of 2.6 per model year.
Recalls 5
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2016 Hyundai Tucson. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Service brakes, hydraulic · antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · control unit/module
Problem: 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.
Risk: An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury or crash.
Fix: 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.
Electrical system · wiring
Problem: 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."
Risk: If the trailer brake lights stay illuminated while being used, other drivers may be confused, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Power train · automatic transmission · control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
Problem: 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.
Risk: Inability to move the vehicle while in traffic may increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Latches/locks/linkages · hood · latch
Problem: 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.
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 the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Exterior lighting · tail lights
Problem: 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."
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.
Fix: 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.
Common problems
From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.
Most-reported problem areas
By the numbers
Recent owner reports
When I try accelerate from a stopped position vehicles acts as if it doesn’t want to move and you need your acceleration when crossing traffic or turning onto a busy street I just got the car from carmax 6 days ago so I will take it to their service department and try to find out more
Excessive oil consumption. Mileage is 116.7K miles. Over 4 quarts used in approximately 3,500 miles. Car went into "limp" mode with no power. Top speed on level ground was 45 mph, on a hill 25 mph. Had to pull over to the side of the road so that other cars could pass. Drove to mechanic who saw about 1 quart remained in the car. Oil light didn't go on. Service engine light fl…
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 side doors failed to open. The dealer was notified of the failure but informed the c…
Safety ratings
2016 Hyundai Tucson SUV AWD
2016 Hyundai Tucson SUV FWD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2016 Hyundai Tucson.
Tucson AWD
Auto (AM7) · 4 cyl · 1.6 L · Turbo
Regular
Tucson AWD
Auto (S6) · 4 cyl · 2.0 L
Regular
Tucson Eco AWD
Auto (AM7) · 4 cyl · 1.6 L · Turbo
Regular
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2016 Hyundai Tucson have?
NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2016 Hyundai Tucson, most recently for service brakes, hydraulic · antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · control unit/module (09/04/2020). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Hyundai Tucson?
Based on 1,625 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are power train (518), engine (424), unknown or other (263).
Is the 2016 Hyundai Tucson safe?
The 2016 Hyundai Tucson earned a 5-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings. It has 1 recall with a Park It or Park Outside warning, so check your VIN.
Is the 2016 a good year for the Hyundai Tucson?
The 2016 has the most owner complaints of any Tucson model year from 2012 to 2025. It has 5 recalls vs. an average of 2.6 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2016 Hyundai Tucson get?
EPA ratings for the 2016 Hyundai Tucson range from 23 to 27 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.
Own a 2016 Hyundai Tucson in South Carolina?
Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.
Related vehicles
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved October 21, 2026. NHTSA model names used: TUCSON, Tucson.