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2016 Hyundai Tucson: common problems and reliability
One of the worst Tucson years.
One of the Hyundai Tucson years to avoid. All Tucson years
3,155 owner complaints, most about power train. 5 recalls.
Should I buy a 2016 Tucson?The 2016 Hyundai Tucson has 3155 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 5 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are power train and engine. Owners most often flag general engine reliability concerns: mentions of oil consumption issues and catastrophic engine failure in high-mileage examples (e.g., 2016 model with ~200,000 miles).
Safety record for the 2016 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2016 Hyundai Tucson vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Tucson years only. How we score it
Is 2016 a good year for the Tucson?
Across the 22 Tucson model years we track, complaint volume runs from 18 (2009) to 3,155 (2016). With 3,155 complaints, the 2016 Tucson sits above the model's median of 185.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2016 Tucson
power train:automatic transmission:control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
Campaign 16V628000Hyundai 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.
electrical system:wiring
Campaign 16V842000Hyundai 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 Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
exterior lighting:tail lights
Campaign 16V147000Hyundai 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). As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard Number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
latches/locks/linkages:hood:latch
Campaign 16V348000Hyundai 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.
Show 1 more recall
service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/module
Campaign 20V543000Hyundai 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.
What owners say across generations
Sentiment is mixed and varies significantly by model year and powertrain.
- RecurrentGeneral Engine Reliability Concerns
Mentions of oil consumption issues and catastrophic engine failure in high-mileage examples (e.g., 2016 model with ~200,000 miles).
Owner insights cover all generations of the Tucson. See the full Tucson owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used Tucson listings typically run $14,189–$22,499.
Other Tucson model years
Compare every Tucson year side by side to see how 2016 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Tucson against its rivals
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