The 2016 Hyundai Tucson is associated with 1616 official NHTSA owner defect complaints and 5 safety recall campaigns in the federal safety database. The most frequently reported component area is Powertrain, accounting for 317 reports (20% of total complaints). EPA testing covers 7 certified vehicle configurations spanning hydrogen, 1.6l 4-cyl, and 2l 4-cyl configurations. Gasoline and hybrid variants deliver 23 to 50 MPG combined.
Key Data Findings
- • NHTSA Owner Complaints: 1616 reports
- • Safety Recall Campaigns: 5 campaigns
- • Top Reported Defect Area: Powertrain (317 / 20%)
- • Safety Incident Signals: 14 crash / 24 fire / 6 injury reports
- • NHTSA Overall Safety Rating: 5 / 5 Stars
- • EPA Efficiency: 23–50 MPG (7 variants)
Data Note: Compiled directly from official NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI), NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, and EPA FuelEconomy.gov databases.
| Variant | Engine | Drivetrain | Transmission | City | Highway | Combined | EV Range | Est. Annual Fuel Cost |
| Tucson Fuel Cell | Hydrogen | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (A1) | 49 MPG | 51 MPG | 50 MPG | — | — |
| Tucson Eco FWD | 1.6L 4-Cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AM7) | 26 MPG | 32 MPG | 28 MPG | — | $2,200 / yr |
| Tucson Eco AWD | 1.6L 4-Cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AM7) | 25 MPG | 30 MPG | 27 MPG | — | $2,300 / yr |
| Tucson FWD | 1.6L 4-Cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AM7) | 25 MPG | 30 MPG | 27 MPG | — | $2,300 / yr |
| Tucson FWD | 2L 4-Cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 23 MPG | 30 MPG | 26 MPG | — | $2,350 / yr |
| Tucson AWD | 1.6L 4-Cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AM7) | 24 MPG | 28 MPG | 25 MPG | — | $2,450 / yr |
| Tucson AWD | 2L 4-Cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 21 MPG | 26 MPG | 23 MPG | — | $2,650 / yr |
Data Boundary Note: EPA specifications are shown by certified vehicle configuration. NHTSA complaints and recall totals are recorded at the model-year level across all configurations.
| Tested Drivetrain / Cab Variant | Overall Rating | Frontal Crash | Side Crash | Rollover Rating | Rollover Risk |
| SUV FWD | | | | | 15.5% |
| SUV AWD | | | | | 16.2% |
Active Driver Assistance Systems (NHTSA Recorded): Forward Collision Warning (FCW) is documented as Optional and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) is documented as Optional in official NHTSA records for tested 2016 Hyundai Tucson models.
View complete 2016 Hyundai Tucson crash test & safety breakdown →
Top Reported Problem Categories
Ranked by total consumer complaint submissions recorded by NHTSA
Data Attribution & Context: Complaints are self-reported by vehicle owners to NHTSA and represent unverified consumer submissions. Complaint volume does not equal a statistically controlled failure rate and is not adjusted for total vehicles sold or cumulative mileage driven.
View all 2016 Hyundai Tucson problems & component breakdown (139 categories) →
Affected Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
Defect Summary: 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.
Free Manufacturer Remedy: 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 recall repair is complete. The recall began November 2, 2020. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 195.
Affected Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
Defect Summary: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Tucson vehicles manufactured May 19, 2015, to November 14, 2016, and 2017 Santa Fe vehicles manufactured November 28, 2015, to November 14, 2016. 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."
Free Manufacturer Remedy: 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. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 153.
Affected Component: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
Defect Summary: Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2016 Tucson vehicles manufactured May 20, 2015 through May 31, 2016 and equipped with a 7-speed EcoShift Dual Clutch Transmission. Certain driving conditions and high temperatures may cause the vehicle to not move if the accelerator pedal is pressed and released repeatedly.
Free Manufacturer Remedy: 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. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for this recall is 149.
View all 2016 Hyundai Tucson recalls & campaign history (5 campaigns) →