What 1,536 owners told NHTSA about the 2016 Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell

Rear passenger door will not open from inside or outside when clearly unlocked. Safety concern if must exit vehicle quickly in case of emergency.

NHTSA ODI 11458794

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, she attempted to open the front passenger's side door using the driver's side power door lock switch however, the door failed to unlock. The contact engaged the front passenger's side door lock switch but the door failed to unlock. The contact also stated that the door would not unlock from the outside. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact continued to manipulate the door switches until the front passenger's side door unlocked. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

NHTSA ODI 11458881

While exiting from interstate the car lights all went out and the car stopped and nothing would work. After a little time the car started and warning lights were on dash. I drove home and then the light would not shut off and I had to manually go turn them off. The new morning the car started and no warning lights were on. Now the radio turns off on it on and the cruse control is not setting. Also the drivers side window stops in when going up.

NHTSA ODI 11457606

Traveling with my family my vehicle just completely gave out at high speeds on the highway. I managed to safely navigate to the shoulder and wait in the freezing cold for a tow. Initially I was told the issue was due to lack of maintenance but upon further investigation it was uncovered that this was an unaddressed recall issue. The engine threw a rod bearing and caused damage to the rod, engine, battery, and spark plugs causing all to be replaced. There were no indications of what was about to happen prior to it happening. Thank God there weren’t more people on the road or that we weren’t in a different area.

NHTSA ODI 11457215

My car has an unresponsive accelerator pedal, delayed or no acceleration, jerking, shuddering, shaking, and stalling. The defects cause dangerous and unsafe conditions, including failing to shift, stalling and delayed or unresponsive acceleration, especially from a stop. I have been stuck on major highways and have had to disconnect battery and wait just to get the car to restart and actually move. I have had to be towed just to get out of the way of traffic

NHTSA ODI 11456257

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the front driver’s, front passenger’s, and rear driver’s side windows would independently lower without warning. The contact stated that each window regulators had gradually failed over time. The contact then stated that while driving at approximately 65 MPH, the passenger’s side front window shattered into tiny pieces and fell inside the vehicle. The contact was able to drive the vehicle home and had an independent mechanic come to her home to replace the front passenger’s side window. In addition, the contact stated that the rear passenger’s side door would fail to open from both inside and outside the vehicle. The contact had yet to notify either the dealer or the manufacturer of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.

NHTSA ODI 11456266

I have had problems with two trailer hitch sending units causing brake lights to be constantly illuminated. Hyundai has issues a recall for my model year on this issue, but for some reason my VIN is not covered in the recall.

NHTSA ODI 11455474

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while at a complete stop, the vehicle would hesitate upon depression of the accelerator pedal as the wrench warning light would illuminate on the instrument panel. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where they changed the rear driver’s side tire and cleared the code; however, the hesitation persisted after the repair. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic where they replaced the engine booster as well as eight bolts that had been fractured on the intake manifold while the booster was being replaced. Despite the second repair, the failure persisted and the vehicle was taken back to the dealer. The contact was informed that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V543000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and would be towed to a dealer for further assistance. The dealer nor the manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired and remained in the possession of the independent mechanic. The failure mileage was 75,858.

NHTSA ODI 11455538

SINCE I PURCHASED THE CAR, THERE HAVE BEEN INTERMITTEN TIMES WHEN THE CAR HESITATES AND DOES NOT ACCELERATE AFTER BEING STUCK IN TRAFFIC. IT IS BOGGED DOWN AND DOES EVENTUALLY MOVE. WHEN THIS ORIGINALLY HAPPENED THE VECHILCE WAS BROUGHT IN TO THE DEALER AND THEY ADVISED THERE WAS A RECALL FOR TRANSMISSION PROGRAMMING AND THAT WAS DONE. PRIOR TO 100,000 MILES ON THE CAR, THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND I WAS TOLD THIS WOULD SOLVE THE PROBLEM. BUT IT DID NOT - THE BOGGING AND HESITATION HAPPENED LESS FREQUENTLY, BUT CONTINUED. IN 2021, I HAD TO REPLACE THE TURBO BECAUSE THE VECHILE WAS BOGGING DOWN AND THE CODES INDICATED IT WAS THE TURBO. AFTER THE TURBO WAS REPLACED, MY CAR BEGAN BURNING SIGNIFICANT AMOUNTS OF OIL. SOMETIMES, I COULD GO 2,000 miles, others only 1,000 and most recently 250-500 MILES BEFORE MY CAR WOULD START BOGGING AGAIN AND NEED 2 QUARTS OF OIL. AFTER FILLING MY CAR IN EARLY FEBRUARY WITH OIL AND DRIVING LESS THAN 100 MILES, MY CAR STARTED BOGGING AND SPUTTERING WHILE DRIVING AND MAKING AWFUL NOISE. THE CODES INDICATED IT NEEDED COILS, WHICH I HAD REPLACED BUT THE ENGINE HAS NO COMPRESSION. AFTER READING AND RESEARCHING THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THE 2016 TUCSON 1.6T AND A DEFECT THAT WAS CORRECTED IN THE ENGINE IN 2018. HYUNDAI SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS AND BE REQUIRED TO MAKE OWNERS WHOLE.

