2016 Hyundai Tucson: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2016 Hyundai Tucson? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 1,596 complaints, with Transmission / Drivetrain as the top reported area.
2016 Hyundai Tucson Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 5 2016 Hyundai Tucson trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 5 trims analysed.
2016 Hyundai Tucson Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2016 Hyundai Tucson SUV AWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
16.2% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
16.2% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2016 Hyundai Tucson has 1,596 owner complaints, 14 crash-related complaints, and 5 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Transmission / Drivetrain. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Hyundai
- Model
- Tucson
- Model year
- 2016
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 1,596
- Crash-related complaints
- 14
- Safety recall campaigns
- 5
- Top reported component
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 27
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 25 / 30
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- Electric range (miles)
- 265
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2016 Hyundai Tucson Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Transmission / Drivetrain
Engine Problems
Uncategorized Issues
Complaint patterns center on Transmission / Drivetrain, Engine Problems, Uncategorized Issues. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2016 Hyundai Tucson?
The 2016 Hyundai Tucson shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2016 Hyundai Tucson
Inspection Focus
- Inspect transmission and drivetrain for known issues.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine and transmission repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect transmission and drivetrain for known issues.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine and transmission repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2016 Hyundai Tucson, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on 1596 NHTSA complaints for the 2016 Hyundai Tucson, issues are concentrated in the transmission/drivetrain and engine. There are 5 recalls and 14 crash-related complaints, but the data is consumer-submitted and does not confirm defects.
- Transmission/drivetrain complaints total 511, the highest count.
- Engine problems account for 422 complaints.
- Unintended acceleration is reported in 109 complaints.
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Engine Problems
- Unintended Acceleration
All 2016 Hyundai Tucson Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2016 Hyundai Tucson. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 511 | 4 | 3 | — | |
| Engine Problems | 422 | 2 | 17 | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 259 | 3 | 6 | — | |
| Structural Problems | 223 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 212 | 2 | 6 | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 156 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 109 | 4 | 1 | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 55 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Brake System | 48 | 3 | 2 | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 28 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 28 | 1 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 22 | 1 | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 15 | 1 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 15 | 1 | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 12 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 8 | — | 1 | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 4 | — | 1 | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2016 Hyundai Tucson. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Both rear doors actuators will not allow to open from inside or outside, the passenger will open from inside and the driver door intermittently is the same and I have to juggle the handle or smack above the handle to get it to open on driver side. The passenger is only opening fr…
I have had 3 window motors go out in the last 7 months.
Took vehicle to dealership and had it diagnosed for the electrical system faults cause all the dashboard warning lights came on. Shop said it could be bad vacuum pump.
Driver side door lock actuator failure yesterday. 4/10/26 Purchased this car 8/15/25 was not told there was a problem and recall
Three power window regulators have failed on my 2016 Hyundai Tucson within a six-month period. The front driver and front passenger windows both failed first and required replacement. The rear driver-side window has now also failed and is currently stuck in the open position. Wh…
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment. Moments later, the vehicle stalled after driving a very short distance. An independent mechanic arrived at the re…
All dash warning lights are on and dash lights have a intermittent bright light surge. Hard to shut off engine and have to disconnect battery for electric power to shut off. Very noticeable hesitation in acceleration starting to drive
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while attempting to buckle the driver's side seat belt, the seat belt failed to buckle securely, and the seat belt failed to retract as designed. The contact had not attempted to pull on the seat belt and the seat be…
Hyundai Tucson Sport 2016 GDI engine. I am the original owner of this truck I have taken care of this truck so much it being my first brand new purchase. No oil leaks NOTHING! When I first purchased the vehicle I noticed that it would stall when I would accelerate but did not thi…
I had ANOTHER door latch lock assembly fail on my 2016 Hyundai Tucson. There was a TSB for this issue that the dealership said expired for my vehicle three months ago. They wanted a $200 diagnostic fee for a total repair of close to $1000. They confirmed it was another door la…
I am writing regarding the diagnosis provided for my vehicle [XXX] . I was informed today that the engine failure is being attributed to a "water hose failure" rather than the engine defects covered under the active safety recall/settlement regarding Connecting Rod Bearing failur…
Vehicle: 2016 Hyundai Tucson Issue Category: Engine / Powertrain / Vehicle Safety Complaint: I am reporting a serious safety issue involving my 2016 Hyundai Tucson equipped with a Theta II engine. My vehicle first displayed an engine oil warning light. I immediately took the v…
Three window regulators have failed, leaving the windows completely useless. The first occurring in heavy rain and making it impossible to close. This is an issue reported countless times online.
The transmission began slipping and hesitating within days of purchase. The vehicle intermittently fails to accelerate when pressing the gas pedal, especially when pulling into traffic or crossing intersections. This creates a serious safety risk because the vehicle does not resp…
"On [XXX], my 2016 Hyundai Tucson (VIN [XXX] ) experienced severe engine power loss and mechanical noise under load while driving uphill, creating a dangerous safety situation. This occurred 2 days after a dealer visit (February 19, 2026) where an open KSDS Service Campaign (TSB …
No check engine lights came on! The entire car caught fire and was engulfed in flames!!! Driver could have been killed!
My car had a KSDS knock sensor detection system campaign 966 installed in 2022 specifically to active if having rod bearing wear. Towed my car to Hyundai under the TXXM warranty and they said my bearing clearance was ok and i need new lifters and timing chain cost for repair $290…
Excessive oil consumption caused engine failure on December 17, 2025. My truck stopped and I was stranded on Highway I55 South for 4 hours. Hyundai and the Extended warranty has denied fixing my truck. It is still at [XXX] Hyundai as of today. Hyundai’s failure to properly di…
The engine, specifically cylinder # 3, has had a catastrophic failure at 114,000 miles. Engine repair shops and engine experts have determined the only fix is a complete engine replacement. Cost estimates are $8500 for a new engine + labor estimated at $2000. Scrap value is est…
Window regulator and motor have failed due to plastic gears stripping out. I have replaced my two front windows in 2024 at $1063 a window. This week I had both rear windows fail allowing the windows to drop down unexpectedly. I was able to manually pull the windows up and tape…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2016 Hyundai Tucson.
2016 Hyundai Tucson Recalls
5 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2016 Hyundai Tucson. 5 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2016 Hyundai Tucson Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2016 Hyundai Tucson reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 1,596 owner complaints, 14 crash-related complaints, and 5 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2016 Hyundai Tucson shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Hyundai Tucson?▾
#1: Transmission / Drivetrain (511 complaints). #2: Engine Problems (422 complaints). #3: Uncategorized Issues (259 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2016 Hyundai Tucson?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2016 Hyundai Tucson?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2016 Hyundai Tucson, NHTSA complaints include 14 crash-related reports and 24 fire reports out of 1,596 total complaints. 7 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2016 Hyundai Tucson have any recalls?▾
Yes. 5 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2016 Hyundai Tucson. A major recall area is POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM). 5 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2016 Hyundai Tucson?▾
The 2016 Hyundai Tucson shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Transmission / Drivetrain during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Hyundai Tucson reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2016 Hyundai Tucson based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.