2016 Hyundai Tucson Safety Report
2016 Hyundai Tucson Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2016 Hyundai Tucson
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2016 Hyundai Tucson. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | High (5) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | High (1588) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 38 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Power Train | Compare power train issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2021 | Compare against the 2021 Hyundai Tucson with 61 complaints and 1 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2017 | Check the 2017 Hyundai Tucson before buying across this generation. |
Hyundai Tucson Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Hyundai Tucson years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Hyundai Tucson | 1054 | 3 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2015 Hyundai Tucson | 222 | 1 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2018 Hyundai Tucson | 369 | 1 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2019 Hyundai Tucson | 355 | 1 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2020 Hyundai Tucson | 159 | 1 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2021 Hyundai Tucson | 61 | 1 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
2016 Hyundai Tucson Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2016 Hyundai Tucson, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Power Train
315 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train issues Hyundai onlyEngine
210 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine issues Hyundai onlyStructure
174 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Structure issues Hyundai onlyUnknown Or Other
150 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Hyundai onlyLatches/Locks/Linkages
145 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Latches/Locks/Linkages issues Hyundai onlyElectrical System
63 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System issues Hyundai onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2016 Hyundai Tucson
Reliability Score
The 2016 Hyundai Tucson receives a reliability score of 85 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates above-average reliability relative to comparable vehicles.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2016 Hyundai Tucson
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
Known Issues for the 2016 Hyundai Tucson
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2016 Hyundai Tucson:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Service Brakes Hyundai Motor America has recalled certain 2019-2021 Tucson vehicles due to potential issues with the service brakes and control unit. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Electrical System Hyundai Motor America has recalled certain 2016-2017 Tucson vehicles due to potential issues with the electrical system and wiring. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Power Train Hyundai Motor Company has recalled certain 2016 Tucson vehicles due to potential issues with the automatic transmission control module. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Latches/Locks/Linkages Hyundai Motor Company has recalled certain 2016 Tucson vehicles due to potential issues with the hood latch. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2016 Hyundai Tucson:
Issues with the service brakes and control unit have been reported.
Problems with the electrical system and wiring have been reported.
Issues with the automatic transmission control module have been reported.
Problems with the hood latch have been reported.
Recall Details for the 2016 Hyundai Tucson
The following 5 recalls have been issued for the 2016 Hyundai Tucson by NHTSA:
Summary: 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.
Consequence: An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury or crash.
Remedy: 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 custom...
Summary: 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...
Consequence: If the trailer brake lights stay illuminated while being used, other drivers may be confused, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Summary: 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.
Consequence: Inability to move the vehicle while in traffic may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Summary: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
Summary: 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...
Consequence: Failure to illuminate the trailer's turn signal lights would prevent the communication of the driver's intent, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2016 Hyundai Tucson
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2016 Hyundai Tucson with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 1 complaint involved crashes. 2 involved fires. 1 reported injuries or fatalities.
Hyundai Tucson Sport 2016 GDI engine. I am the original owner of this truck I have taken care of this truck so much it being my first brand new purchase. No oil leaks NOTHING! When I first purchased the vehicle I noticed that it would stall when I would accelerate but did not think too much of it since it was brand new. A few years passed started to notice frequent oil changes were supposed to be ...
I had ANOTHER door latch lock assembly fail on my 2016 Hyundai Tucson. There was a TSB for this issue that the dealership said expired for my vehicle three months ago. They wanted a $200 diagnostic fee for a total repair of close to $1000. They confirmed it was another door latch lock assembly, although I’m not sure how because the door would not open from the inside OR the outside. When the r...
I am writing regarding the diagnosis provided for my vehicle [XXX] . I was informed today that the engine failure is being attributed to a "water hose failure" rather than the engine defects covered under the active safety recall/settlement regarding Connecting Rod Bearing failure. As there were no coolant leaks before or after the vehicle was towed to your dealership. I am formally requesting a...
Three window regulators have failed, leaving the windows completely useless. The first occurring in heavy rain and making it impossible to close. This is an issue reported countless times online.