NHTSA ODI 11455006

The drivers side door almost never opens, I have to open the passenger side door to gain entry into the vehicle. In addition, the drivers side window at times will not open. I am not sure if this is an electrical problem. On occasion, this also happens on the passenger side. I do not want to be trapped in my car or have my passengers trapped. Previously the drivers side back door would not open and the dealership replaced the latch. At times I still have issues with the door opening from the inside and out, despite being unlocked. Rear driver side door does not open. It is not locked, child locks are not on. After reading multiple online forums it appears Hyundai is aware of the issue and not creating a Recall for this issue. The lock actuator needs to be replaced, Hyundai is charging outrageous fees to have this resolved. This is a HUGE safety issue. If the vehicle is in an accident any person sitting in the front drivers side, front passenger side and back seatsof the vehicle would not be able to get out of the vehicle on the rear driver side of the vehicle. This is a huge safety concern if I were in an accident and could not open this door. I have seen DOZENS of other reports of people having this same issue and a recall should be issued immediately to fix this potential life threatening and dangerous issue.

NHTSA ODI 11453339

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact’s son stated that while stopped, there was a knocking sound coming from the engine. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted via the telephone and informed of the failure; the dealer suggested that the vehicle be brought to the dealer for assistance. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

NHTSA ODI 11452722

The engine has been consuming too much oil for a few months now. Most recently, an oil change was done on 2/17/2022 after driving 879 miles by an independent mechanic, and there was only 2.5 quarts of oil left. This occurred after the Hyundai dealer said that it passed an oil consumption test. Also on two occasions, the dashboard lights and headlights went out while driving, then came back on moments after. This has not been replicated. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request.

NHTSA ODI 11452867

On Friday, September 11, 2022, I had just returned from running errands. I parked the car, which had no warning lights on whatsoever, and exited the vehicle. A few seconds later, smoke started streaming out from under the hood. I popped the hood but did not open it, and started toward the house to get some water, thinking that something was overheated. Before I had taken ten steps, flames were shooting out from the hood. I called 911, but before the fire department arrived, part of my house also caught fire. It has been inspected by the fire marshal and my insurance company.

NHTSA ODI 11452621

Rear driver side door does not open. It is not locked, child locks are not on. After reading multiple online forums it appears Hyundai is aware of the issue and not creating a Recall for this issue. The lock actuator needs to be replaced, Hyundai is charging outrageous fees to have this resolved. This is a HUGE safety issue. If the vehicle is in an accident any person sitting in the back seat of the vehicle would not be able to get out of the vehicle on the rear driver side of the vehicle. Why hasn't a recall been issued???

NHTSA ODI 11452269

Car started eating oil after 110K miles. Seems as if 2 quarts low in 3,000 miles between oil changes. Started carrying extra oil and checking level during and after long trips. at 140,000 miles the turbo charger failed and engine failed in the middle of pulling out of a parking lot. No lights on instrument panel ever lit up until 40 miles before the engine failed. Oil light never came on as engine oil was burned up in the turbo. Car is now dead and needs a new engine. Internet posts show numerous Hyundai owners with the 1.9 liter turbo engine experiencing the same problem.

NHTSA ODI 11451895

The drivers side door almost never opens on the first try, I usually have to pull the handle twice. Recently the passenger side back door will not open from the inside or outside, despite being unlocked. This is a huge safety concern if I were in an accident and could not open this door. I have seen DOZENS of other reports of people having this same issue and a recall should be issued immediately to fix this potential life threatening and dangerous issue.

NHTSA ODI 11451507

Car was driving fine. I started going up a moderate hill and car stalled out with no warning, right in the middle of a busy highway. Was able to get finally get it started to pull onto side of road, it had a loud knocking sound and engine light and oil light came on that time. I had it towed to my mechanic who said it had absolutely no oil. I have not found any evidence of oil leaking in my driveway or parking lot at work. It never gave any warning that engine needed serviced or oil was low. It now needs a total engine replacement. I am the second owner so of course I have no warranty. Car has 81,000 miles on it, had 75,000 when I bought it 4 months ago. Never dreamed I would be dealing with replacing an engine after 4 months. Since this has happened, I have read so many complaints of these cars doing the exact same thing to so many owners, I have lost count. A recall needs to be done, Hyundai needs to own up and address whatever flaw is causing this problem over and over again. Had I been on the interstate ( where I was heading) or driving in city traffic, I could have been killed. This problem is not just frustrating, it is also dangerous.

