2016 Hyundai Tucson problems
What owners report to NHTSA, grouped by component, with the recalls that cover them.
NHTSA has 1,619 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Hyundai Tucson, filed between 2015-12-14 and 2026-09-22. The most common problem areas are the power train (517, 32%), engine (423, 26%) and structure (227, 14%). Owners reported 14 crashes, 25 fires and 7 injuries in these complaints. NHTSA lists 5 recalls for this model year.
Last updated: · Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases
2016 Hyundai Tucson complaints by component
| Component | Complaints | Share | Crashes | Fires | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power train | 517 | 32% | 4 | 3 | 0 |
| Engine | 423 | 26% | 2 | 17 | 2 |
| Unknown or other | 261 | 16% | 3 | 6 | 0 |
| Structure | 227 | 14% | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Electrical system | 216 | 13% | 2 | 7 | 2 |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 157 | 10% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 111 | 7% | 4 | 1 | 1 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 55 | 3% | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Service brakes | 34 | 2% | 2 | 3 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 29 | 2% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility | 29 | 2% | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Steering | 22 | 1% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Air bags | 15 | 1% | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 15 | 1% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility/wiper | 12 | 1% | 0 | 0 | 1 |
A complaint can name several components, so shares can add up to more than 100%. Crashes, fires and injuries are as reported by owners.
The top problem areas, in plain English
Each summary is built from the complaint counts and NHTSA recall notices, not from individual owner stories.
Power train: 517 complaints
- 517 complaints of 1,619 (32%) name the power train — the transmission, transfer case, driveshafts and axles.
- 103 of them also name the engine; owners reported 4 crashes and 3 fires in these complaints.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2016 Hyundai Tucson; the recall, campaign 16V628000, says: “Certain driving conditions and high temperatures may cause the vehicle to not move if the accelerator pedal is pressed and released repeatedly.”
Engine: 423 complaints
- 423 complaints of 1,619 (26%) name the engine.
- 103 of them also name the power train; owners reported 2 crashes, 17 fires and 2 injuries in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Hyundai Tucson covers this system.
Structure: 227 complaints
- 227 complaints of 1,619 (14%) name the structure — the body and frame structure.
- 27 of them also name the electrical system; owners reported 1 crash, 1 fire and 1 injury in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Hyundai Tucson covers this system.
Electrical system: 216 complaints
- 216 complaints of 1,619 (13%) name the electrical system — wiring, battery and charging, fuses, control modules and in-car electronics.
- 49 of them also name the power train; owners reported 2 crashes, 7 fires and 2 injuries in these complaints.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2016 Hyundai Tucson; the recall, campaign 16V842000, says: “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…”
Latches/locks/linkages: 157 complaints
- 157 complaints of 1,619 (10%) name the latches/locks/linkages — door, hood, tailgate and trunk latches and locks.
- 3 of them also name the electrical system; none of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2016 Hyundai Tucson; the recall, campaign 16V348000, says: “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 speed control: 111 complaints
- 111 complaints of 1,619 (7%) name the vehicle speed control — cruise control and accelerator/throttle control.
- 58 of them also name the power train; owners reported 4 crashes, 1 fire and 1 injury in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Hyundai Tucson covers this system.
When the complaints were filed
| Year filed | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2015 | 1 |
| 2016 | 260 |
| 2017 | 115 |
| 2018 | 73 |
| 2019 | 112 |
| 2020 | 142 |
| 2021 | 318 |
| 2022 | 171 |
| 2023 | 176 |
| 2024 | 121 |
| 2025 | 76 |
| 2026 | 54 |
What is counted
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the model names TUCSON, TUCSON FUEL CELL, model year 2016. Complaints are unverified owner reports; a recall is NHTSA's confirmed safety defect. See the 2016 Hyundai Tucson recalls.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Hyundai Tucson?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the 2016 Hyundai Tucson's most common problem areas are the power train (517 of 1,619 complaints), engine (423 of 1,619 complaints) and structure (227 of 1,619 complaints).
How many complaints does the 2016 Hyundai Tucson have?
NHTSA has 1,619 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Hyundai Tucson, including 14 reported crashes and 25 reported fires.
Is there a recall for the 2016 Hyundai Tucson's problems?
NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2016 Hyundai Tucson; 3 of the top 6 complaint areas have a matching recall. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN for open recalls.