MotorDeets

2016 Hyundai Tucson: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2016 Hyundai Tucson: 5 recalls, 1621 owner complaints and up to 27 mpg combined.

5vehicle recalls
1621owner complaints
14mention a crash
27best combined mpg
2016 Hyundai Tucson
Photo: Navigator84 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

5 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Exterior lights Vehicle recall #16V147000 · 2016 · 2,263 vehicles

What's wrong: 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."

Why it matters: Failure to illuminate the trailer's turn signal lights would prevent the communication of the driver's intent, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will update the tow hitch harness, free of charge. The recall began on May 2, 2016.

Latches & locks Vehicle recall #16V348000 · 2016 · 81,000 vehicles

What's wrong: In the affected vehicles, if the primary hood latch has been released, and the vehicle is driven, the secondary hood latch May not hold adequately secure the hood to prevent it from opening while the vehicle is in motion.

Why it matters: If the primary hood latch is inadvertently released and the secondary latch cannot secure the hood, the hood May unexpectedly open while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the secondary hood latch, free of charge. The recall began on June 30, 2016.

Electrical, Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #16V628000 · 2016 · 41,000 vehicles

What's wrong: Certain driving conditions and high temperatures May cause the vehicle to not move if the accelerator pedal is pressed and released repeatedly.

Why it matters: Inability to move the vehicle while in traffic May increase the risk of a crash.

The fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will update the transmission control module software, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on October 28, 2016.

Trailer hitch, Electrical Vehicle recall #16V842000 · 2016 · 6,172 vehicles

What's wrong: 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."

Why it matters: If the trailer brake lights stay illuminated while being used, other drivers May be confused, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected accessory trailer hitch wiring harnesses, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 13, 2017.

Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #20V543000 · 2020 · 652,024 vehicles

What's wrong: 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.

Why it matters: An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury or crash.

The fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the hecu fuse. For 2019-2021 model years, the electronic stability control (esc) software will also be updated. Recall repairs will be performed free of charge. Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures as a precaution until the…

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 26 mention a fire, 7 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Transmission & drivetrain517
Engine423
Other / unknown262
Body & structure227
Electrical216
Latches & locks157
Speed control / throttle111
Fuel & propulsion55

What owners describe

The 2016 Hyundai Tucson has 1621 owner complaints, ranking #1 of 22 Tucson model years for complaints (5.7× the average Tucson year). Complaints peaked in 2021 (318 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 29,500 miles. Neighboring years: 2015 (228 complaints, 1 recalls), 2017 (1090 complaints, 3 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
1.6 L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (AM7)Front-Wheel Drive253027Regular
2.0 L 4-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive233026Regular
1.6 L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (AM7)All-Wheel Drive242825Regular
2.0 L 4-cylAutomatic (S6)All-Wheel Drive212623Regular

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2016 Hyundai Tucson.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
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Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 2016 Hyundai Tucson manual

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FAQ

Does the 2016 Hyundai Tucson have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 5 vehicle recalls for the 2016 Hyundai Tucson. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 2016 Hyundai Tucson problems?

Owners have filed 1621 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are transmission & drivetrain (517), engine (423), other / unknown (262).

What gas mileage does the 2016 Hyundai Tucson get?

EPA ratings run up to 27 mpg combined (1.6 L, Automatic (AM7)), across 4 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 2016 Hyundai Tucson repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other Tucson years

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