Home · 2016 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Hev · Complaints

What 1,612 owners told NHTSA about the 2016 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Hev

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 (1,612)Crash / fire / injury (40)Transmission & drivetrain (515)Engine (421)Body & structure (226)Electrical system (212)Latches & locks (157)Speed control (111)Fuel system (56)Brakes (48)Visibility & wipers (41)Lights (28)

421 of 1,612 complaints match · Engine · clear filters · page 8 of 17

Feb 24, 2023Engine

There was a previous recall with some of these vehicles where car seems to have acceleration problem after being at stop and the vehicle has difficulty accelerating and shifting gears. This has happened while in the middle of traffic and driving which could have caused an accident. Not sure if it is something with the transmission or what the issue is. The vehicle has been taken twice to Hyundai Service centers and they cannot seem to find a problem but yet it still exists and is a safety hazard when suddenly the car stops accelerating after a stop. This seems to happen randomly and more often now. This was a previous recall for other same make, model and year vehicles but somehow ours was not included and I feel it is potentially having the same or similar issue. The vehicle is available for inspection. All the check engine and lights come on when the vehicle is turned off and then eventually turn off.

NHTSA ODI 11508983

Feb 21, 2023Transmission & drivetrainEngine

My vehicle is burning excessive amounts of oil and no leaks can be found. Almost one quart every 750 to 1,000 miles. The turbo went bad recently and had to be replaced at a cost of $1,400 which, I'm told, is possibly due to the oil consumption problem. All services have been done at Hyundai dealership every 3,000 - 5,000 miles. I travel the interstate every day and am worried about engine failure in rush-hour traffic. Dealership indicates the only thing they can do is replace engine at a cost of at least $12,000!!

NHTSA ODI 11508395

Feb 17, 2023Engine

On December 27, 2022 I was driving on the highway (Interstate 64 in Illinois westbound exit 16) and my car's engine failed at around noon. It was working fine that morning. The car started giving a rattling sound and wasn't speeding up and the "low oil pressure" light came on. I got off the highway and as I was turning into a Valvoline the car completely stopped. It has been at a Hyundai dealership in St. Louis for the last month and a half and they do not feel this is something they are responsible for.

NHTSA ODI 11507833

Feb 14, 2023Engine

Massive oil consumption issue that lead to a knocking motor and my wife and kids stranded on the side of the interstate.

NHTSA ODI 11507284

Feb 13, 2023Engine

1. 04/2021 I purchased the 2016 Tucson (cash) with 70,000 miles from Automobile Consulting Services Bullhead City AZ. 2. 75,000 est miles oil change Valvoline , Bullhead city 3. 80,000 est miles oil change Valvoline, Bullhead City 4. 90,000 est Valvoline , Bullhead city oil change, fuel system cleaned, transmission flushed, air filter changed 95,000m est changed oil at a different establishment which I will retrieve records. 5. 6. 12/2021,Replaced battery December 12/29 /2021 ( High Desert Hyundai Kingman AZ ) Replaced Temperature Actuator $ 210 ( no heat for 2 weeks because of scheduling issues via High Desert Hyundai ) ,replaced cabin filter $30, 34 point inspection ( services dept. reported every thing is good) , New tires all around 1. 102,000m est changed oil/filter at a different establishment wich I will retrieve records. 2. 108,000m est changed oil/filter Quality Care Auto , Bullhead City AZ 3. 113,000m est changed oil/filter Quality Care Auto , Bullhead City AZ 4. 118,000m est missing documents 5. 125,000m est missing documents 6. 09/ 12/ 2022 130,000m est changed oil/filter Quality Care Auto, Bullhead City, AZ 7. 09 /19/2022 34 point Inspection Quality Care Auto, Bullhead City AZ, NO ISSUES except brakes and shocks. 8. 09/26/2022 (Advice from the Inspection done at Auto Care/ I needed new brakes and Rotors with in the next 1,00 miles ) 09 /26/2022 Brake Masters # 176. Life time brakes service Package, All 4 Suspension Struts and Coil Spring assembly, Transmits Fluid FLUSH, Fuel Rail , PFI & GDI Service. 9. Drivers side door handle does not open without repeatedly 5-10 X’s lifting up on the door handle, rear passenger, and drivers side door handles also stick and must be lifted several times. 10. 10/20 /2022 Returning from work I went to work-out at Planet fitness and parked the car.... No Engine Light or Oil light “EVER”since I’ve owned the vehicle. After working-out I started the car and drove for about a mile. The engine began too sputter, and both the

