This bulletin contains information about the proper removal of the windshield wiper blade protective cover on all models. If the protective cover is not removed correctly, there is a possibility of the rubber insert and rail spring becoming partially separated on the inner side of the wiper blade, which could lead to poor wiping performance and/or possible scratching of the windshield glass. Follow the procedure in this bulletin to properly remove the windshield wiper blade protective cover on all new wiper blades.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2016 Hyundai Tucson visibility problems
moderate 24 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $350 · see visibility across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
24
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$350
1injury
What stands out
Of the 9 model years of Hyundai Tucson we track for visibility problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 24.
No new NHTSA visibility complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 3 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering visibility on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Certain Hyundai vehicles may not be equipped with an immobilizer. This bulletin provides the service procedure to update the IBU/BCM (Integrated Body Control Unit/Body Control Module), to revise the OEM Hyundai burglar alarm system operation and ignition start logic, and installation of two anti-theft decals for the front windows.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides information regarding condensation related to the accumulated moisture in the headlamp, rear combination lamp, daytime running lamp (DRL), or fog lamp. This TSB illustrates the various causes of condensation inside the lamp assembly. Lamp assembly replacement is NOT necessary in most cases. This condition can be eliminated by turning on the lamps with the engine running for several minutes or during normal driving operation.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗The warranty coverage for the panoramic sunroof moving glass has been extended to 10 years or 120,000 miles from the date of original retail delivery or date of first use, whichever occurs first, and is valid for original and subsequent owners.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides information on the serviceable parts for the outside mirror assembly. When diagnosing and repairing the outside mirror, do not replace the entire assembly. Refer to page 2 of this TSB for replacement of individual parts.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Window regulator and motor failures dominate this cluster. Owners describe windows drifting down on their own while parked or driving, or becoming completely stuck closed and inoperable. The failures start as early as 28,000 miles and cluster in the 50,000–85,000-mile range. Owners consistently report that plastic components in the regulators—specifically drums with splines—strip and wear out, allowing motor shafts to spin without moving the glass.
When windows get stuck open, they create obvious security and weather hazards. One owner was hospitalized for heat exhaustion after three windows failed to close in Florida summer heat. Another noted the vehicle could be easily broken into by sliding windows down. When stuck closed, windows trap occupants and prevent emergency egress.
Multiple owners indicate they've paid $500–$2,300 for regulator and motor replacement at dealers. Several report multiple failures in the same vehicle within months. Dealers and the manufacturer have been contacted but consistently provide no assistance, citing out-of-warranty status despite the early mileage. Two windshield reports—one spontaneous stress crack, one shatter upon door closure—are less conclusive but mentioned. One door actuation complaint surfaces at 80,000 miles alongside window failures.
Failure modes owners describe
Window regulator and motor failure — windows inoperable or drift down
Window regulators and motors fail, leaving windows stuck open or closed. When stuck open, windows slide down on their own while driving or parked, creating security and weather exposure issues. When stuck closed, windows become inoperable. Owners report plastic regulators and drums deteriorating, with splines stripping and motor shafts spinning freely.
When: 28,000–84,683 miles; multiple failures within 6 months to a few months of each other; some failures within 50,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Windows slide down independently while driving or parked; Windows stuck open and will not close; Windows stuck closed and will not roll down; Whining sound from regulators before failure; Power window controls unresponsive despite motor operating; Window glass drops into door when not manually held up
Repairs/costs cited: $506.67–$2,300 reported; window regulators and motors replaced by dealers; some owners replaced front driver window independently, rear passenger window locked in place mechanically as workaround
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer contacted in multiple cases but provided no assistance; vehicle out of warranty in most cases; no recalls issued despite cluster of complaints
Windshield crack — spontaneous or stress failure
Two reports of windshield issues: one spontaneous stress crack appearing without impact, smooth inside and out, attributed by glass shops to incorrect installation; one rear windshield shattered upon closing driver door.
When: Crack appeared September; shatter upon door closure (timing not specified)
Symptoms owners cite: Stress crack appeared spontaneously without impact; Rear windshield shattered when driver door was closed
Repairs/costs cited: Windshield replacement not completed; glass replacement companies cited installation defect
Door actuation failure — doors difficult to open/close
All four doors failed to open and close properly, requiring multiple attempts. Related to or coincident with window failures and recall for door locks.
When: 80,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: All four doors failed to open and close without several attempts
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnosis identified door actuators needing replacement; vehicle not repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer contacted but no assistance provided; vehicle subject to door lock recall
Synthesized from 24 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
The windows stop working. Mine has been replaced twice with 15K miles. when you cant roll up your windows it leaves you exposed to be car jacked in a big city, or objects to fly in the car, which could hurt the driver.
Had visibility trouble with your 2016 Hyundai Tucson?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the visibility problem on the 2016 Hyundai Tucson?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 24 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $350 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the visibility typically fail?
Across the 8 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most visibility failures cluster between 52,000 and 80,000 miles, with the median around 68,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 52,000; a quarter make it past 80,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $350 for visibility repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to visibility?
No active recalls currently cover visibility issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2016/Hyundai/Tucson.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.