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ProblemsByVin File / 2016-HYUNDAI-TUCSON NHTSA data synced 8 hours ago
2016 · Hyundai

Hyundai Tucson problems

1,605 owners have filed defect reports on this one. That's not a small number. 3 active recall campaigns on file.

0 5 10
Reliability score
5.8 / 10

Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.

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Critical
3
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2016 Tucson?
Avoid — the electrical system

The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the electrical system was repaired or replaced.

Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.

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Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

powertrain
509 reports · fails ~20,838 mi · avg $2,500
moderate
engine
234 reports · fails ~76,424 mi · avg $3,100
moderate
body
192 reports · fails ~57,722 mi · avg $1,500
moderate
electrical
158 reports · fails ~59,759 mi · avg $850
severe
cruise control
45 reports · fails ~21,562 mi · avg $600
severe
brakes
27 reports · fails ~73,200 mi · avg $450
severe
visibility
23 reports · fails ~63,669 mi · avg $350
moderate
steering
22 reports · fails ~71,827 mi · avg $700
moderate
Buyer's checklist
Going to look at one? Use the pre-purchase inspection list.
Generated from this 2016 Tucson's actual NHTSA complaint history — every item points at a documented failure pattern on this exact vehicle, not generic walkaround filler.
See the checklist ->
Honest Calculator
Should you buy an extended warranty on this 2016 Tucson?
We pulled the math: risk-weighted exposure, typical contract cost, and our verdict on whether coverage pencils out for this specific vehicle.
See the calculator ->

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2016 Tucson · engine
Hyundai tucson engine the vehicle is burning excess amounts of oil. The rate of engine oil loss is over one quart per 500 miles. My mechanic tells me his evaluation is the vehicle's turbo unit causes the engine to run very hot, and the internal seals are breaking down, causing…
12/31/2018 · at 67,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #11164324.0 · see engine pattern →
2016 Tucson · powertrain
The car jerks when starting from a stop. It feels like someone is tapping and releasing the brake. The problem is worse when starting from a stop going uphill.
2016 Tucson · powertrain
The engine began to make a knocking noise. Upon our inspection, the vehicle had lost all oil. Vehicle was towed to our local dealership. Dealership informed us a bearing had become worn causing rapid oil loss and a rod to break, sending metal shards into the engine compartment.…
2016 Tucson · powertrain
When pulling out of parking area, or starting up from a complete stop at a light or stop sign, when I press the gas of the vehicle , it hesitates . It almost seems like it's going to cut out, or bogs downs, and then catches. I make sure if there is an oncoming vehicle coming , I…
12/29/2020 · at 68,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #11385516.0 · see powertrain pattern →
View all 1,605 owner complaints →
Had a problem with your 2016 Hyundai Tucson? File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

0 mi 200k mi
At 80,000 miles
Likely repair cost in next 24 months
$0

Active recalls showing 3 of 3

severe NHTSA 16V628000 August 30, 2016

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

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.
severe NHTSA 16V348000 May 24, 2016

Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2016 Tucson vehicles manufactured May 19, 2015 to March 14, 2016

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.
severe NHTSA 16V147000 March 10, 2016

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

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 questions

Is the 2016 Hyundai Tucson reliable?

It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 5.8 out of 10 based on 1,605 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2016 Hyundai Tucson has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.

Should you avoid the 2016 Hyundai Tucson?

On the NHTSA data, the 2016 Hyundai Tucson is one to avoid unless a specific vehicle proves otherwise. The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the electrical system was repaired or replaced. The record behind that call: 9 fire-related complaints on the engine; Electrical system: 158 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 36,264–85,000 mi; Cruise-control: 45 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 7,000–32,000 mi; Reliability score 5.8/10 — around the segment average. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.

What's the most common problem on the 2016 Hyundai Tucson?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is powertrain, with 509 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 20,838 miles. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The powertrain is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 20,838 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Hyundai Tucson has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2016 Hyundai Tucson?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 1,605 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $2,500, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.

Related

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 8 hours ago. Verify the raw federal record at nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2016/Hyundai/Tucson. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with Hyundai. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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