NHTSA ODI 11506883

Feb 3, 2023Engine

2022 my wife's 2016 engine began making a noise. This was a known safety problem with the engines but a recall was never issued. Instead there was a lawsuit against Hyundai in 2020 and 2021 in which consumers were compensated for their cost, or received a new engine.However, her engine went out in 2022. She did not get that benefit. Hyundai paid for a portion and she had to pay a portion for a new engine. This should have been a recall! Now currently 2022 & 2023, Hyundai's alarm is defective which is causing theft, and car jackings. This too is a known safety issue and nothing is being done unless she pays $550 for a security feature to be added to the vehicle. This is a problem! Hyundai should pay for this! She read that the Kia and Hyundai vehicles at issue don’t come with an anti-theft device called an immobilizer, which uses a chip to authenticate a key against the car’s electronic control unit. An immobilizer, which can be found in most modern cars, prevents the vehicle from being started if the key is not detected. It’s also been reported that some of the windows in the affected vehicles may not be connected to the cars’ security system, meaning they can be broken without the alarm being triggered, per the case. It stated, these vulnerabilities have caused thieves to view Kia and Hyundai vehicles as “easy targets,” especially after a viral social media trend highlighted. Now State Farm announced they are not accepting new Hyundai customers. More than likely my insurance is going to increase and the value will decrease.I need this governing body to govern and have Hyundai right their wrong. Issue a recall and do what is best for the consumers and not the company! She has been in contact with Hyundai National Consumer Department and it appears that her communication efforts aren't successful. She purchased her first Hyundai Excel in 88.Our immediate family have since purchased four Hyundai's. DO THE RIGHT THING! ISSUE A RECALL. FROM A CONCERNED HUSBAND!

NHTSA ODI 11505372

Feb 2, 2023Engine

My used 2016 Hyundai Tucson Eco, 1.6 Turbo, currently with 118,000 miles has been consuming 1 quart of oil every 500 miles. Unfortunately, my 5 year warranty by mileage has passed. Since the vehicle warning system doesn't have a low oil light; if you don't stay vigilant checking the oil level dipstick, the engine could fail and seize up during usage without warning, not ideal while driving the vehicle on the highway, which this vehicle does frequently. The vehicle was inspected by a Hyundai dealership service department and Hyundai indicated we do not qualify for engine replacement because the mileage is too high. Nothing in written was provided, just verbal notification. About $1,000 was spent on "cleaning" the engine and replacing the spark plugs and other effected components, with no improvement on oil consumption. After researching on-line, several sites indicate this type of engine failure for our model is common for the type of engine and Hyundai is well aware of it. Why no recall then? Also saw a few articles that Canada has recently recalled several Hyundai motors for similar issues for replacement. A rebuilt engine is around $5,000; not an option for us at this time.

NHTSA ODI 11505093

Feb 2, 2023Engine

Engine started Knocking, check engine light came on and car went in to “limp mode”. Car needs new engine.

NHTSA ODI 11505094

Jan 31, 2023Engine

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while accelerating, the vehicle started to lose motive power. The check engine warning light was intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed and the mechanic retrieved fault code: P1326 (KSDS). The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the knock sensor detection system failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that she needed to provide proof of ownership. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.

NHTSA ODI 11504754

Jan 26, 2023Engine

The car started to shake while driving on the highway and it lost power causing it to slow down dramatically, the car driving behind almost hit my car. The issue started with the engine losing motor oil, the dealership said there were no oil leaks and maybe the head gasket needed to be replaced. After the incident one the highway, the car was towed to the closes dealership for service, after diagnosing it was determine that cylinders 1 and 2 are miss-firing and the piston were stuck making it loose compression. Dealer said that they have seen this before, but my VIN does not take part of a recall campaign with other cars having the same symptoms.

NHTSA ODI 11503736

Jan 26, 2023Engine

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.

