CarBrief

The 2016 Tucson has 1,625 owner complaints on file with NHTSA, the most of any Tucson year[1][2]. In the complaint samples we read, owners describe hesitation or loss of power when accelerating, and five recalls are listed[3][4][5][6][7][8][9]., and five recalls are listed[3][5][6][7][8][9].

1,625owner complaints[1]
5recalls[2]
23–28MPG combined (EPA)[10]
5★NHTSA overall rating[11]

Most reported problems

NHTSA has 1,625 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Tucson[1]. Fourteen mention a crash[1], 26 a fire[1] and 7 an injury[1]. No deaths are reported[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name several parts of the car.

The groups with the most complaints:

Component group Complaints Median mileage at failure
Power train[3] 518 7,500
Engine[4] 430 60,500
Unknown or other[12] 263 39,300
Structure[13] 227 59,500
Electrical system[14] 217 53,900

Power train. In a sample of 12 power train complaints we read, 11 describe the car hesitating, revving without moving or losing power when pulling away or merging[3]. Some also mention a transmission warning on the dash. Several say the dealer could not find a fault[3]. The median failure mileage is only 7,500, so these reports tend to come early in the car's life[3].

Engine. In a sample of 12 engine complaints, 11 describe the same kind of problem: hesitation, stalling or no response from the accelerator[4]. The engine group also has 17 reported fires, the most of any group listed[4].

Structure. In a sample of 12 structure complaints, 5 describe a door that will not open properly[13]. Four describe a hood or trunk latch problem[13].

Electrical system. In a sample of 12 electrical complaints, 8 describe loss of power or hesitation while accelerating, and 2 describe air conditioning that stops cooling[14]. Some owners say the problem came back after software updates[14].

Other groups are smaller. Latches, locks and linkages have 158 complaints[15], speed control has 112[16] and the fuel and propulsion system has 55[17].

Recalls

NHTSA lists five recalls for the 2016 Tucson. Newest first:

Several of these recalls apply only to certain build dates or equipment[7][8][9]. Several of these recalls apply only to certain build dates or equipment[7][8][9].

Fuel economy

EPA ratings depend on the engine and drive type. Annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices from when the car was new.

Version City / Highway / Combined MPG EPA annual fuel cost
2.0L FWD[18] 23 / 30 / 26 $2,600
2.0L AWD[19] 21 / 26 / 23 $2,900
1.6L turbo FWD[20] 25 / 30 / 27 $2,500
1.6L turbo Eco FWD[10] 26 / 32 / 28 $2,400
1.6L turbo AWD[21] 24 / 28 / 25 $2,700
1.6L turbo Eco AWD[22] 25 / 30 / 27 $2,500

The 2.0L versions use an Automatic (S6) and the 1.6L turbo versions use an Automatic (AM7)[18][20]. There is also a Tucson Fuel Cell. It runs on hydrogen and is rated 50 MPGe combined with 265 miles of range[23]. In each pairing of the same engine, the AWD version is rated 1 to 3 MPG lower combined than the FWD version[18][19][20][21][10][22].

Safety ratings

NHTSA gave the all-wheel-drive and front-wheel-drive versions 5 stars overall, 5 stars for frontal crashes, 5 stars for side crashes and 4 stars for rollover[11][24]. NHTSA lists rollover risk at 16.2% for AWD[11] and 15.5% for FWD[24]. The fuel cell version is not rated[25].

Engine and size

EPA lists these power ratings for test cars: 175 hp for the 1.6L 4-cylinder[26], 164 hp for the 2.0L 4-cylinder[27] and 134 hp for the electric motor version[28].

Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models[29].

Version Length Width Height Wheelbase Curb weight
FWD[30] 176 in 73 in 65 in 105 in 3,439 lb
AWD[29] 176 in 73 in 65 in 105 in 3,602 lb
Fuel cell[31] 174 in 71 in 65 in 104 in 4,101 lb

How 2016 compares with other years

2005: 185 complaints, 8 recalls20052006: 135 complaints, 5 recalls2007: 65 complaints, 5 recalls20072008: 43 complaints, 1 recalls2009: 18 complaints, 1 recalls20092010: 59 complaints, 4 recalls2011: 124 complaints, 5 recalls20112012: 255 complaints, 3 recalls2013: 266 complaints, 3 recalls20132014: 202 complaints, 2 recalls2015: 229 complaints, 2 recalls20152016: 1,625 complaints, 5 recalls1,62520162017: 1,092 complaints, 3 recalls20172018: 399 complaints, 1 recalls2019: 385 complaints, 1 recalls20192020: 179 complaints, 1 recalls2021: 80 complaints, 1 recalls20212022: 506 complaints, 3 recalls2023: 181 complaints, 2 recalls20232024: 150 complaints, 4 recalls2025: 441 complaints, 7 recalls20252026: 98 complaints, 5 recalls
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Tucson model year. The 2016 is highlighted[2].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
20051858
20061355
2007655
2008431
2009181
2010594
20111245
20122553
20132663
20142022
20152292
20161,6255
20171,0923
20183991
20193851
20201791
2021801
20225063
20231812
20241504
20254417
2026985

The 2016 Tucson has 1,625 complaints, the most of any Tucson model year in the NHTSA data[2]. The 2017 model is next with 1,092, and 2018 has 399[2]. Earlier years such as 2015 (229) and 2014 (202) are far lower[2]. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so a higher count does not by itself show a worse car.

