2016 Hyundai Tucson Transmission Problems | Recalls | Reliability
Last Updated on November 6, 2023 by Robert Wilson
If you’re in search of a stylish small SUV with advanced technology and impressive fuel efficiency, make sure to include the 2016 Hyundai Tucson on your list of options.
Additionally, the exceptional 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty from Hyundai is a significant attraction.
However, this 2016 Tucson model encountered some problems like there have been 86 complaints and 5 recalls by NHTSA so far.
2016 Hyundai Tucson Transmission Problems
The 2016 Hyundai Tucson has encountered many transmission issues, including rough shifting, slipping gears, overheating, low fluid and transmission failure.
2016 Hyundai Tucson Transmission Recalls
Hyundai has identified a transmission clutch application logic error that may result in delayed engagement when accelerating in the 2016 Tucson. This issue has prompted a recall affecting 41,000 SUVs.
September 4, 2020 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V543000
ABS Unit may cause Engine Compartment Fire
An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury or crash.NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V543000
Manufacturer Hyundai Motor America
Components SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Potential Number of Units Affected 652,024
Recall Summary:
Hyundai Motor America initiated a recall for certain 2019-2021 Tucson vehicles on September 4, 2020. The recall was later expanded on December 30, 2020, to include specific 2016-2018 Tucson vehicles. The recall was prompted by concerns that the Anti-lock Brake Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) could develop internal corrosion, potentially causing an electrical short circuit that might lead to an engine compartment fire.
Remedy:
Hyundai will notify affected owners, and authorized dealers will replace the HECU fuse. For the 2019-2021 model years, the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) software will also be updated. All recall-related repairs will be conducted at no cost to the owners.
November 21, 2016 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V842000
Trailer Brakes May Stay Illuminated
If the trailer brake lights stay illuminated while being used, other drivers may be confused, increasing the risk of a crash.NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V842000
Manufacturer Hyundai Motor America
Components ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, TRAILER HITCHES
Potential Number of Units Affected 6,172
Recall Summary:
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling specific model year vehicles, including 2016-2017 Tucson vehicles produced from May 19, 2015, to November 14, 2016, and 2017 Santa Fe vehicles manufactured from November 28, 2015, to November 14, 2016. These vehicles may be equipped with an accessory trailer hitch wiring harness that, due to a malfunction in the tow hitch module, could cause the trailer brake lights to remain constantly illuminated. This results in non-compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, “Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment.”
Remedy:
Hyundai will contact affected owners, and authorized dealers will replace the problematic accessory trailer hitch wiring harnesses at no cost. The recall is set to commence on January 13, 2017. For more information, owners can reach out to Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151, referencing recall number 153.
August 30, 2016 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V628000
Inability to Accelerate from a Stop
Inability to move the vehicle while in traffic may increase the risk of a crash.NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V628000
Manufacturer Hyundai Motor America
Components POWER TRAIN, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Potential Number of Units Affected 41,000
Recall Summary:
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2016 Tucson vehicles manufactured from May 20, 2015, through May 31, 2016, equipped with a 7-speed EcoShift Dual Clutch Transmission. Under specific driving conditions and in high temperatures, pressing and releasing the accelerator pedal repeatedly may cause the vehicle to fail to move.
Remedy:
Hyundai will reach out to affected owners and provide a free update to the Transmission Control Module software. The recall is scheduled to commence on October 28, 2016. Owners can contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059, using recall number 149 for reference.
Notes:
For additional information or inquiries, owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or visit www.safercar.gov.
May 24, 2016 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V348000
Secondary Hood Latch may Disengage
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.NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V348000
Manufacturer Hyundai Motor America
Components LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
Potential Number of Units Affected 81,000
Recall Summary:
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) has issued a recall for certain model year 2016 Tucson vehicles manufactured from May 19, 2015, to March 14, 2016. The concern relates to these vehicles where, if the primary hood latch has been released and the vehicle is driven, the secondary hood latch may not securely hold the hood in place, potentially leading to its opening while the vehicle is in motion.
Remedy:
Hyundai will get in touch with affected owners and provide a replacement for the secondary hood latch at no cost. The recall started on June 30, 2016. For further information, owners can contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460, referencing recall number 145.
March 10, 2016 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V147000
Trailer Turn Signals may not Work
Failure to illuminate the trailer’s turn signal lights would prevent the communication of the driver’s intent, increasing the risk of a crash.NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V147000
Manufacturer Hyundai Motor America
Components EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Potential Number of Units Affected 2,263
Recall Summary:
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2016 Hyundai Tucson vehicles manufactured from May 26, 2015, to January 15, 2016, which are equipped with an accessory trailer hitch harness, either included with the accessory trailer hitch or sold separately as a service part. These vehicles, when the engine is running and the brake lights are on, may experience issues with the trailer turn signal lights. Activating the turn signal while these conditions are met may result in the trailer turn signal lights turning off or remaining continuously illuminated without flashing. This non-compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard Number 108, “Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment,” prompted the recall.
Remedy:
Hyundai will notify affected owners and dealers will update the tow hitch harness free of charge. The recall began on May 2, 2016. For additional information, owners can contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9640, using recall number 142 for reference.
2016 Hyundai Tucson Issues & Complaints
My 2016 Hyundai Tucson has recently reached 90,000 miles, and I’ve been facing a significant oil consumption problem. I’ve had to get oil changes every one to two months. I conducted an oil consumption test, and they confirmed the oil consumption issue but stated that it’s no longer under warranty, leaving me with no solution. Additionally, I encountered problems with the camshaft sensors, leading to potentially hazardous acceleration issues on the highway. I had them replaced at a cost of $1,200, but just a week later, they started failing once more, causing the car to refuse to shift out of first gear, especially on hills.