NHTSA ODI 11503809

Jan 18, 2023Engine

I heard a knocking sound on the morning on 1/6/22, immediately took it to a Hyundai (Capital Hyundai) dealership who informed me it was a known issue they are having to rebuild tons of engines. They would not be able to even look at my car for a few weeks, but I needed to leave it because the engine could seize at any moment. While thy offer loaner vehicles, I wasn't eligible because of the time before they even could look at my car. After paying to rentals out of pocket for two weeks, I received a call today to tell me that because I'm not the original owner (I'm the 2nd owner) they are not honoring the rebuild and I could pay them $8300 plus and additional $2500 to repair their known issue that their Service manager acknowledged. Not to mention Hyundai recent class action lawsuit in 2021. If that wasn't enough, I just received a call from Hyundai corporate office to say sorry if you were the original owner, we could help. I asked the representative if it was a company practice to use that as a deterrent from acknowledging their design/mechanical fault to save cost and she said I'll make a note of that. Is there anything I can do? My vehicle has been serviced every 3000 miles and I have my records. Considering contacting my attorney as well

NHTSA ODI 11502442

Jan 17, 2023Body & structureEngine

Engine failure while going 70mph on the highway - huge safety issue! Spark plugs totally covered in oil and the engine has major known oil consumption issues. Also 3 of our 4 door actuators broke - huge safety issues as we have kids in our back seats in car seats. This form doesn't have enough room for the letter I have composed about the specifics of the situations. Hyundai has known issues with their engines and some are under recall. We were told ours is not under recall and they will not fix it or help at all to fix it even though many of their engines have/had the same issues as ours and those engines are under recall.

NHTSA ODI 11502139

Jan 11, 2023Engine

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle entered drive-safe mode with the check engine warning light illuminated. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was discovered that the engine was extremely low on oil. The contact was informed that the knock sensor and spark plugs needed to be replaced. Upon retrieving the vehicle, the contact noticed that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for an oil change and the mechanic informed him that the oil consumption issue was related to an unstated TSB. The mechanic referred the contact to the manufacturer to report the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed. The manufacturer then referred him to another dealer for an oil consumption test. Once at the dealer, the vehicle did not pass the oil consumption test. The contact was also informed that the pistons were failing; however, the engine could not be replaced under warranty until the engine completely failed. The vehicle was not repaired and remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was 72,856.

NHTSA ODI 11501214

Jan 10, 2023EngineFire

While driving on an interstate the engine lost power and I pulled over to the shoulder. Popped the hood and the engine cover was blown back and the engine was on fire! Had 3 passengers, dog, and luggage in the car. Was able to get most out before the fire spread. Left family stranded hours from home on side of interstate. Unsure of exact cause of the engine fire. Fire spread to entire car before fire department came to put it out.

NHTSA ODI 11501143

Jan 2, 2023EngineFire

I was driving my vehicle on Highway 45 North in Spring Tx and my engine caught on fire while driving, my Tucson was on fire and started smoking i had to pull over and getvhelpp

NHTSA ODI 11499720

Dec 29, 2022Engine

Engine knocking and loosing power under acceleration.

NHTSA ODI 11499305

Dec 19, 2022Transmission & drivetrainEngine

Inability to move the vehicle while in traffic, other 2016 Hyundai Tucsons have a recall for this problem. However, mine does not under my VIN, and the same exact thing is happening as described in 2016 Hyundai Tucson powertrain recall. (16V628000). My car doesn’t want to go when I stop at stoplights right away, leading to a risk of an accident. No warning signs prior to problem. Noticed a few weeks after purchasing my car in October of 2021.others in car have noticed as long with maintenance people have driven it.

NHTSA ODI 11498089

Dec 18, 2022Engine

While driving on the highway, traveling about 70mph, check engine light comes on and car looses power. No previous warning signals, smells, smoke, exhaust, drive behavior. Dealership said the piston ring on cylinder 2 is almost completely broken and the repair is a full engine replacement. Dealership has quoted me $18,000 for the repair, which is what I paid when I bought it used in 2019. At this point, I'm dealing with catastrophic engine failure and Hyundai won't do anything about their faulty product and is seeking to take full advantage. Insurance won't cover it and the car is out of warranty. I have never owned a worse car than this Hyundai. It's the final straw in a list of issues I've had with the car since I purchased it.

