Home · 2016 Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell · Complaints

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

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (1,536)Crash / fire / injury (36)Transmission & drivetrain (498)Engine (372)Body & structure (220)Electrical system (200)Latches & locks (156)Speed control (104)Fuel system (54)Brakes (48)Visibility & wipers (40)Lights (28)

Newest first · 1,536 complaints · page 3 of 62

Dec 9, 2024EngineFire

On [XXX], I purchased a 2016 Hyundai Tucson Sport, at the Landover-Jaguar South Hills dealer in Canonsburg, PA. On [XXX] the “check engine” light came on. Since I was 2 hours from home, I purchased a code reader to assess the issue. It read “A P0420 code”. I researched potential reasons for this code but returned the car to the dealer who performed additional checks and gave the car a “clean bill of health”. On [XXX], I was driving home from about 16 miles away and lost power. A slew of dash lights came on, and I was forced to pull over. I smelled something burning. As I stopped, the smoke from the engine became apparent. The car right behind me pulled up and asked if I knew my car was on fire. Another bystander pulled over and extinguished the fire in my engine. This happened on one of the busier roads in the area and if the vehicle exploded it could have been much worse for all of us. This vehicle is currently sitting at Bowser Hyundai in Pittsburgh and is available for inspection. This engine fire and fail is not a maintenance issue but is clearly a result of a manufacture issue. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11629617

Nov 29, 2024Fuel system

Over the last 5-6 years, the 2016 Tucson has experienced an acceleration issue. When making a turn after a stop, the car will not accelerate above 30 mph. The RPMs will go up to 3000-4000, but the car will not go above 30 miles per hour. This has happened 5 times. I have had my mechanic look at the car, but because it was intermittent, they could not determine the cause. The fuel pump as well as the purge solenoid have been replaced on the car. If I turn the car off and let it sit for a few minutes, the issue seems to resolve. Only once has the check engine light gone on. Because the car will not accelerate this is causing a safety issue.

NHTSA ODI 11627986

Nov 26, 2024Engine

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 139,994.

NHTSA ODI 11627535

Nov 25, 2024Electrical systemFuel system

There is a lot of oil consumption, and the turbo is shot. It sits in the back of the engine, which is not collecting air.

NHTSA ODI 11627188

Nov 22, 2024Electrical system

I’m the original owner of a 2016 Hyundai Tucson with 72,000 miles. I’ve recently encountered an issue where the front passenger side window is stuck down and won’t move. I’ve had it diagnosed at the dealership and found that this seems to be a common issue with this model year, related to the window regulator. I understand my vehicle is slightly out of the 5-year/60,000-mile warranty, however; this issue has made my car vulnerable to weather damage and theft, and it’s affecting my ability to use it safely. I’ve always maintained my vehicle according to Hyundai’s recommendations, and I believe this failure is premature for a part like this.

NHTSA ODI 11626834

Nov 21, 2024Engine

9/11/24 the 2016 Hyundai Tucson had a knock in the engine, the car was towed to beaverton Hyundai for inspection and I was told that it was Rod Bearing failure that caused engine failure and that this was a known issue for Hyundais Theta II engines and it would be $18k repair. Hyundai just settled a billion dollar class action lawsuit for rod bearing failure where check engine and oil lights failed to illuminate. I asked for a PA to be submitted to Hyundai motors America, as suggested by my usual shop Dick’s Hillsboro Hyundai(whom didn’t have availability soon enough). The PA was denied stating “this is normal wear for a vehicle at 70k miles and it’s out of warranty.” This repair is not a cause my the consumer, but by a manufacturer defect. And I should not be expected to replace the engine at $15k after paying $20k 3 years ago when I bought the car. Hyundai is being negligent.

NHTSA ODI 11626648

Nov 15, 2024

My windows stopped operating. Both front driver and passenger. The motor runs but I am unable to roll up or down. According to what I’ve read, I am not alone. I worry for our safety and that of my family.

