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
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Power train518
- Engine424
- Structure227
- Electrical system217
- Latches/locks/linkages158
- Vehicle speed control112
- Fuel/propulsion system55
- Service brakes35
- Exterior lighting29
- Visibility29
- Steering22
- Service brakes, hydraulic15
- Air bags15
- 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
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
1
260
115
73
112
142
318
171
176
121
76
61
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2015 | 1 |
| 2016 | 260 |
| 2017 | 115 |
| 2018 | 73 |
| 2019 | 112 |
| 2020 | 142 |
| 2021 | 318 |
| 2022 | 171 |
| 2023 | 176 |
| 2024 | 121 |
| 2025 | 76 |
| 2026 | 61 |
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.
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.”
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.”
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.”
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”
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.”
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”
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.