NHTSA ODI 11497949

Dec 13, 2022Transmission & drivetrainEngine

Similar to the recall for Hyundai's newest vehicles with its dual clutch system, and to its recall for the 2016 Tucson my vehicle will be unresponsive when we accelerate, delayed or no acceleration, jerking, shuddering, shaking, and stalling. Not sure if this issue was covered under [XXX] et al, v. Hyundai Motor America. We had been complaining of the way my 2016 Hyundai Tucson ([XXX]) was driving since Apr 2019 (32,299 miles), and again Mar 2021 (44,857 miles), and on both instances we were told that was normal operation because of the car's dual clutch system. Now that the car has passed the warranty period (5 year/60,000 miles), Hyundai is telling us we have to replace the dual clutch, and that they're not covering it because the vehicle is now outside of the warranty period. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ODI 11497280

Dec 9, 2022EngineDriver assistance

My car was doing a shocking change of speed all of a sudden, for example I would be driving and accelerating, but the car would not speed above 40mph, and while I was still pressing on the accelerator, it would do like a shocking movement and accelerate all of sudden. Yesterday, December 8th, 2022, I was driving on the highway on the 3rd lane and while driving the call did a shocking jump and all of a sudden the speed went down to 20mph, I panic of course because all the cars where going fast, it was a nightmare for me to change lanes because I couldnt manipulate the speed of my car.

NHTSA ODI 11496698

Nov 11, 2022Engine

The check engine light came on, on my dashboard, so I took my car to Honest-1 Auto Care (certified mechanic), on Oct 18 (I could get in faster with Honest-1.) The manager printed off a Hyundai Technical Service Bulletin, dated April 2022, entitled Engine Warranty Extension (TXXM). He explained that I needed a new engine, and that I had to take it to the Dealership. I drove directly to the Hyundai dealership. They were very busy that day, but the manager told me I could bring my car in for evaluation the following Saturday morning. I drove carefully, because my car didn't have a lot of acceleration. As I was driving to work, early on Oct 21, in the cold and in the dark, my car slowed down dramatically and completely stopped. I was able to restart it and coast into a nearby parking lot. Then my car was towed to the dealership, where it remains still, awaiting a new engine. I was lucky there wasn't much traffic the morning my car died. I still get upset, when I think of what might have happened, if my car had died on the interstate or in the middle of a dangerous intersection. At no time, did the dealership say this warning light/situation was potentially dangerous, even though I showed the manager the Hyundai Technical Service Bulletin.

NHTSA ODI 11493238

Nov 9, 2022Electrical systemEngineFuel system

There have been several incidents where my Hyundai Tucson could have caused a major accident with another vehicle. The first time, I was driving down a hill and I barely could control the car. It began to jerk and I had to gradually steer it into another lane out of traffic. Another time, the oil just began to spout out from under the car while I was driving. It's still difficult keeping oil in the car, but the mechanic says there's no leak. Lastly. my engine light has been blinking off and on , and the mechanic changed the spark plugs and a number 2 coil, but I am still having engine problems. I was given the engine code P1326 from their diagnosis. Since purchasing the car with only about 43000 miles, I have had to replace the transmission, catalytic converter. get a tune up, spark plugs and a coil, and get the drivers side window fixed. All of this has come to over $5000, and now I'm told the engine needs to be replaced. Something about the camshaft.

NHTSA ODI 11492863

Oct 25, 2022EngineFire1 injury

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving at 30 MPH, the vehicle began to stall and he saw smoke coming out from underneath the hood of the vehicle. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road and quickly exited the vehicle. The contact waited several minutes. The contact stated that upon opening the hood of the vehicle, he saw flames. The contact was able to extinguish the fire by shutting the hood closed. The contact stated that in the process of exiting the vehicle, he bumped his knee and twisted his ankle and received care from his caregiver. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The engine was replaced under an unknown recall. However, the contact stated that after the repair, the vehicle was experiencing rough starts and the engine was misfiring while driving. The vehicle was taken to a second dealer, Ron Tonkin Hyundai (675 NE Burnside Rd, Gresham, OR 97030), where it was diagnosed that the cylinder was misfiring. The dealer replaced the fuel injector, the spark plugs, and the cylinder head, and completed an oil change. However, the engine was knocking upon starting the vehicle. The dealer informed the contact that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact that he would need to pay an Engine Control Unit (ECU) repair fee. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

NHTSA ODI 11490880

Oct 11, 2022Engine

Car suddenly lost significant acceleration power in normal conditions. According to Hyundai dealer inspection, the rod bearing failed and pressure in the engine was lost. Safety risk was causing an accident because of loss of power. No accident occurred due to being so close to the right shoulder. This would have been far more dangerous if this was on a 6-7 lane highway causing major accidents due to being an obstacle to normal traffic flow. No warning lights or lamps were displayed before incident.

NHTSA ODI 11488870

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Working with the data? Download all 1,612 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 21, 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 Hybrid Hev verdict →