Vehicle: 2016 Hyundai Tucson Issue Category: Engine / Powertrain / Vehicle Safety Complaint: I am reporting a serious safety issue involving my 2016 Hyundai Tucson equipped with a Theta II engine. My vehicle first displayed an engine oil warning light. I immediately took the vehicle to an authorized Hyundai dealership, where I was charged approximately $500 for an oil change and diagnostic test...
The transmission began slipping and hesitating within days of purchase. The vehicle intermittently fails to accelerate when pressing the gas pedal, especially when pulling into traffic or crossing intersections. This creates a serious safety risk because the vehicle does not respond when needed, leaving me exposed to oncoming traffic. The issue is intermittent and does not always trigger warning l...
"On [XXX], my 2016 Hyundai Tucson (VIN [XXX] ) experienced severe engine power loss and mechanical noise under load while driving uphill, creating a dangerous safety situation. This occurred 2 days after a dealer visit (February 19, 2026) where an open KSDS Service Campaign (TSB HCE22-14-E600-TL, Issue 10D021) — directly related to engine monitoring — was left incomplete. The dealer subsequently d...
No check engine lights came on! The entire car caught fire and was engulfed in flames!!! Driver could have been killed!
My car had a KSDS knock sensor detection system campaign 966 installed in 2022 specifically to active if having rod bearing wear. Towed my car to Hyundai under the TXXM warranty and they said my bearing clearance was ok and i need new lifters and timing chain cost for repair $2900. I have asked for the full rod bearing wear test report and they will not provide it. They have had my vehicle for 20 ...
Excessive oil consumption caused engine failure on December 17, 2025. My truck stopped and I was stranded on Highway I55 South for 4 hours. Hyundai and the Extended warranty has denied fixing my truck. It is still at [XXX] Hyundai as of today. Hyundai’s failure to properly diagnose or repair this issue when it was first reported under warranty has caused financial burden, diminished vehicle va...
The engine, specifically cylinder # 3, has had a catastrophic failure at 114,000 miles. Engine repair shops and engine experts have determined the only fix is a complete engine replacement. Cost estimates are $8500 for a new engine + labor estimated at $2000. Scrap value is estimated at $1000 - $1500 The dealer from whom we bought the car in late 2015 said it is out of warranty. This is unacce...
Window regulator and motor have failed due to plastic gears stripping out. I have replaced my two front windows in 2024 at $1063 a window. This week I had both rear windows fail allowing the windows to drop down unexpectedly. I was able to manually pull the windows up and tape them. I was supposed to receive a call from Hyundai twice this week about getting these covered under a recall since a...
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated, and there was a ticking sound coming from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to Auto Zone, where a mechanic diagnosed the vehicle with a knock sensor failure. The knock sensor was replaced. The mechanic informed the contact that the vehicle was included in Manufacturer Campa...
I have diligently maintained the vehicle with all scheduled services performed at the Rick Case Hyundai dealership. My maintenance records show a documented history of proper oil changes and other essential services. These records confirm that the vehicle was regularly serviced according to the manufacturer's recommendations. The diagnostic report from the dealership indicates bad piston and heat...
I am filing this complaint regarding my 2016 Hyundai Tucson due to excessive oil consumption. The vehicle burns oil at an abnormal rate, requiring me to add approximately one quart of engine oil every one to two weeks, even though the vehicle is driven very infrequently. This condition poses a serious safety risk because the engine could run low or completely out of oil while the vehicle is in ope...
There is a major problem with certain year Hyundai vehicles from 2016-2021 with the engine burning oil and clogging up the exhaust. My moms vehicle has been at dealership for evaluation and combustion cleaning multiple times and the problem still continues. There has been times where she is driving car and it starts to bog down and loose power which is a safety issue especially if on highway. The ...
The car has been diagnosed with internal engine failure by both an independent service center and a dealership service center. The issue was described as a rod timing issue causing knocking, leading to failure of the engine. A light was not on for a majority of the issue but did start flashing before car became completely undrivable. The car was sold to me with this issue and has been driven for n...
