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ProblemsByVinFile / 2016-HYUNDAI-TUCSONNHTSA data synced 1 day ago
Hyundai
2016 Hyundai Tucson problems
The 2016 Hyundai Tucson has 1,614 NHTSA owner complaints on file — not a small number. 5 active recall campaigns.
The 2016 Hyundai Tucson has 1,614 NHTSA owner complaints and 5 recalls on file (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). The most-reported system is powertrain at 512 complaints, typically surfacing around 20,838 miles (~$2,500 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
Below average for the segment. Multiple systems have recurring complaints.
0
Critical
5
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.
9 fire-related complaints on the engine
Electrical system: 159 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 5.4/10 — around the segment average
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.
NHTSA crash-test safety ratings
5 / 5 overall
Overall★★★★★5/5
Frontal crash★★★★★5/5
Side crash★★★★★5/5
Rollover★★★★★4/5
Driver-assist features on the tested model:
Electronic stability control: Standard · Forward collision warning: Optional · Lane departure warning: Optional
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program — tested configuration: 2016 Hyundai Tucson SUV AWD. Stars rate crash protection in NHTSA's tests, not overall reliability — see the owner-complaint data below for what actually goes wrong.
Buying a used 2016 Hyundai Tucson? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or
make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
powertrain — 512 owner reports
· tends to show around 20,838 mi · ~$2,500 to fix
engine — 236 owner reports
· tends to show around 76,930 mi · ~$3,100 to fix
body — 194 owner reports
· tends to show around 57,722 mi · ~$1,500 to fix
electrical — 159 owner reports
· tends to show around 59,759 mi · ~$850 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: electrical is flagged
severe on this model
, showing up around 59,759 mi.
Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — 5 active recalls on this model. Recall repairs are always free.
Verdict for buyers: 5.4/10 model. The priciest documented failure is
engine (~$3,100) — get the
seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report
tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in
this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Dash light, leak, worn part — snap it and we'll read it against this car's record.
Photo attached — type a question or just hit Ask.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
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When owners report each system failing, in actual miles — so you can see what's likely behind you,
what's due around now, and what to budget for next. Enter your mileage to mark where you are.
"Typical" = median owner-reported failure mileage from the NHTSA complaint record for this exact
year and model. Not a maintenance schedule — a heads-up on where this model's failures cluster.
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…
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.
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.…
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…
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.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) recalled certain 2019-2021 Tucson vehicles on September 4, 2020
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.
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
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.
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.
It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 5.4 out of 10 based on 1,614 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: 159 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 5.4/10 — around the segment average. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2016 Hyundai Tucson?
Inspect the powertrain first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 512 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 20,838 miles. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2016 Hyundai Tucson a good used car to buy?
It scores 5.4 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 1,614 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is powertrain. Typical failure occurs around 20,838 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2016 Hyundai Tucson?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is powertrain, with 512 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 1,614 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.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 1 day 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.
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