Components: STEERING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, AIR BAGS
NHTSA ID Number: 11438031Incident Date October 25, 2021
Consumer Location NEW BEDFORD, MA
Vehicle Identification Number Km8j3ca29gu****
Several crucial vehicle including 2016 Tucson electrical components experienced malfunctions, including the speedometer, tachometer, deactivation of airbags, and an inability to indicate the vehicle’s current gear. This issue was resolved by replacing a secondary vacuum pump, as water entry into the pump was identified as the root cause of the problem affecting these major electronic components.
October 8, 2023 NHTSA ID NUMBER: 11548885
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STRUCTURE
NHTSA ID Number: 11548885Incident Date February 2, 2022
Consumer Location EPPS, LA
Vehicle Identification Number KM8J33A21GU****
The front passenger side door of my 2016 Hyundai Tucson vehicle has encountered a recurring issue. It refuses to open from the outside, even when unlocked, and this problem occurs in approximately 99% of attempts to open the door. Although the dealership where I initially purchased the vehicle attempted a repair, the problem resurfaced within a month, starting in February 2022.
Regarding electrical issues, my vehicle has faced troubles with all four windows. The initial problem arose in July 2023 when the front driver-side window refused to go down. Even after professionally replacing the window regulator and motor within a week, the window regulator failed again, this time refusing to go back up after being lowered, and there was an additional failure in the front passenger-side window regulator.
September 15, 2023 NHTSA ID NUMBER: 11544711
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE
NHTSA ID Number: 11544711Incident Date September 1, 2023
Consumer Location CHICAGO, IL
Vehicle Identification Number KM8J33A28GU****
I had the 2016 Hyundai transmission replaced recently due to a defect in the original one. However, a few weeks after that, I encountered an issue with the climate control system. When I activated the clean air control, it began blowing cold air. Strangely, turning up the heater control made the air even colder. This problem seemed to occur suddenly. I typically don’t use the heater or air conditioning frequently and prefer the recycle air option, which draws air from both inside and outside the engine.
June 19, 2023 NHTSA ID NUMBER: 11527694
Components: EQUIPMENT
NHTSA ID Number: 11527694Incident Date March 1, 2022
Consumer Location Unknown
Vehicle Identification Number KM8J33A29GU****
The regulator and motors for all four windows have experienced failures. Two of them were replaced with “panel assembly” parts, with the first replacement costing $383.09 on 03/24/2022, and the second replacement on 10/07/2022, for the same, costing $470.16. As for the remaining two windows, they are currently held in place with tape.
Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER, ENGINE, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
NHTSA ID Number: 11496698Incident Date December 8, 2022
Consumer Location Unknown
Vehicle Identification Number KM8J3CA42GU****
My 2016 Hyundai Tucson started exhibiting sudden and erratic changes in speed. While driving and attempting to accelerate, the car would not go above 40 mph. At times, despite my continued pressure on the accelerator, it would make jolting movements and suddenly accelerate. On December 8th, 2022, while I was driving in the third lane on the highway, my car experienced a sudden jolt, and the speed dropped to 20 mph. This was quite distressing as I had to navigate a lane change amidst fast-moving traffic, causing significant panic and stress.
December 2, 2022 NHTSA ID NUMBER: 11495759
Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
NHTSA ID Number: 11495759Incident Date November 16, 2022
Consumer Location OLDTOWN, MD
Vehicle Identification Number KM8J3CA44GU****
The contact’s daughter own a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. During a routine oil change, it was reported that gasoline had been detected in the oil, despite no warning lights being illuminated. Subsequently, the contact took the vehicle to the dealership, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that no fuel was present in the oil.
The 2016 Hyundai Tucson is considered a reliable car. J.D. Power has given it a perfect reliability rating of five out of five, which is higher than many other SUVs in its segment. This suggests that the 2016 Hyundai Tucson is known for its dependable performance and low likelihood of experiencing major issues. However, it’s important to keep in mind that individual experiences with any vehicle may vary, and regular maintenance is essential for long-term reliability.
I absolutely love this 2016 Hyundai Tucson car. I initially leased it for 3 years and later decided to purchase it. The 1.6 Turbo engine provides a fantastic ride experience; it’s highly responsive, provided you keep a close eye on the oil levels. However, I’ve noticed a significant increase in oil consumption at around 65,000 miles, and it’s puzzling where all that oil is going since there are no leaks or smoke. My hunch is that the turbo might be using oil. Additionally, I recently observed water on the passenger side floor. It turns out that when I use the heater, water drips under the dash in the center. I was informed that this could be related to the heater core, but it seems unusual for this issue to arise at just 70,000 miles. Has anyone else experienced a similar problem?
Karl, NY, USA
I appreciate my vehicle, and it’s a great fit for a college student like me, especially for local driving. However, I do wish that the model I own came with a sunroof, as that’s a feature I consider essential when choosing a car. I’ve also noticed that the engine in this make and model is not as powerful as I’d like, and it doesn’t provide the same level of acceleration when I press the pedal compared to some of my previous cars.
Jason, FL, USA
2016 Hyundai Tucson Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Robust turbocharged engine
- Exceptional reliability rating
- Spacious and quiet interior
- Impressive safety features
Cons:
- Subpar cabin materials in some areas
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