NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls and 1,626 owner complaints for the 2016 Hyundai Tucson. Most complaints involve power train (518) and engine (424). The EPA rates it 23–28 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
Hyundai 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.
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. 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."
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. Certain driving conditions and high temperatures may cause the vehicle to not move if the accelerator pedal is pressed and released repeatedly.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each Tucson model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 2005 | 185 |
| 2006 | 135 |
| 2007 | 65 |
| 2008 | 43 |
| 2009 | 18 |
| 2010 | 59 |
| 2011 | 124 |
| 2012 | 255 |
| 2013 | 266 |
| 2014 | 203 |
| 2015 | 229 |
| 2016 | 1,626 |
| 2017 | 1,096 |
| 2018 | 398 |
| 2019 | 385 |
| 2020 | 179 |
| 2021 | 80 |
| 2022 | 389 |
| 2023 | 136 |
| 2024 | 99 |
| 2025 | 295 |
| 2026 | 64 |
“The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at 15 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate when the accelerator pedal was pressed and released repeatedly at 1,200 RPM. The transmission warning light illuminated. Additionally, the rear driver's and rear passenger's side doors failed to open. The dealer was notified of the failure but informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V628000 (Power Train, Electrical System); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by email. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.”
“Excessive oil consumption. Mileage is 116.7K miles. Over 4 quarts used in approximately 3,500 miles. Car went into "limp" mode with no power. Top speed on level ground was 45 mph, on a hill 25 mph. Had to pull over to the side of the road so that other cars could pass. Drove to mechanic who saw about 1 quart remained in the car. Oil light didn't go on. Service engine light flashed when the car went into "limp" mode.”
“Door latch issue. Driver's side door has to be pulled multiple times after unlocking to open from the exterior. Passenger side door latch has become completely inoperable and does not open from the interior or exterior now. To have multiple doors fail at the same time seems like a true design failure / flaw and an inoperable door a true safety hazard.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tucson Eco FWD Auto (AM7), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 26 | 32 | 28 | $2,300 | 317 |
| Tucson Eco AWD Auto (AM7), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 25 | 30 | 27 | $2,400 | 334 |
| Tucson FWD Auto (AM7), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 25 | 30 | 27 | $2,400 | 335 |
| Tucson FWD Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 30 | 26 | $2,450 | 342 |
| Tucson AWD Auto (AM7), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 24 | 28 | 25 | $2,550 | 355 |
| Tucson AWD Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · All-Wheel Drive | 21 | 26 | 23 | $2,800 | 389 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
5 safety recalls as of Nov 4, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 1,626 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (518), engine (424), structure (227). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2016 Hyundai Tucson at 23–28 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (6 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2016 Hyundai Tucson 5 out of 5 stars overall.