NHTSA ODI 11625527

Nov 15, 2024Electrical systemBrakesEngine

Three weeks ago my dash board lit up like an orange Christmas Tree, with "ABS failure" warnings. I found the Hyundai recall notice in our car file. It said that when the dash warnings appeared, the danger of an engine fire was imminent and that should contact the Dealer that I bought the car from (Hyundai Motors- Naples, Florida-USA). I did so. personally. An appt. was scheduled. This morning (Fri. 11/15/24)upon arrival, a pleasant young woman informed me that Hyundai sent out lots of notices like this, but they didn't apply to my vehicle. I showed her the recall notice with my car's Vin number printed on it. She went back to her boss who told her "We fixed that for him three years ago," Now, I am not certain of anything, but I NEVER brought the car in for an ABS system fix three years ago. I didn't know that I even had an "ABS" system until three weeks back, when the dash board lit up. Politely, I asked the young woman to bring my car back out, as we were done. She offered to make another appointment to "look" at the dash indicators." I said" No, we are done." So, now what do I do? Is the car safe to drive or not? I own and operate an older Hyundai Santa Fe as well. I would be appreciative of your advice. Thank you in advance for your cooperation. The Tucson is a good car. I just don't want it to blow up on me. [XXX] , Florida-USA INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11625605

Nov 14, 2024Latches & locks

The driver's side rear door cannot be opened from either inside or outside. In researching the problem, I found evidence that the issue is commonly reported with the Model 2016 Hyundai Tucson, which I own. Many other owners have reported that their vehicles have experienced the same issue. Mechanics have also expressed curiosity about why there hasn't been a factory recall. The problem is a design issue in some model years, including the 2016 model year. Inability to access the back seats from the driver's side is an obvious safety concern.

NHTSA ODI 11625298

Nov 11, 2024Electrical systemVisibility & wipers

Front passenger door won’t open Defroster/heat won’t work on drivers side

NHTSA ODI 11624465

Nov 7, 2024Engine

While stopped at a traffic light trying to make a left turn. I pressed the gas pedal and I did not move. The engine revved up then kicked into second gear. The delay in shifting gears almost caused a crash. This has been an ongoing issue since I purchased the vehicle and surprisingly has not caused an accident yet. It always seems to happen when I am waiting to make a left turn, stopped at a traffic light or stopped at a stop sign. There has to be a underlying issue with this type of engine. I am not the only one that complains about this issue. I feel like it is only a matter of time until this causes an accident. I do anticipate this happening while I am driving and try to give myself enough time when making a left turn for a slight delay in shifting into first gear.

NHTSA ODI 11623930

Nov 1, 2024

I went to roll up my window and I could hear it trying to go up but the window stayed in place. With my window stuck down, there is the risk of things flying in/out of my car while driving, and in the event of rain, my car would then become damaged if water got inside. Also, with a window stuck down, anyone can get into my car. This first occurred to my front passenger window on September 8, and just happened to my drivers window today, November 1. Both times occurred when my car was not moving. The passenger window was fixed in October and was diagnosed with the regulator and motor needing to be replaced.

NHTSA ODI 11623055

Nov 1, 2024Transmission & drivetrainSpeed controlEngine

When accelerating, like taking off from a red light or through a turn, my car begins to shake like it’s unable to change gears correctly, and sometimes leads to the car stalling in the middle of the street and intersection putting my in danger of being hit from other drivers. It’s also happened that when I press the gas after being stopped at a light, my car RPM goes up but I don’t move and then the car jolts forward quickly. This has been happening for years and when I take it to Hyundai they tell me “that’s just how the car runs” which seems incredibly unsafe.

NHTSA ODI 11623056

Oct 26, 2024

Left driver side window conked out, does not go up or down.

NHTSA ODI 11622058

Oct 24, 2024Engine

There two incidents where I was driving in the highway and my car died mid driving. It put my life on risk twice. Took it to the mechanic and was told that my car was leaking oil and caused my car to have an engine misfire. My car is un drivable. There were no engine or oil lights that appeared prior to the incident and I always got my regular oil changes and had put in more oil myself. Hyundai refused to pay to the engine replacement even through this is a known issue. I’ve only had the car for two years and it’s under 100k miles.

