Problems · NHTSA complaints

2016 Hyundai Tucson problems

Owners filed 1,626 complaints about the 2016 Hyundai Tucson with NHTSA between Dec 2015 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is power train (518).

Complaints
1,626
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
14
Reported by owners
Fires
26
Reported by owners
Injuries
7
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Power train518
  2. Engine424
  3. Structure227
  4. Electrical system217
  5. Latches/locks/linkages158
  6. Vehicle speed control112
  7. Fuel/propulsion system55
  8. Service brakes35
  9. Exterior lighting29
  10. Visibility29
  11. Steering22
  12. Service brakes, hydraulic15
  13. Air bags15
  14. Visibility/wiper12

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 4, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20151
2016260
2017115
201873
2019112
2020142
2021318
2022171
2023176
2024121
202576
202661

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Power train

518 reports4 crashes3 fires1 related recall
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 14, 2026Power train, Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkagesODI 11771213

Engine

424 reports2 crashes17 fires
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 15, 2026EngineODI 11771446

Structure

227 reports1 crash1 fire
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 3, 2026StructureODI 11754445

Electrical system

217 reports2 crashes7 fires1 related recall
“Caliber / Breaks sticking after changing them, Car stopped in the middle of traffic after they locked up. Changed them again Brought to Hyundai dealership I was told Caliber needed changing . It was changed Caliber caught fire while driving Now Hyundai says the ABS system has to be replaced”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 22, 2026Electrical system, Wheels, Service brakesFire reportedODI 11766204

Latches/locks/linkages

158 reports1 related recall
“The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the front passenger’s side door failed to unlatch as needed. The front passenger's side window failed to roll up or roll down. The driver's side rear door failed to unlatch or latch as needed. Additionally, the trunk switch failed to operate as needed. The dealer was made aware of the failures but provided no assistance. The contact was informed that the repairs were not covered under recall or warranty. The contact stated that the vehicle was unsafe to operate. The contact feared being locked inside the vehicle and being unable to exit the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 29, 2026Visibility, Latches/locks/linkagesODI 11747133

Vehicle speed control

112 reports4 crashes1 fire
“When I try accelerate from a stopped position vehicles acts as if it doesn’t want to move and you need your acceleration when crossing traffic or turning onto a busy street I just got the car from carmax 6 days ago so I will take it to their service department and try to find out more”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 16, 2026Vehicle speed controlODI 11771720
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 4, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.