For recalls, 2016 has 5[2]. The 2005 model has 8 and 2025 has 7[2].

Should you buy a used 2016 Tucson?

The 2016 Tucson has the heaviest complaint load of any Tucson year, and the power train and engine complaints we read often describe hesitation and loss of power when pulling away[3][4].. Its crash test results are good, with 5 stars overall[11][24]. Before buying, run the VIN to see that all five recalls were done, especially the transmission software update and the hood latch[7][8]. Ask for service records that show what the dealer did about any hesitation. A test drive that includes pulling away from a stop and merging is a fair way to check for the issue owners describe[3].

Frequently asked questions

What are the common problems with the 2016 Hyundai Tucson?
The power train has the most complaints on file at 518[3], followed by the engine at 430[4]. In samples we read, owners describe hesitation or loss of power when accelerating[3][4].
Does the 2016 Hyundai Tucson have recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists five, covering ABS control unit corrosion, trailer hitch wiring, transmission control software, the secondary hood latch and trailer turn signals[5][6][7][8][9].
What gas mileage does the 2016 Tucson get?
EPA combined ratings for gasoline versions run from 23 MPG (2.0L AWD) to 28 MPG (1.6L turbo Eco FWD)[19][10].
Is the 2016 Tucson the worst Tucson year?
It has the most complaints of any Tucson year on file, 1,625 versus 1,092 for 2017[2]. Counts are not adjusted for sales.
How safe is the 2016 Hyundai Tucson?
NHTSA rates the AWD and FWD versions 5 stars overall and 4 stars for rollover[11][24].

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 1,625 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Hyundai Tucson (14 mention a crash, 26 a fire, 7 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. Owner complaints and recalls for every Hyundai Tucson model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  3. 518 complaints name the power train component group (4 crashes, 3 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 7,500). NHTSA vehicle records
  4. 430 complaints name the engine component group (2 crashes, 17 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 60,500). NHTSA vehicle records
  5. Recall 20V543, filed September 4, 2020: Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock / Traction Control / Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit / Module . NHTSA recall database
  6. Recall 16V842, filed November 21, 2016: Trailer Hitches. NHTSA recall database
  7. Recall 16V628, filed August 30, 2016: Electrical System › Software. NHTSA recall database
  8. Recall 16V348, filed May 24, 2016: Latches / Locks / Linkages › Hood › Latch. NHTSA recall database
  9. Recall 16V147, filed March 10, 2016: Exterior Lighting › Tail Lights. NHTSA recall database
  10. EPA rating for Tucson Eco FWD, 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (AM7), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 26 city / 32 highway / 28 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,400. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  11. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV AWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 16.2%. NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 263 complaints name the unknown or other component group (3 crashes, 6 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 39,300). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. 227 complaints name the structure component group (1 crashes, 1 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 59,500). NHTSA vehicle records
  14. 217 complaints name the electrical system component group (2 crashes, 7 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 53,900). NHTSA vehicle records
  15. 158 complaints name the latches/locks/linkages component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 64,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  16. 112 complaints name the speed control component group (4 crashes, 1 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 7,500). NHTSA vehicle records
  17. 55 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (1 crashes, 1 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 9,600). NHTSA vehicle records
  18. EPA rating for Tucson FWD, 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 23 city / 30 highway / 26 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,600. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  19. EPA rating for Tucson AWD, 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 26 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  20. EPA rating for Tucson FWD, 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (AM7), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 25 city / 30 highway / 27 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,500. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  21. EPA rating for Tucson AWD, 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (AM7), Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 24 city / 28 highway / 25 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  22. EPA rating for Tucson Eco AWD, 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (AM7), Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 25 city / 30 highway / 27 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,500. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  23. EPA rating for Tucson Fuel Cell, PEM, Automatic (A1), Hydrogen: 50 MPGe combined, 265 miles of range. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  24. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV FWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 15.5%. NHTSA vehicle records
  25. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV FWD: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
  26. EPA Test Car List, 2016 Hyundai Tucson with 1.6L 4-cylinder: rated 175 hp. www.epa.gov
  27. EPA Test Car List, 2016 Hyundai Tucson with 2.0L 4-cylinder: rated 164 hp. www.epa.gov
  28. EPA Test Car List, 2016 Hyundai Tucson with electric motor: rated 134 hp. www.epa.gov
  29. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, TUCSON 4DR SUV AWD: length 176 in, width 73 in, height 65 in, wheelbase 105 in, curb weight 3,602 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  30. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, TUCSON 4DR SUV FWD: length 176 in, width 73 in, height 65 in, wheelbase 105 in, curb weight 3,439 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  31. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, TUCSON 4DR SUV FCEV: length 174 in, width 71 in, height 65 in, wheelbase 104 in, curb weight 4,101 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.