2016 Hyundai Tucson Safety Report

2016 Hyundai Tucson: Excellent Crash Ratings Mask Significant Engine, Powertrain, and Fire Risks

1588Complaints
5Recalls
★★★★★Safety Rating
45/100Reliability Score
14Crash Reports
24Fire Reports
7Injuries
Most reported components: Power Train (315)Engine (210)Structure (174)Unknown Or Other (150)Latches/Locks/Linkages (145)Electrical System (63)Power Train,Engine (50)Power Train,Electrical System (30)Power Train,Vehicle Speed Control (26)Vehicle Speed Control (25)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2016 Hyundai Tucson

The 2016 Hyundai Tucson presents a mixed safety picture. While it achieved excellent crash test ratings from NHTSA, scoring 5 stars overall, 5 stars for frontal and side impacts, and 4 stars for rollover, it is plagued by a significant number of owner complaints, totaling 1588. These complaints include 14 crashes, 24 fires, and 7 injuries, indicating real-world safety concerns despite strong controlled test performance. A major area of concern is the powertrain and engine, which account for a combined 575 complaints (315 for POWER TRAIN, 210 for ENGINE, and 50 for POWER TRAIN,ENGINE). Many complaints detail issues like sudden loss of power, stalling, transmission slipping, and catastrophic engine failure, which can increase the risk of a crash, as highlighted in one of the recalls. Recall history further underscores these issues, with 5 recalls issued for the 2016 model year. Notably, one recall addresses a 'POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE' issue that could lead to the 'inability to move the vehicle while in traffic,' increasing crash risk. Another critical recall pertains to 'SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE' which could result in an 'engine compartment fire,' a serious safety hazard evidenced by the 24 reported fires. Other recalls cover issues with the electrical system (trailer brake lights), hood latches, and exterior lighting (tail lights for trailer hitches), all of which could contribute to an increased risk of a crash. In summary, while the 2016 Hyundai Tucson performs well in controlled crash tests, the high volume of complaints, particularly concerning the engine and powertrain, and the nature of the recalls, suggest significant reliability and potential safety risks in real-world driving. The 24 reported fires and numerous instances of sudden power loss or stalling are particularly concerning, indicating that owners may face unexpected and dangerous situations on the road.

Reliability Score

The 2016 Hyundai Tucson receives a reliability score of 45 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

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:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Engine Failure/Excessive Oil Consumption
Numerous reports of catastrophic engine failure, knocking noises, and excessive oil consumption, often leading to complete engine replacement. This is linked to the P1326 KSDS code and Theta II engine issues.		 High Common 60000-120000 miles
Cvt Transmission Failure/Hesitation
Vehicle experiences slipping, hesitation, and sudden loss of acceleration, especially when pulling into traffic, creating a significant crash risk. This is addressed by a recall for the 7-speed EcoShift Dual Clutch Transmission.		 High Common 0-60000 miles
Engine Compartment Fires
Multiple reports of vehicles catching fire, sometimes without warning. This is linked to a recall concerning the ABS module that can short circuit and cause a fire.		 High Occasional any miles
Door Latch Lock Assembly Failure
Door latches fail, preventing doors from locking or opening properly, often requiring expensive repairs.		 Medium Common 30000-90000 miles
Window Regulator Failure
Window regulators fail, causing windows to drop unexpectedly or become inoperable, often due to plastic gear stripping.		 Medium Common 60000-120000 miles
Sudden Unintended Acceleration
Vehicle accelerates rapidly and uncontrollably despite the brake pedal being pressed, leading to property damage or crash risk.		 High Rare any 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:

Power Train 19% of complaints

The most reported issue, with 315 complaints, often involving transmission slipping, hesitation, and sudden loss of power, directly impacting vehicle control.

Engine 13% of complaints

With 210 complaints, issues include catastrophic engine failure, knocking, excessive oil consumption, and stalling, posing significant safety risks.

Structure 10% of complaints

174 complaints, often related to body integrity, door latch failures, and window regulator issues.

Latches/Locks/Linkages 9% of complaints

145 complaints, specifically detailing door latch failures and, less frequently, hood latch issues (which were subject to a recall).

Electrical System 4% of complaints

63 complaints, including issues related to wiring, trailer brake lights (subject to recall), and general electrical malfunctions.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2016 Hyundai Tucson

Is the 2016 Hyundai Tucson safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2016 Hyundai Tucson received excellent 5-star crash test ratings overall, for frontal, and side impacts, and 4 stars for rollover. However, it has a high volume of 1588 owner complaints, including 24 fires and 14 crashes, primarily related to engine and powertrain failures, which can compromise real-world safety. There are also 5 recalls addressing significant issues like transmission control, potential engine compartment fires, and hood latches.

What are common problems with the 2016 Hyundai Tucson?

The most reported issues for the 2016 Hyundai Tucson are related to the POWER TRAIN (315 complaints), ENGINE (210 complaints), and STRUCTURE (174 complaints). Common problems include transmission slipping and hesitation, catastrophic engine failure, excessive oil consumption, door latch failures, and window regulator malfunctions.

Are there any recalls for the 2016 Hyundai Tucson?

Yes, there are 5 recalls for the 2016 Hyundai Tucson. These include recalls for potential engine compartment fires due to the ABS module, issues with the 7-speed EcoShift Dual Clutch Transmission causing inability to move, electrical system problems affecting trailer brake lights, hood latch malfunctions, and exterior lighting for accessory trailer hitch harnesses.

Does the 2016 Hyundai Tucson have engine problems?

Yes, the 2016 Hyundai Tucson has significant engine problems, with 210 direct engine complaints and 50 combined POWER TRAIN,ENGINE complaints. Issues frequently reported include catastrophic engine failure, knocking noises, excessive oil consumption, and stalling, often linked to the P1326 Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) code and Theta II engine defects.

How does the 2016 Hyundai Tucson perform in crash tests?

The 2016 Hyundai Tucson performed very well in NHTSA crash tests, earning an Overall 5-star safety rating. It received 5 stars for both Frontal Crash and Side Crash tests, and 4 stars for the Rollover resistance test.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Given the high number of serious engine and powertrain complaints, coupled with fire risks and multiple recalls, exercise extreme caution when considering a 2016 Hyundai Tucson; a thorough pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic, specifically checking for engine and transmission health, is essential.

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.