Problems · by component

2016 Hyundai Tucson exterior lighting problems

29 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2016 Hyundai Tucson cite exterior lighting, 2% of all 1,626 complaints for this model year. NHTSA also lists 1 recall on this component.

Complaints
29
2% of all complaints
Crashes
0
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the exterior lighting

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“This problem was observed about 1 month ago: While driving and headlights set on AUTO, during the day, and the light switch NOT on, the dashboard would indicate the lights were ON, for just a second or two, and would go off. At night with the headlights set on AUTO and the headlights ON, while driving, the headlights go OFF and ON briefly (1-3 seconds) causing a dangerous situation as visibility of road is lost. This condition was initially observed at night, after using the turn signals (left/right), but is now happening with greater frequency while driving without using turn signals. I Will schedule a visit with dealership to report/confirm problem.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 15, 2026Electrical system, Exterior lightingODI 11757119
“What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The airbag system, brake system, and HVAC system (air conditioning and heating) appear to have malfunctioned. A dealer confirmed that the HVAC system is defective, identifying a broken evaporator assembly and a faulty temperature door actuator. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The airbag safety light raises concerns about whether the airbags will deploy during an accident. The brake light error creates uncertainty about the reliability of the brake system. Additionally, the defective HVAC system is a significant safety hazard. The heater’s failure prevents the windshield from defogging, impairing visibility, particularly in cold or wet weather. This poses a serious risk while driving, especially in freezing temperatures. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, the HVAC system defect has been confirmed by a dealer, who provided images and recommended replacing the evaporator assembly and temperature door actuator. Independent mechanics…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 12, 2024Exterior lighting, Air bags, Unknown or otherODI 11630296
“When driving All the warning light is on. Also when you reduce speed or stop at the light the steering wheel turn hard to turn or move. The battery seem to be low voltage, because when you lock the car the sound of the horn sound weak. And wouldn't start.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 8, 2024Steering, Exterior lightingODI 11587590
“When both driving and idling, the car will either stall or feel like it is about to stall, when all of a sudden the vehicle “pauses” for a second and then all of the dashboard lights come on. This has now happened at least 4 times in the past month. It will reset after turning the car off, but on more than one occasion after turning the car off, the engine doesn’t restart right away. Thankfully, the car has restarted and it resets the dashboard lights. My safety is a concern if my car stalls while driving at any speed! I have yet to take it to the dealer, as there’s a VERY long wait for an appointment - another recurring issue. No one has inspected this for me, and it is very concerning. There is plenty of evidence that this is happening to others in both online forums and Hyundai owners sites online.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 2, 2024Electrical system, Exterior lighting, EngineODI 11575079
“The passenger side headlight compartment has condensation in it. Enough condensation so the headlights don't work. when I took it in for recall work I mentioned this as I thought that it might have possibly been a short or a loose wire, and they shared that no it's not wired it's just water in that enclosure and I need to pay for it myself to get it replaced to the tune of $1900 for the new part.. I've seen other complaints about the same problem. Why will Hyundai not fix this? I found something from Hyundai that states, do not replace!”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 24, 2024Exterior lightingODI 11567598
“The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that when she was near her vehicle, she noticed that the driver's side window was down. The contact stated that she could not roll the window up. The contact stated that over the next month, the other three windows were lowered and could not be rolled up. Additionally, the contact stated that the headlights had failed, and she had them replaced. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the windows mechanism needed to be replaced. The vehicle had been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 53,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 26, 2023Exterior lighting, VisibilityODI 11524041

Showing 6 of 29 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 4, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Related recalls

1 recall on this component

Exterior lighting: tail lights

Free remedy

Hyundai 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."

Exterior lightingReported Mar 10, 2016NHTSA 16V147000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 4, 2026

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