NHTSA ODI 11451536

#1 - The door handles on all doors have started taking several pulls on the handle to open. The left passenger side is no longer able to be opened from the inside of the car. This moved to all doors and it takes numerous tries on the other 3 doors from the inside or outside to be able to get the doors opened. #2 - We bought this car used from the original owner with 99k miles on it. We know the owner personally and they did regular maintenance on the engine. After 6 months of owning and putting on 3000 miles on the vehicle the engine has blown. When we bought the car we changed all the fluids and did an initial oil flush and put in synthetic oil and did another oil change before the 3000 mile mark, again with synthetic oil. The check engine light came on while driving and oil light started flickering and the engine also started knocking. We had the vehicle towed to a mechanic and they said to contact Hyundai as they've had several blown engines that came through their shop and that Hyundai was doing a massive recall. Towed the car to Hyundai and they took 3 weeks to look at the car and said that due to poor maintenance the engine blew and they could replace the engine for $13k and this engine wasn't covered in the extended warranty. They took a video of the oil chamber and it had sledge and said no coverage due to poor maintenance and our VIN also wasn't on the recall list. After doing research it looks like several others are having issues with oil problems, sludge and blown engines.

NHTSA ODI 11451361

I've had this used hyundai for 6 months, had to replace drivers door panel ( windows not going up and down) Stopped working. Now drivers back door window will not go up or down. Right side back door will not open anymore. On utube people by the 18k are complaining about these same issues. What next? It's like the body is falling apart.

NHTSA ODI 11451419

The traction control system keeps randomly kicking on while driving.

NHTSA ODI 11451098

Engine failure at approximately 80,000 miles. No oil observed in engine, dipstick smelled of burnt plastic, no grit or sludge observed on dipstick or exterior of engine, no smell of burnt oil or blue smoke from tailpipe. Audible engine slap, no check engine lights were illuminated in dash, oil light flickers on for less than 3 seconds after engine turned over. Mechanic identified engine failure and also noted there was no oil in the engine, recommended we call Hyundai corporate office. Engine near seizure, as a result, if engine seizes, this could potentially bring the vehicle to an abrupt stop at highway speeds and can result in a catastrophic accident or engine fire. Engine still under warranty, dealership attempting to say engine failure caused by "sludge issue", but no proof of engine sludge found upon inspection. Oil change records provided to dealership upon request. Hyundai corporate was called, given the run-around.

NHTSA ODI 11450969

We purchased a 2016 Hyundai Tuscon in July 2020 from Key Hyundai Milford Ct. We have become aware of serious engine problems with the vehicle such as, severe oil consumption, sudden stalling and loss of power at traffic stops, loud continuous rattling from the engine compartment. We took the vehicle to a mechanic her in Pittsburgh where we now live and were told that there appears to be a serious problem with connecting rods and that we may end up having to replace the engine at our own expense. We have had this vehicle for only 3,00 miles and one and a half years, we were never notified of the engine issues. We were assured that the vehicle had been well maintained and was in perfect condition. We are writing to see if this its under the CT Lemon Law and/or if there specific remedies that we can pursue. We tried contacting the dealership but we received absolutely no assistance and washed their hands of any responsibility. Thank you in advance for any assistance that you can provide, [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ODI 11451013

Engine failed and had to be replaced.

NHTSA ODI 11451089

I purchased the car in June 2021and took the car back within the month due to the driver door having issues locking and unlocking. Today on 2/5/22 as i was driving my car on the express way my engine light,battery light and oil light came on and my car began to shake. As i got off the express way my car cut off in the middle of traffic while i had 2 kids in the car in the city of Houston…. In October i was told that i was having oil consumption issues and was having to take my car back every 1,000 miles. And then was told that’ll it’ll be $900 to get a decombustion cleaning. I am unsure of why my car has stopped today. I’ll be back to let y’all know.

NHTSA ODI 11450623

3 safety concerns with the vehicle- 1) - the front passenger side door will not open from time to time when unlocked- you need to crank on the out side and inside handle at times to get the door to open. This is a concern if I were to ever get into an accident. The locking mechanism has had to be repaired on both rear doors for the same issue- potentially keeping a passenger from exiting the vehicle in the case of an emergency. 2) the car jerks when accelerating from a complete stop every single time you drive - and you have to put your foot way down (like slamming down) on the gas pedal in order to get up to the right speed… (I have never had to do this in the other 4 vehicles we own - only in the Hyundai) 3) oil consumption concern. The car is using way too much oil then it should. I change the oil every 5000 miles and it is going into Hyundai 2/4/2022 in West Allis, WI for an oil change - (and to get the passenger door fixed) I had to add oil on 2/2/2022 because the oil level warning light came on - and it was almost empty. I’ll be requesting an oil consumption test. This should be covered by Hyundai due to this being a safety concern with the engine. This has been the worst vehicle e have ever owned. I have 3 daughters that drive this vehicle and it scares me thinking that if one were to ever get into an accident that they or one of their friends would be seriously injured - for either A- not being able to get out of the vehicle or B- the engine starting on fire due to the oil consumption problem.

NHTSA ODI 11450097