On my husband's way home from work he explained to me that the car had a "hiccup" and then an engine light blinked on, then it died at an intersection. He was pretty close to home so he got it started again and drove it home. He replaced spark plugs and coil packs and it still had a misfire. We took it to an auto repair shop where they did a scan and told us it had a dead hole in cylinder 2 and t...
Numerous issues with this vehicle. Now, when having oil change, told by the hyundai service center that it is using excessive oil and may need a new engine. In researching this problem, have discovered hyundai has had several problems with excessive oil consumption in their many of their hyundai vehicles, including the 2016 Tuscan
My 2016 Hyundai Tucson experienced engine failure consistent with known Hyundai engine defects. After reporting multiple battery outages, rapid oil consumption, and limited acceleration ability, outstanding warranties were checked and updated. However, the issues persisted, and the engine failed suddenly while I was driving. Hyundai denied warranty coverage without proof of the issues being unrel...
Showing 20 of 1588 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
NHTSA Defect Investigations for the 2016 Hyundai Tucson
NHTSA defect investigations are higher-signal than ordinary complaints because they indicate the agency opened a formal review of a potential safety defect. Some investigations later connect to recall campaigns; others close without a recall after review.
Component: Engine
Opened 2022-09-12 · Closed 2023-12-12
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug...
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2016 Hyundai Tucson
Has the 2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON been recalled?
Yes, the 2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON has 5 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON have?
The 2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON has 1,588 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 14 involved crashes. 7 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON?
The 2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON received an overall NHTSA safety rating of excellent (5/5). Frontal crash: 5/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 4/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON involve power train (315 complaints), engine (210 complaints), structure (174 complaints). Other affected components include unknown or other, latches/locks/linkages, electrical system.
How many crash reports does the 2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON have?
There are 14 crash reports associated with the 2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON out of 1,588 total complaints (0.9% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON have?
There are 24 fire reports for the 2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON out of 1,588 total complaints. Fire reports are among the most serious safety concerns tracked by NHTSA.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON.
How many injuries are reported for the 2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON?
7 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON is extreme caution advised. It has 1,588 complaints, 5 recalls, and a excellent (5/5) safety rating. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON?
The components with the most failures on the 2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON are: 1. POWER TRAIN (315 complaints), 2. ENGINE (210 complaints), 3. STRUCTURE (174 complaints), 4. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (150 complaints), 5. LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES (145 complaints). POWER TRAIN is the single most-reported problem area with 315 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON?
Be aware of potential recalls and service bulletins for the 2016 Hyundai Tucson, especially regarding service brakes, electrical system, and power train components. The 2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON has 1,588 NHTSA complaints and 5 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it excellent (5/5).
How reliable is the 2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON?
The 2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON receives a reliability score of 85/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 1,588 owner complaints, 5 recalls, and 38 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Service Brakes and Electrical System.
What are the known issues with the 2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON?
Known issues with the 2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON include: Service Brakes, Electrical System, Power Train, Latches/locks/Linkages. These are based on patterns found across 1,588 NHTSA complaints. 5 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
What are the most common issues with the 2016 Hyundai Tucson?
Common issues include service brake and control unit malfunctions, electrical system and wiring defects, and problems with the automatic transmission control module.
Are there any recalls for the 2016 Hyundai Tucson?
Yes, Hyundai Motor America has issued recalls for the 2016 Tucson due to potential safety hazards such as brake control unit malfunctions and electrical wiring defects.
What should I do if I experience issues with my 2016 Hyundai Tucson?
Check for recalls and service bulletins, and contact your local Hyundai dealership for inspection and repair.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be aware of potential recalls and service bulletins for the 2016 Hyundai Tucson, especially regarding service brakes, electrical system, and power train components.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2016 Hyundai Tucson
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The data includes 1588 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 5 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 14 reported crashes, 24 fire incidents, 7 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2016 Hyundai Tucson an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-16