NHTSA ODI 11621704

Oct 19, 2024Steering

Purchased a used 2016 Hyundai Tucson, approx. 79,000 miles. A few weeks later I noticed a rattling in the steering column when driving over railroad tracks, rough roads, etc. When sitting stationary, I could rock the steering wheel back and forth and got a clunking sound. Took to the dealership, they wanted $250 just to diagnose. Did my own investigating. With the car turned on I would hold the steering wheel with one hand and hold the steering shaft with the other and work them in opposite directions. This replicated the clunking and knocking noise I would hear while driving. I determined it was a faulty upper pinch bolt. Replaced the bold and all noise went away. Fast forward a few months later and the sound returned. Slightly at first, then the sound became very pronounced again. Tightened pinch bolt again, went away. Seems to either be a problem with the shaft itself or the upper pinch bolt. Either way, my fear is the steering shaft is going to loosen and fall off of the steering column resulting in a loss of steering and potential accident. Hyundai dealership seems to act clueless about issue.

NHTSA ODI 11620740

Oct 19, 2024Electrical system

Purchased a 2016 Hyundai Tucson with approx. 79,000. Was driving with all windows down one day. From the driver side window switch panel, I attempted to roll up the rear, left window.. The window would not roll up. The window rolls down when using the driver’s window switches for the left, rear window, but will not roll up. The rear left window switch will operate the window up and down only. Discovered this problem when going through a drive through car wash and the window would not roll up. Needless to say, the interior of my car got a good cleaning that day.

NHTSA ODI 11620741

Oct 19, 2024Transmission & drivetrain

I bought my 2016 Tuscon brand new. Ever since I bought the vehicle, I've complained to the dealer about the transmission slipping. They have told me that this issue is common but there is nothing they can do. Now it seems to be getting worse so I decided to look up the problem and found out a recall notice was issued for some 2016 Tuscons but mine wasn't included. My Tuscon has the exact same problem as described in the recall issued by Hyundai. I"ve almost been in accidents because you press on the gas to go and it hesitates,l. What can I do? My Vin number is [XXX] . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11620793

Oct 19, 2024Electrical system

3 of my window motors do not work and my windows now will not roll up or down.

NHTSA ODI 11620812

Oct 12, 2024Electrical system

Passenger window regulator went out, then my window and my back passenger window went out and now I have 2 windows that cannot stay up and have paper holding them up.

NHTSA ODI 11619469

Oct 11, 2024

Driver side door window stopped working. Not able to close or operate window. Hyundai dealer diagnostic found window regulator inoperable/needs replacement. Two (2) local Hyundai dealers have ordered the regulator and are still waiting for part. Dealer one not able to get regulator after 18 days; Dealer two hoping part will be in after 10 days of ordering.

NHTSA ODI 11619355

Oct 10, 2024Body & structure

In December 2023 I purchased my first car, a 2016 Hyundai Tucsan Limited Edition. The car had approx. 70k miles. After only 9 months, I noticed I was unable to gain access into the rear passenger side door. I quickly ruled out child locks, faulty fuses, and any other issues as directed in the owners manual. The window is still functional. As of today, 10/10/24 Ive had no luck being able to open the door. The mechanic stated it was an issue with the locking mechanism and quoted us for over $1400/$4000. He stated this is a common occurrence with this model. I find this issue with my newly purchased car, that I keep serviced and in perfect condition to be unacceptable. It is a major safety issue for me and my family. I am in school and work full time and I can not afford this type of repair. This type of issue should be recalled.

NHTSA ODI 11619232

Oct 7, 2024

This is the 2nd window regulator that I’m aware of this car is failing. 3 months ago before buying the car from the dealer they replace the rear passenger side regulator because the window won’t roll down or up. Now 2 weeks ago the front passenger side window stop working and I’m afraid that is the same situation as so many people compliant about this issue on forums and videos online. Also I used to have a 2010 hyundai Tucson and have a problem with the rear passenger door not opening because the latch mechanism and the actuator. Now this 2016 Hyundai Tucson under this VIN number is experiencing the same problem due to a faulty design and cheap plastic products. This car has only over 61000 and can’t believe it have this many issues in the short amount of time. Definitely Hyundai needs to make a recall campaign for this components considering they’re key elements to an egress means of the car on emergency situation. Please help us so many owners to get a response for these issues. Thank you very much.

NHTSA ODI 11618425

Oct 3, 2024Transmission & drivetrainEngine

My backup, my reverse is not working after 30 minutes the car is running.

NHTSA ODI 11617800

Oct 3, 2024

Right front window motor runs but window does not go up or down

NHTSA ODI 11617990

← NewerOlder →

Working with the data? Download all 1,536 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 25, 2026

How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2016 Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell verdict →